The Maldives Correctional Service has transferred the first group of prisoners to a new prison unit established at the former COVID-19 facility in Hulhumalé.

According to the correctional service, 16 prisoners were transferred yesterday after the completion of the first cell block of the new facility being developed at Plot No. 10623.

The two-storey building, which will have the capacity to accommodate 140 prisoners, is being developed with five cell blocks to hold inmates serving sentences in the Greater Malé area.

Authorities said the completion of the ground floor by June is expected to ease the process of transporting prisoners to courts and medical appointments while also reducing transportation costs.

At present, the correctional service faces space and logistical challenges in managing prisoner transfers, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

Director of Hulhumale Prison, DSP Ahmed Jaadhullah, said the Government is giving high priority to expanding prison capacity across the country.

According to the Government, around 400 additional prison spaces have been added over the past two years as part of efforts to increase correctional facility capacity.