Offenders at the Evaristus Shikongo Correctional Facility who are about to complete their sentence will now be moved into a home environment, which is the Minimum Units, in preparation for their release. 

The pre-lease unit in Oshikoto was launched by Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security Deputy Minister Lucia Witbooi.

The first of its kind in SADC, the minimum unit will house offenders in a lifestyle similar to that of a normal household.

"Accommodating up to 120 inmates represents more than just a structural addition, it is a pre-release unit that symbolises our dedication to reintegration of those who have strayed from the path but are on the point of returning to society as reformed individuals."

The minimum units will foster an environment that encourages mutual support, responsibility, and social skills necessary for reintegration. 

Offenders housed in these units will buy, manage, and prepare their food.

Two of the barracks were constructed for about N$10 million, while the newly constructed four barracks of the same capacity plus an administration block cost N$800,000 less.

These infrastructures, Namibia Correctional Service Commissioner General Raphael Hamunyela explained, were constructed by a team of National Youth Services officers and offenders.

"That team consisted of 17 officers from different disciplines and 43 inmates. During this construction, the Namibian Correctional Service Construction team hunted there and imparted technical skills to the inmates involved in the project. All the construction work and interior installations were done by the NYS construction team."

In a quest for offenders to have immediate access to health services, a clinic was launched with 52 beds and essential medical amenities.

The clinic is also open to nearby community members.

It will, however, only offer minimum services; therefore, serious cases will still be taken to Tsumeb State Hospital.