Salima community demands court
Residents of Traditional Authority (T/A) Makanjira area in Salima have demanded a court within their jurisdiction, saying they are tired of travelling 80 kilometres to the boma to access justice.
They said their court stopped operations 38 years ago.
The residents said they pay about K6 000 for a return trip to the court.
The people expressed the sentiments on Saturday during an open campaign on gender-related laws and women’s rights Women’s Legal Resource Centre (Wolrec) held in the area.
In an interview, T/A Makanjira said the absence of court services in the area has contributed to an increase in crime.
The chief said defilement and theft cases are rampant in his area, posing a security threat to about 50 000 people.
Makanjira said: “My subordinates are living in a community full of injustice and they are forced to pay huge sums of money to access judicial services because the court is far in town.
“Most of the crimes being committed in my area are not reported as victims fear the costs involved in seeking justice.”
Wolrec Salima district project officer Stella Issa said the development requires an immediate response from authorities.
She said her organisation, through the Improving Social Empowerment of Women and Reduced Poverty Among Women to Achieve Gender Equality and Sustainable Development Project, is working towards improving justice delivery in the district.
The project is funded by We-effect.
