Inmates at the Tafaigata Prison will be moved to the new Tanumalala Prison in June this year. 

This was confirmed by the Minister of Prisons and Correction Services, Tialavea Tionisio Hunt.

He was asked to explain the reasons behind the delay in the completion of the Tanumalala Prison project. 

After a visit to the project site last year, Tialavea announced that the new prison would be completed in October or early November 2018.

But during a brief interview on Wednesday, the Minister blamed the availability of funds for the delay of the project. 

“The entire projects costs up to $25 million with additional funding provided by the supplementary budget to complete the project. 

“The work on the maximum security fence and the administration building is undergoing its tender process. 

“The generators and we’re targeting June to move into the new prison,” he said. 

Speaking in Parliament, the Minister revealed a plan to build a new prison in Savai’i. 

“We always try to live up to our motto, what’s good in Upolu is also good in Savaii,” he said. 

“That new project will cost $600,000 and it’s included in the supplementary budget as well.” 

According to the supplementary budget $2.26million has been allocated to cover the remaining construction payments for the current phase of the Tanumalala Prison.