THE construction of a $35million High Court complex in Lautoka is expected to further develop the judicial system in the Western Division.
Speaking during its groundbreaking ceremony yesterday, Chief Justice Anthony Gates said the users of the existing High Court building in Lautoka knew the facility was inadequate for the amount of business conducted at the premises.
“The enhancement of facilities proved a stumbling block and this is a massive project for Fiji,” he said, adding the infrastructure investment would be borne by government.
“If the Western Division is to develop economically, financially and in its institutions and services, the justice system within the division must be able to respond to society’s needs.
“There must be judges and magistrates, court staff, court facilities and modern equipment for dealing with litigants disputes.”
According to Justice Gates, the facilities would provide for both mediation and conventional courtroom trials.
“The essential jurisdictions of the Court of Appeal, High Court, Magistrates’ Court and various tribunals must be there.
“The High Court facilities must provide for all of the divisions – family court, tax, employment relations, civil and criminal.”
