[ad_1]
They’re meals on wheels for Waikeria inmates, whose own kitchen became the crime scene after last week’s fire riot.
During the six-day uprising at Waikato Prison, 17 inmates lit bonfires that damaged the top of the prison, which also housed the prison kitchen.
Dominico Zapata / Things
Major structural damage at Waikeria prison after inmates lit a fire during a riot that started a week ago.
Since the area is now a crime scene, the Department of Corrections had to arrange for the inmates’ dinners to be provided by the Spring Hill Correctional Facility, more than 100 miles away in North Waikato.
“We have not had the opportunity to assess the damage or what could be saved. And determine if there has been any damage in the kitchen, “said a Corrections spokesman.
READ MORE:
* Waikeria Prison Riot: Concern Over Corrections’ Starvation Tactics
* Protest in Waikeria Prison: Maori Council calls for calm and calls on politicians to stand aside
* Waikeria Prison Riot: ‘Violent’ inmates storm gun room, fear staff could be attacked
As of Wednesday, the prison population in Waikeria is 486. However, this could fluctuate daily due to arrivals, releases, and court decisions.
The riots last week were sparked by inmates protesting the dilapidated conditions, overcrowded cells and a lack of basic supplies.
KEVIN STENT / THINGS
Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis says the Waikeria Prison’s “upper jail” facility has been destroyed.
An inmate surrendered on the third day. The other 16 surrendered and were escorted on Sunday by Maori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi after he responded to their calls for help.
While dinner was being prepared and prepared for the Waikeria in Spring Hill, breakfast and lunch was still being prepared in Waikeria.
“Waikeria is providing two kitchen clerks to help out at the Spring Hill Corrections Facility.
“They come to the site every day and dinner is prepared by inmates from the Spring Hill Correctional Center on site under the supervision of instructors from Waikeria. “
The food, which is on a plate, is picked up in Spring Hill between 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm in a Waikeria prison kitchen truck and transported back.
Dominico Zapata / Things
The prisoners were seen on the roof of a unit at the Waikeria prison during the riots that began a week ago.
The trucks are equipped with hot boxes at the rear to transport hot food.
The spokesman said the other part of the prison, which houses medium to low security inmates, is operating normally, although there has been damage to infrastructure, including the inmates’ public phone system that they are urgently working to resolve.
Family visits were expected to resume at the prison this weekend after being suspended during the recent riots.
The “top jail” site in Waikeria is currently a crime scene.
Waikeria inmates protesting conditions and lack of supplies
“Until Police, Fire and Emergency have completed their examination, we will not be able to assess the extent of the damage. We don’t know how long this will take. “
An entire wing, at least 100 meters long, appeared to be destroyed and the roof was a tangle of rubble.
The interior of most of the facility’s buildings was destroyed and charred.
Most of the men involved were members of the Mongolian and Comancher motorcycle gangs, Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis said.
Five were deported from Australia and three were subject to return orders due to their criminal convictions.
An investigation is underway to determine whether charges will be brought against the prisoners involved in a five-night standoff at Waikeria prison.
“A complex investigation is underway, which may take several months,” said a police spokesman.
Police were not in a position to comment on possible charges at this stage.
