NEWLY-APPOINTED Chipata High Court Resident Judge Mercy Makubalo has bemoaned the lack of inadequate court infrastructure which affects the speedy delivery of justice.

Speaking during the opening of the criminal sessions for the Chipata High Court for the year 2022, Judge Makubalo said currently, the High Court was sharing infrastructure with the subordinate courts, which was not ideal.

She said whenever the High Court was in Session, the subordinate court was negatively affected.

Judge Makubalo also complained over lack of office furniture and transport at the institution, making it more difficult for court officials to rise to the challenges faced in the area.

“Despite all these challenges, we do strive to give justice as it is required by law,” said Justice Makubalo.

“It is my hope and prayer that these challenges will be addressed within the shortest possible time in order to enhance service delivery of the High Court to the people in this province.”

And Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri said government was aware of the challenges faced by the High Court in Chipata, especially regarding lack of infrastructure.

Phiri said THE Chipata City Council haD already allocated 4 hectares of land for the construction of the Chipata High Court and the Resident Judge’s residence.

“To address the challenges of office infrastructure, I am reliably informed that Chipata City Council has already allocated 4 hectares of land for the construction of the Chipata High Court and the residence for the Resident Judge,” Phiri said.

He said as Provincial Minister, he would liaise with his counterpart in the Ministry of Justice to ensure that the construction of the Chipata High Court was prioritised, budgeted for and funded.

Phiri said he was pleased to note that despite the challenges of lack of infrastructure, the Judiciary was still providing High Court sessions in Chipata on time.

He also expressed happiness that Eastern Province was given a Resident Judge.

“I am delighted to learn that the judiciary has embarked on the exercise of having a High Court Judge stationed in Chipata, which is aimed at enhancing speedy delivery of justice,” said Phiri.