Reclaimed building materials, from the demolished Waigani Committal Court in Port Moresby will be used to construct National Court Facilities, in Bereina station, Central province. The proposed facilities, will include a National Courtroom and Registry, Judges’ chambers and staff houses.
This is an initiative of the Chief Justice, Sir Salamo Injia to improve court facilities in the country. The Chief Justice was in Bereina station to see the state of court facilities and provide support for the improvement of court facilities.
The visit is an execution of Sir Salamo’s vision to ensure Village, District, or National Court decisions, are delivered in a decent court building.
Sir Salamo was received by chiefs of the Kairuku District, who presented him with betelnut and live chickens, as a symbol of welcome.
He was later escorted into the court grounds by traditional dances and students from Bereina Primary School. Inside the court grounds, Sir Salamo was given a general salute by members of Bereina Police.
Before addressing the people in Bereina, the Chief Justice reviewed the police parade led by Central Police Commander, Laimo Asi.
The Bereina District Court House that also hears national court matters during court circuits. It was built during the colonial administration. And because of lack of maintenance, the building has deteriorated over the years.
The Chief Justice explained that Papua New Guinea is governed by a Constitution. Thus it is important that members of the Law and Justice Sector, enforce laws under that constitution.
For the courts, Sir Salamo emphasised that having proper court facilities is an important factor, in delivering decisions on those who break the law. There are at least three National Courts in Central province, including Kwikila and Tapini. But Bereina has become the first court facility, to be visited by a Chief Justice of Papua New Guinean origin.
The building materials will be transported to Bereina in the next two weeks. Construction is expected to start towards the end of this month.
