President Rupiah Banda says there need to strive towards providing an enabling environment in which justice can be dispensed effectively and efficiently.
Mr. Banda said the country’s population has been growing hence the need that every effort should be made to extend timely justice to the population.
The President said this in a speech read for him by Vice President George Kunda at the official launch of the Small Claims Courts in Lusaka today.
Mr. Banda said the establishment of the Small Claims Courts is part of the measures put in place to speed up the dispensation of Justice in the country.
The President said the courts would have appreciable impact the users and the members of the public at large.
He also urged the judicial system to ensure that it establishes Small Claims Courts in all the districts in the country.
He said the establishment of the Small Claims Courts would go a long way in providing a forum to the majority who cannot afford to pay exorbitant legal fees.
Mr. Banda noted that justice must be accessed by all in the country not just the rich but the poor as well.
The President has since commended cooperating partners for their financial and material support to the judicially.
Meanwhile Chief Justice Ernest Sakala said the establishment of the Small Claims Courts would prove to be essential to the dispensation of justice in the country.
Chief Justice said the Small Claims Courts would also serve the purpose of empowering the masses in actively being involved in the determination of the cases.
He said the Courts would help bring change in the Manner cases will be disposed in the country.
He also said judgment in the Small Claims Courts would be delivered immediately and would not be reserved.
ZANIS
How small is small kabili??
…a waste of resources indeed,justice in zambia is for the rich. Why not establish a Court to prosecute only corruption related matters.
If I still recall this court will be headed by one Judge Charles Kajimanga. Its a not a bad idea and this process will be speedy as going thru main High Court is costly and time consuming and small claimants simply give up half way. Lets us wait and see whatever GRZ comes up may good let us not condem everything. GRZ comes up bad laws when their politcial interest is threatened. Wish this new concept a success and there should no excuse of lack of resources or manpower.
Enter JUDGE JUDY! This has been long overdue. The government must be commended. There are so many people who are at the mercy of bullies who have had to endure injustice because they cannot afford to take the culprits to court. A lawyer with 10 years experience charges more than $150 per every hour he spends on your case. Domestic servants for example, have been exploited for years, now they will have a voice. Thank God for a caring President.