The prison employee branch of the public servants’ union (Pasydy) on Wednesday lauded changes to the prisons system, which it said would also lead to better working conditions and an overall improvement all round.

In a statement, a day after President Nikos Christodoulides opened a new high-security wing at the Nicosia central prisons promising further reforms, Pasydy said it was fully satisfied with the commitments made some of which had been based on the union’s long-standing proposals.

“They are a major step forward for the prison sector in Cyprus,” the statement said.

Among the most important changes were the upgrading of the Prison Officers Academy to a tertiary education institution.

“This transformation is expected to play a crucial role in shaping a modern correctional policy that aligns with the standards of contemporary European states,” Pasydy said, describing it as “a pivotal step”.

The change aims at enhancing the training and education of prison staff, enabling them to engage more effectively with inmates. By improving communication between staff and inmates, the goal is to create an environment of rehabilitation.

The union was also pleased that the additional monthly allowance given to prison officers would be doubled to €240.

“This adjustment reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the challenging and demanding nature of the profession, which has often deterred individuals from pursuing careers in the field,” said Pasydy, adding that the raise reflected the state’s recognition of their service and dedication to the job.

“These initiatives are not merely symbolic but are likely to have far-reaching benefits for the prisons system,” it concluded.

The new wing of the prisons, built in 1894, that was inaugurated on Tuesday cost of €1.8m while the electromechanical works and security systems amounted to €2.4m, according to the transport ministry.

It includes 97 cells, four dorms, a teaching room, dentistry, doctor’s office, visiting room, a gym, a basketball court, a kitchen, a restaurant and can accommodate 240 inmates, around one third the current population. This means the older building will become far less overcrowded.

It took 11 months to complete the works on the new wing. Another new 360-bed wing costing €35m which is expected to be completed in early 2028, which will bring total capacity to 1,200 – double what it was when the new government took over.