DOC/OS(XXX111)/324c/1 24 clean the premises and toilets, as well as cleaning implements (floorcloths, brooms) even though these are sometimes very worn out. Some prisoners complained that the only materials they had were rags and floorcloths (Oluno prison, women's section). The delegation did however notice some faulty toilet flushes (Windhoek prison — section F, Walvis Bay, Oluno — sections G, P and 0) which caused both floods and noise. Likewise, problems with drainage or leaks mean that blankets are used to stop the flow of or mop up water. Some bathrooms had to be closed (Walvis Bay). The juveniles in Oluno prison complained that they sometimes had to unblock toilets by hand without using gloves. In some institutions, the urinals were out of order and prisoners urinated in the shower (Walvis Bay). Prisoners complained about not being given toilet soap (Windhoek), about having to request it (Omaruru), about not having washing powder and cleaning utensils (Windhoek), about being given detergent only when control or delegation's visits were announced (Hardap) and about not being able to get rid of lice (Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Oluno). The Special Rapporteur noticed that in some prisons, the premises were infested with cockroaches (section N of Oluno). The pressure exerted by the increased prison population could have disastrous effects on the level of upkeep, hygiene and security. The authorities should therefore concentrate on hygiene in the future, especially when prisons receive those prisoners on remand who for the time being are being held in police stations. The authorities should also assure that supplies for personal hygiene and cleaning are supplied regularly and are the same everywhere as uniformity is very important. In cells and courtyards in police stations, as well as in the rooms being used as kitchens, hygiene leaves a lot to be desired. Overcrowding, the general state of police premises, the lack of space, absence of soap, washing powder, and products and materials for the upkeep of the prison cause anger among prisoners. The same happens as with their conditions of detention: the absence of organisation, and the irresponsibility and unwillingness of police officers makes cleaning and the maintenance of hygiene extremely problematic. If it was not for their families, prisoners would hardly receive anything (neither soap, nor washing powder or toilet paper). The inmates in the police stations of Rundu, Mariental, Walvis Bay and Ondangwa mentioned that they receive occasionally a roll of toilet paper and a cake of soap but are forced to share it. Some prisoners at Omaruru station receive two cakes of soap and two rolls of toilet paper twice per month. The police officers at that station blame the prisoners for wasting toilet paper by burning it and using it to keep up a small fire along a wall to light their cigarettes. As blankets and mats are dirty when distributed, police cells are all in an appalling and intolerable state of filth: refuse of all sorts lying about on the floor, stagnant water, blackened walls, a stench of urine and faeces, dirty clothes and bedding infested with lice, fleas and cockroaches, dirty showers and toilets, etc. At Wanaheda police station the women complained that they had to beg the officers for floor-cloths to wash the floor, the under-age inmates complained that they do not receive enough soap, do not have combs and have to pay to get a haircut. Walvis Bay police station was the only police station which seemed to have been cleaned prior to the visit of the Special Rapporteur. The Special Rapporteur urged the authorities to take immediate steps to rectify the problems found and to put an end to a situation that constitutes both an affront to human dignity and a real danger for people's health, both prisoners and staff, who live within this environment. The staff in charge should be enjoined to supply the products and materials that prisoners need regularly, and as often as necessary. Prisoners should be made to clean their cells regularly. All police cells, blankets and