Inmates at His Majesty’s Penitentiary are expressing fears and concerns about a rat problem at the facility.

Three inmates called VOCM Open Line this week to raise what they say are health and human rights concerns at the Pen.

Two inmates says the unit they’re on is infested with rats and mice. One argues it’s a health and human rights issue “This is not right, I know we’re inmates” he says, “but we’re entitled to certain things here.”

Another inmate echoed concerns about access to hot water for showers.

He says they all get up at 8:00 and then have to get in the showers. The showers are next to the laundry room which uses all the hot water, resulting in them having to take a shower in “ice cold water.”

The Department of Justice and Public Safety says it takes the responsibility of having inmates in their care very seriously. Ensuring a safe and healthy living and work environment in their correctional facilities is a top priority according to an email sent from the department.

It notes that there are well-known infrastructure issues at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary (HMP) that create unique challenges; however, the department works very closely with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Superintendent of Prisons, and the heads of correctional facilities to address maintenance issues as they arise. In this case, pest control visits HMP regularly.

Government is working on the procurement of the new correctional facility.

Meanwhile, NAPE says living conditions for inmates are the working conditions being faced by workers at the Pen.

Union President Jerry Earle says he’s been saying for years that the aging facility needs to be replaced. He calls conditions at the facility “Dickensian.”

He says the conditions need to be the right ones to allow for effective rehabilitation.