Court project excites chiefs on Likoma Island

Traditional leaders in Likoma District have expressed satisfaction with the progress of a court project which is expected to enhance delivery of justice on the island.

In an interview, group village head Chamba said the district has no structure to conduct court proceedings.

He said: “We do not have a court building and a magistrate. So, we spend much on transport to Nkhata Bay for cases.

“We commend the European Union through Chilungamo Programme for the project.”

Likoma District Women Forum coordinator Innocencia Mwaithula said she was happy that gender-based violence (GBV) cases will be expedited.

She said: “Women were the hardest hit victims when it comes to access to justice on GBV cases.

“However, once the structure is complete, we are assured of timely delivery of justice.”

George Nkhoma, one of the residents, commended the EU for the project.

“There is a saying that justice delayed is justice denied. Previously, it was difficult to travel to Nkhata Bay for court trials and this dragged the cases,” he said.