adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
MASVINGO province will soon have a second regional court located in Chiredzi, an official has said.
Speaking during a Victim Friendly Court committee meeting recently, Plan International Child Rights coordinator Vincent Muzenda said they had helped with funding the construction of the court in Chiredzi and the building will be ready for handover early next month.
He said Plan International Zimbabwe was assisting the government to put in place an effective justice delivery system through building courts especially for juveniles.
“The Chiredzi Regional court construction is almost complete. Flooring has been completed and contractors are left with final touches on the ceiling,” said Muzenda.
“We’ve convened a meeting with the idea of visiting the major stakeholder, Hippo Valley Estates under Tongaat Hullet who indicated that they are prepared to provide water supplies to the court house. The completion of the project was earmarked for December, 2014 but contractors asked for more time.”
Muzenda said the organisation had also mobilised resources to construct a shelter for abuse survivors but are yet to agree on the location.
“We’ve also acquired resources to build a shelter for victims. The Chiredzi resident magistrate had suggested the shelter be erected at Chiredzi police station but it was later realised that there is a risk of the project taking ages before it is approved,” he said.
“Even if it’s approved we will also run the risk of having some officers occupying it given housing challenges within the police force.”
In attendance during the victim friendly court meeting were senior regional magistrate Judith Zuyu, regional magistrate Colet Ncube, Ministry of Health and Child Care representatives, among others.
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter