The inclusion of underfloor heating in four new prisons being
built around the country is set to keep inmates warm and
cosy.
Just 4% of New Zealand houses have underfloor heating according to
a building industry survey carried out last year, but the four new
prisons, in Otago, Waikato, Northland and Auckland, come complete
with the type of heating many consider luxurious.
While critics are outraged, the Department of Corrections says it is the safest and cheapest way to heat the country's jails.
"In order for the department to meet its minimum standards, underfloor heating is the most cost effective and energy efficient heating solution for concrete slab type buildings and on top of that underfloor heating is tamper proof which is important in a prison environment for its security and safety," says Corrections Energy Manager Cees Ebskamp.
However, while Corrections is defending its decision, it is currently under scrutiny from the State Services Commission and Treasury over a multi-million dollar budget blow out for two of the new prisons.
Their findings are due by the end of June but the review is reportedly up to a month late.
More troubles for Corrections
Meanwhile, the Corrections Department is also investigating claims a prostitute was found with an inmate in Wellington's Rimutaka prison.
The inmate is alleged to have arranged the visit at the weekend, using a cellphone smuggled into his cell.
Corrections confirmed a woman was found in the prison's staff training college which is next to Rimutaka Prison.
The prison staff college is separate from the prison, but is staffed by minimum security prisoners.
Apparently, staff are obliged to check visitors to the actual prison but not to the college.
The woman, who was found in an adjacent room to the prisoner, was apprehended.
The man was discovered to have $190 in cash.
