MP Malani asks for court in Uliwa, cut distance to access justice
Karonga South Member of Parliament (MP) Malani Mtonga (People’s Party-PP) has asked Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs if it could construct a magistrate court in Uliwa and Khwawa so that people can access justice within their areas other than walk as long distances.
Mtonga asked the question in Parliament during ministerial question sessions.
In response, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Samuel Tembenu, SC said the Judiciary is aware of the need for a court structure at Uliwa to serve people of Uliwa and the surrounding areas.
He said the Judiciary is currently working hand in hand with the community of Uliwa to construct a court on “resource sharing basis.”
Said Tembenu: “The community, through the Area Development Committee, mobilised bricks and sand while the Judiciary will provide iron sheets, cement and other related construction materials. Should all go according to plan, construction of the court will be completed within the first quarter of 2018.”
The Minister said the community at Uliwa and surrounding areas still access justice through court circuits which are conducted at Uliwa Trading Centre in a structure provided by Senior Chief Wansambo.
Chitipa North MP James Munthali (People’s Party-PP) in a supplementary question asked the ministry for maintenance of the magistrates courts.
“Some courts really need serious maintenance. Kameme Magistrate Court, for instance, is in serious disrepair. It is a horrible sight to look at. I do not know whether the Minister has any plans to do such jobs,” Munthali.
Tembenu said his Ministry is not aware of the need for maintenance at Kameme, but said he has taken note of the concern.
Aufi mi Mpaweni, MP for Balaka Central East (United Democratic Front-UDF), asked Tembenu if he is aware that people of Balaka are waiting to see a newly constructed court.
He said Balaka is one of the fastest growing districts and crime rate is very high.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :