The Judicial Department is seeking a contractor to design and build a new Lautoka courthouse, saying the existing facility is operating beyond its intended capacity and infrastructure constraints are contributing to delays in court proceedings.
Tender documents state that increased case volumes, population growth and expanded jurisdictional responsibilities have placed pressure on the current courthouse.
“The existing Lautoka Court facility is operating beyond its intended capacity due to increased case volumes, population growth, and expanded jurisdictional responsibilities,” the tender states.
Among the deficiencies identified are inadequate courtroom capacity, insufficient chambers for judicial officers and registrars, limited office space and overcrowded waiting areas for litigants, lawyers and members of the public.
The department also identified inadequate holding facilities and separation for detainees, as well as shortcomings in meeting modern accessibility, security and occupational health and safety standards.
“These constraints negatively impact operational efficiency, compromise user experience, and contribute to delays in the adjudication process,” the tender states.
The proposed courthouse is expected to increase judicial service capacity in Lautoka and provide infrastructure capable of handling future growth in caseloads.
According to the tender, the project is aimed at “reducing case backlog and improving case throughput rates” while improving safety, security and the separation of judicial officers, staff, members of the public and detainees.
The Government intends to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced Design and Build contractor responsible for redesign, project management, consultancy and construction services.
The Judicial Department currently provides services through 18 permanent court stations and three circuit sittings serving the Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti island groups.
