Nasinu To Have A Court House Soon
Source: Fiji Sun
25 August 2020
Chief Registrar, Justice Yohan Liyanage said the 60-weeks project had commenced in May 2018.
“Slight delays have had an impact on the expected delivery date of the building; however, it is expected to be completed towards the end of this year,” Justice Liyanage said.
“The new Nasinu Court will address space problem as the current one house is congested with staff strength. There is no adequate waiting area for public, neither space to create a crèche nor space for breast feeding mothers attending family court.”
He said additional Resident Magistrates were needed due to the current caseload; however this could not be accommodated due to limited space.
The Magistrates Court is now operating from the Housing Authority’s former gymnasium and staff recreation facility.
“The current facility is in a deplorable state, congested and lacks space for filing, furniture and equipment for staff,” he said.
“It is envisaged that with the introduction of e-filing, the need for storage space to keep files will be minimised.
“The new building will cater for the Family Court, Court counselling, conciliation, Small Claims Tribunal rooms, etc. We also have plans to have a High Court in Nasinu,” he said.
“During the Family court sittings on Thursdays, feeding mothers and other clients fill up all the available spaces and spill-over to the Housing Authority compound due to the inadequate waiting area.
“We have received many complaints over the years from most of our stakeholders regarding inadequate space, timely disposal of cases and lack of proper facilities to cater for those who have special needs.