Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-03-18 06:35:03
Access to justice in rural areas remains a significant challenge due to a shortage of staff, such as magistrates and court clerks, according to Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda. This shortage has compelled some officers to take on multiple roles that they were not initially hired for, leading to inefficiencies in the judicial system.
Mzikamanda highlighted that in rural courts, it is rare to find dedicated court clerks, with many court marshals having to fulfill the duties of clerks, messengers, and even guards. This situation is far from ideal and hinders the smooth functioning of the judiciary. The Chief Justice emphasized the urgent need for additional staff within the Judiciary to address these staffing shortages.
During the launch of the Northern Region Wellness Programme for Judiciary Workers in Mzuzu City, Mzikamanda cited specific examples to illustrate the severity of the issue. In Chitipa District, two out of six courts currently lack magistrates, while in Karonga District, three courts are operating without magistrates. This manpower deficiency has a direct impact on the quality and timeliness of service delivery, thereby compromising access to justice in these areas.
The objective behind the implementation of the wellness programme is to prioritize the physical and mental wellbeing of judiciary workers. Mzikamanda believes that by ensuring the welfare of their staff, productivity within the Judiciary will increase, ultimately leading to improved service provision to the public.
Mercy Kishombe, the acting community service officer for the region, echoed the sentiment that maintaining the health and fitness of employees is crucial for effectively handling a diverse range of cases. She emphasized that Judiciary workers encounter individuals from varied backgrounds and behaviors, necessitating them to be mentally and physically prepared. Therefore, the wellness programme is seen as a valuable initiative to equip workers with the necessary tools to navigate the challenges they face on a daily basis.
The wellness programme is not only being rolled out in the Northern Region but also in the cities of Blantyre and Lilongwe, highlighting the commitment of the Judiciary to prioritize the wellbeing of its employees across different locations. By focusing on the welfare of staff members and addressing the staffing challenges in rural areas, the Judiciary aims to enhance the accessibility and quality of justice delivery for all citizens, regardless of their location.
Read the original article on The Times
