The Vice President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, officially inaugurated a new periodic court in !Hoachanas, marking a significant milestone in the government's efforts to improve access to justice in rural areas.
The court's opening is seen as a crucial step towards decentralising legal services and ensuring that communities in remote areas no longer have to travel long distances to access justice.
In her speech, Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the challenges posed by Namibia's vast geography, which often requires citizens to travel long distances to access essential services.
She emphasised that justice is a right that must be available to all citizens, regardless of their location.
"Justice is a right that cannot be limited. We must always strive to ensure it is provided throughout our country."
The new court in !Hoachanas is expected to reduce the time and costs associated with legal procedures, particularly in cases where witnesses and parties previously had to travel long distances to Mariental or other larger towns.