The Ministry of Law and Justice spends approximately M14 million annually on feeding inmates, a cost that the government is looking to reduce significantly through agricultural initiatives. This was revealed by the Minister of Law and Justice, Mr. Richard Ramoeletsi, while presenting the Ministry’s budget request before the Committee of Supply in the National Assembly.
Mr. Ramoeletsi requested a total allocation of M372,439,777 for the 2025/26 financial year. In his address, he emphasized the need for cost-saving measures, stating that the Ministry has taken the initiative to engage in farming to produce food for inmates.
He disclosed that at least 227 hectares of beans and maize have already been planted at Ha Makhoathi, Maseru, with plans to expand cultivation to over 400 hectares in the next financial year. He highlighted that this initiative could result in savings of up to 75 percent of the current expenditure on inmate meals.
In addition to food production efforts, Mr. Ramoeletsi outlined the Ministry’s plans to rehabilitate several correctional facilities across the country. The proposed budget would be used to upgrade prisons in Qacha’s Nek, Quthing, Berea, Mokhotlong, as well as facilities for female and juvenile inmates.
The move to integrate farming into the prison system is expected to enhance food security while equipping inmates with agricultural skills that could aid their reintegration into society upon release. The government hopes that these measures will not only reduce costs but also contribute to broader rehabilitation efforts within correctional facilities.
