The Ministry of National Defense expects that the construction of the maximum security prison El Triunfo, in Izabal, will officially begin on August 15, after the Constitutional Court (CC) endorsed the continuity of the project.
The Minister of Defense, Henry Sáenz, explained that during July Q9 million were programmed to begin the earthworks necessary for the construction of the penitentiary center.
“They have already authorized the financial fee. We are making the necessary purchases of fuel, lubricants, to be able to take that first step: the movement of earth in what is going to be the maximum security prison of El Triunfo,” said Sáenz.
The official indicated that it has not yet been defined how long the embankment work and preparation of the platforms will take, so it cannot yet be established precisely when the one-year schedule planned for the construction of the prison will begin.
However, he estimated that, at the latest, August 15 could mark “day one” of construction.
Regarding the decision to keep information related to the project plans under confidentiality, Sáenz argued that the measure responds to the fact that the penitentiary system is considered critical infrastructure and, therefore, an issue linked to national security.
The minister defended the confidentiality of the documents and explained that, if this information is not classified, anyone could request the plans through the Access to Public Information Law.
“Imagine that a citizen comes, asks for that information and asks for the plans of the prison,” Sáenz exemplified, pointing out that this information could eventually reach the hands of people linked to highly dangerous prisoners.
The official added that even the engineers who participated in preparing the plans signed confidentiality statements to ensure that the information remains confidential.
The construction of the maximum security prison in El Triunfo is one of the projects promoted by the Government to strengthen the penitentiary infrastructure and reinforce control over those deprived of liberty considered highly dangerous.
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