adminTrust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
The days of walking for long distances to access justice will soon be over for Epworth residents as the construction of a magistrates court is now nearing completion.
Construction is now over 80 percent complete with painting in progress and the building set to be completed in two months’ time.
The main building consists of two court courtrooms and two magistrate courts.
It also has eight offices and ablution facilities. The holding cells, which match Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) specifications, are almost complete, with the mounting of burglar bars the only item left.
Sections all offenders namely males, females and juveniles, are there.
In an interview, Judicial Service Commission head of corporate services Mr Daniel Nemukuyu said: “Roofing is now complete and we are now painting, glazing, tiling and fitting the doors. We hope to finish all the work by year end.”
The work is in line with the Government’s quest to set up resident courts in suburban areas in a bid to take justice delivery systems to the people.
Commenting on the development, Epworth Constituency Member of Parliament Cde Zalera Makari said: “We are getting there; step by step towards a new and admirable Epworth.
“The construction of the Epworth Magistrate Court is a milestone achievement for the people of Epworth Constituency. We will continue to push for more services to be close to the people.”
Mr Shadreck Chikore, the construction foreman, said 80 percent of the job had been done.
“As you can see, painting is already in progress but we need to work on the driveway, car park, drain works and if everything goes well, we are expecting to finish in two months’ time,” he said.
Mrs Emelda Munemo, an Epworth resident, said transport costs had been an impediment to justice delivery for people in her area.
“We welcome this development because it was time consuming and expensive for us to travel and attend court cases at the Harare Magistrates Court and it also explains why many people have been hesitating to report cases,” she said.
Mrs Tendai Mutukumira said at one point her husband was arrested and it took them time to get justice.
“We were taken to Mbare and the experience was just horrible but I want to thank the Government for constructing this court.”
Construction of the Epworth Magistrate Court is in line with the Government’s quest to set up resident courts in suburban areas so as to take justice delivery systems to the people. The initiative dovetails with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
In Harare Metropolitan province, magistrate courts will also be set up in Glen Norah and Budiriro, while in Bulawayo they will be established in Nkulumane and Entumbane.
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