By Julie Badui Owa – EMTV News, Lae
Chief Justice, Sir Salamo Injia on Friday (June 15) officially opened the new Buimo National Court house in Lae, Morobe Province. The Courthouse is the fourth courtroom in Lae and the second of only two national courthouses built within the premises of the prison. The first one was commissioned some years ago in Bomana, owned by the Correctional Services and currently being rehabilitated by the National Judicial Service.
Commissioner for Correctional Services, Michael Waipo said this court house will help speed up the backlog of cases which has been the most pressing concern and a cause of frequent escapes. The Chief Justice said the purpose of the courthouse is to make it easy for the the Judges, Lawyers, Police and Correctional Service to process prisoners without long delays. The Buimo Prison currently has 417 remandees; 395 men, 16 women and 6 juveniles.
The new Buimo Courthouse will be occupied with cases being heard daily by the appointed Acting Judge, Justice John Kaumi. The building was constructed by local company, Hausman Building Solution Limited and funded by the National government through the National Judicial Service at a cost of more than K500,000. The Chief Justice said the Judiciary plans to build more courthouses in other regions in the country.
