CONSTRUCTION OF JUDICIAL COMPLEX RECEIVING PRAISE IN MALAWI

Renowned social and political commentator Caesar Kondowe and civil society leader Fryson Chodzi have jointly praised the government led by President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for advancing the construction of a Judicial complex in Lilongwe, Malawi.

In an exclusive interview, Kondowe highlighted the project’s significance for achieving the swift delivery of justice, emphasizing the principle that “justice delayed is justice denied.” He noted that if legal remedies or equitable relief are not provided in a timely manner, it is essentially the same as having no remedy at all. Kondowe pointed out that the new complex will ensure speedy trials by consolidating various judicial functions within one perimeter.

The project, which includes the construction of the Judiciary Headquarters housing the Supreme Court of Appeal, six High Court divisions, an administration block, the Chief Justice’s residence, a Sheriff warehouse, and a Judiciary Training Institute, is set to enhance the efficiency of the justice system. This integration is expected to facilitate timely and effective legal processes.

Progress on the project is well underway, with land acquisition completed, feasibility studies conducted, and design development ongoing. The initiative, which commenced in May 2021 and is expected to run until March 2028, has already seen a significant financial commitment with K648,100 allocated and K120,000,000 utilized so far.

Forum for National Development (FND) National Coordinator Fryson Chodzi also commended the initiative, describing it as a much-needed development for Lilongwe. He pointed out the current dispersion of high court facilities across various locations in the city, which complicates access to judicial services. Chodzi emphasized that bringing these courts together in a modern, spacious judicial complex will significantly improve the delivery of justice and provide better working conditions for judicial officers.

This project is seen as a major step toward enhancing access to supreme and high court services and improving judicial administration in Malawi.

SOURCE: NyasaTimes