Authorities at the Baisu Correctional Institution in Western Highlands have issued an urgent appeal to PNG Power Limited to immediately restore electricity supply to the prison.
They have warned that prolonged power outages are placing lives and public safety at serious risk.
A senior officer at the institution, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the ongoing blackout has severely compromised security operations at the high-risk facility, which houses a large number of detainees, including dangerous offenders.
“This institution depends heavily on a stable power supply for perimeter lighting, surveillance cameras, communication systems and overall operational control,” the officer said.
“When power is cut, these systems fail, and the safety of officers and detainees is put in jeopardy.”
The source recalled that Baisu Correctional Institution has previously experienced security breaches and escape incidents during periods of infrastructure failure, some of which resulted in the deaths of correctional officers while on duty.
“A correctional facility is not just an ordinary government building. It is a high-risk security environment. Darkness and system breakdowns can quickly lead to unrest, violence or escape attempts,” the officer said.
The institution is calling on PNG Power to classify Baisu CI as a priority essential service, restore and stabilize electricity supply, provide contingency support, and work closely with the PNG Correctional Service to prevent further risks.
Officials say maintaining law, order and rehabilitation efforts is impossible without reliable infrastructure support and have urged swift action in the interest of public safety.