Palau’s new jail set for December 2025 completion

PALAU — The new Palau Correctional Facility, located between Airai and Ngchesar states, is now expected to be completed by December 2025.

Construction on the $4 million facility began in 2018 with local funding and later received supplemental support from a Taiwan stimulus grant. According to CIP Manager Lee Otobed, the project is roughly 75% complete, with remaining work including electrical systems, fencing, holding cells, and other finishing touches.

“CIP is working with the Ministry of Justice to make changes to the building plans based on lessons learned from incidents,” Otobed said. To stay on schedule, the remaining work will be divided among multiple contractors, he added. Otobed stressed that the original contractor, PNQ, has not defaulted on its contract.

Justice Minister Jennifer Olegeriil previously cited overcrowding at the current Koror jail as a factor in past prison escapes. She said the new facility will address many of the problems affecting the existing jail.  (By: L.N. Reklai)