He identified the complexity of court procedures as another impediment to access. He said people do not understand the rules, hence the need to simplify them. He also stated that the language used in courts is another major problem that needs to be scrutinised.
Skelemani said litigants sometimes find themselves in very uncompromising situations of depending on second hand information from interpreters and even after the completion of the case they still remain in darkness about what was said in court.
However, the minister announced that there is a committee that has been appointed to find solutions to the problems.
Chief Justice Julian Nganunu said the administration of justice is committed to bringing judicial resources closer to the people. He said government intends to build more magistrate courts in big villages adding that this could reduce rural-urban migration. He also said the judiciary is committed to giving justice to all people regardless of their colour, nationality or gender and to pass impartial judgements in accordance with the law. Senior government officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps attended the ceremony.
Chinese International Contractor Zhong Gan built the magnificent courthouse at a cost of P23m in 17 months. The building has four courtrooms, offices and four houses for staff as well as four hostels for witnesses.
