By S, KNA
Residents of Butula Sub County have finally found relief from the long journeys to seek justice after the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new law court in Marachi Central ward within the Sub County..
The infrastructure that is funded by Butula Constituency Development Fund at a cost of Sh 24 million is expected to bring court services closer to the local residents.
Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony for the facility at Bukhalalire on Thursday,Butula NG CDF chairman Harrison Namwaya said the project will promote access to justice for all Kenyans regardless of their location.
. Once completed, we want this court to serve not only the people of Butula but anyone who requires justice,” he said adding that the project will be completed within one year.
Namwaya explained that the decision to construct the court was informed by challenges residents faced while seeking services from the Busia Law Courts.
“Our people raised concerns during public participation about the long distance to Busia Law Courts. Matters such as small cases and land succession have been a major burden. They wanted a court nearby to access justice on time,” he added.
He noted that the court will also help reduce injustices within communities, especially among vulnerable groups.
“We have elderly people who cannot travel to Busia, and sometimes judgments are made without their knowledge. Having a court nearby will allow residents to attend proceedings and understand how the justice system works, which will reduce community disputes,”Namwaya stated.
Residents welcomed the project, describing it as a major milestone toward enhancing security and the rule of law.
Washington Kudondo said seeking justice has been costly and exhausting, “we have suffered for a long time due to insecurity. With this court in place, those who have been terrorising us will finally face the law. Travelling to Busia every time has been expensive and difficult,” he said.
Desterio Madiama echoed similar sentiments, noting that the new facility will reduce congestion at Busia Law Courts and speed up case handling.
“There are too many cases pending at Busia. Some have taken years without conclusion. This court will reduce the case load and promote timely justice.”
Women from the area also expressed relief, saying they have been the most affected by insecurity and long distances to court.
“Sometimes we missed court summons due to the distance. Many of us stopped seeking justice because of the cost, including paying transport for witnesses to Busia,” said Phanice Moni.
Construction of the law court in Butula will see Busia County have four law courts including Port Victoria in Bunyala, Malaba law court in Teso North Sub County and Busia main court in Busia town.
