By Theckla Gunga – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Renovations on the Tari National Court Complex in Hela province will resume following a K3 million cheque presented to the National Judicial Services, yesterday morning (June 7).
The K3 million is the first payment of the K10 million budgeted under Hela’s DSIP Funds to improve its law and order. Upon receiving the cheque, Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia says while the Judicial Services appreciates financial assistance from provincial governments, all funds will be managed by NJSS to maintain the courts’ independency.
In the last five years, the Judicial and Magisterial Services have committed to building or renovating court houses starting at the Village Court level. And the commitment from the Hela Provincial Administration is a step in the right direction.
The Tari National Court had temporarily ceased hearing cases following the death of former residential judge, the late Justice Martin Ipang in April. This morning (June 7), the Chief Justice said he is in the process of appointing a new judge for Tari. The cheque presentation comes after months of continuous discussions between the Hela Provincial Administration and NJSS.
The K3 million is the first installment of the K10 million that will be paid over three years.
