2)–Mpika women groups funded

Chongwe District Commissioner Kebby Kashinamilunda says the absence of a Legal Aid Board and the prison services in Chongwe has contributed to delayed justice to the people in the area.

Mr. Kashinamilunda said Chongwe is in dire need of the services of the Legal Aid Board, Legal Aid Clinic Child friendly courts and the prisons.

The District Commissioner stated that some cases are forced to adjourn in instances where there is no transport to ferry prison inmates to court which he said could be avoided if the district had a prison.

He said some people in Chongwe do not know that government could provide them with a lawyer to represent them in court because there is no Legal Aid office in the district.

He said legal representation has been one of the major setbacks people of Chongwe face because they cannot afford to hire the services of a private lawyer hence the need for the services of the Legal Aid Board.

Mr. Kashinamilunda was speaking this morning when the Legal and Justice Sector Reforms Commission led by Justice Frederick Chomba called on him at his office.

He welcomed the Commission’s public sitting in Chongwe saying it will afford the people an opportunity to petition on legal matters that need to be corrected for justice to be delivered to all citizens.

And Commission Chairperson Justice Fredrick Chomba appealed to the members of the public to utilize the opportunity to make recommendations to government so that corrections can be made to ensure that citizens

have accessible and affordable justice.

Justice Chomba disclosed that due to logistical challenges the commission will only hold public sittings in four districts per province saying those that have no opportunity to personally interact with the commission can write their submissions.

The Legal and Justice Sector Reforms Commission is today sitting in Chongwe District to receive petitions from the public.