Opinion | Hong Kongs Lai Chi Kok prisoners are entitled to respect

The number of prisoners held on remand in Hong Kong has almost doubled over the past 10 years, with many detained at the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre in Kowloon. It is a concern that the centre, built in 1977, has become overcrowded and dilapidated.

It no longer meets the needs of the prisoners or the expectations of society, a Security Bureau paper submitted to the Legislative Council warned. Government plans to redevelop the centre, therefore, urgently need to be implemented.

The work is expected to take eight years and cost a hefty HK$5.5 billion (US$705.3 million). But the plans have come under fire, including from some lawmakers, with suggestions public funds would be wasted providing “luxury” facilities for prisoners.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung hit back at opponents, accusing them of spreading false information and “making a fuss”.

Public money must be spent wisely, especially when the budget deficit is forecast to exceed HK$100 billion. People are entitled to express their views, but Tang is right to highlight the importance of redeveloping the detention centre to ensure it is fit for purpose.

The capacity is currently exceeded, even after some prisoners have been switched to other facilities. Visiting justices of the peace have called for an expansion of the centre and improvements 21 times since 2018.

The redevelopment, involving the demolition of five annex blocks and the building of new ones, will modernise the facilities. Features will include a clinic, complete with negative pressure isolation wards, a dental surgery, a religious services room, social visit rooms, basketball and volleyball courts and an indoor sports hall.

These are not luxuries. They are necessities for a modern prison.

As Tang said, prisoners are entitled to respect. The project should provide them with a secure, safe and humane environment.

The introduction of “smart prison” elements will also help ensure effective management of the centre. Overcrowding, meanwhile, affects not only the daily life of prisoners but also leads to conflicts and disciplinary problems.

Lawmakers have a duty to scrutinise the plans as they proceed through the legislature, ensuring public money is well spent. But the need to redevelop the detention centre is clear and should proceed as quickly as possible.

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