A new housing complex is nearing completion for inmates at the women’s jail near Prince Albert.
Up to now, an average of 115 to 120 inmates have been squeezed into the complex that was originally designed to house just 52 of them.
However, 72 more beds are expected to be ready by June.
Kim Degeer is an inmate at the prison who is serving a two-month sentence.
She says living in overcrowded conditions can be quite stressful for many of the inmates, some of whom are finding it difficult to cope without their families.
Nevertheless, Degeer says the staff seems to be doing the best they can and inmates are always provided with proper food and clean clothing.
She adds many of the inmates at the Pine Grove Correctional Centre, including herself, are from the Regina area.
Degeer says having another jail in southern Saskatchewan would make a lot of sense as many of the women wish they could be closer to their families.
The Pine Grove Correctional Centre was built in 1965.