Juffa seeks magistrate

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Wednesday July 10th, 2013

 NORTHERN Governor Gary Juffa is calling for another magistrate to be based in the province to clear outstanding civil and criminal cases.

Juffa has asked that a backlog of land disputes be immediately resolved as it was taking too long and causing frustration among landowners and stakeholders.

He said frustrated landowners had recently threatened to shut Girua Airport if their concern was not heard. 

The landowners had presented a report to Juffa on their grievances over the provincial magistrate’s handling of the matter.

They said it had taken three years and they were repeatedly charged court bench fees, paying associated costs.

The landowners claimed there was no consideration of their plight and should that continue they were considering closing the airport. 

Juffa had advised them he would take the matter up with the Magisterial Services. 

Juffa has since met with Chief Magistrate Nerrie Eliakim and presented a report outlining his concerns that one magistrate was insufficient. 

He told Magisterial Services he was willing to allocate a house and resources to get another magistrate based in Northern. 

Magisterial Services said it did not have enough magistrates and resources but would make an effort to address Juffa’s concerns.

The magistrate in Popondetta has been placed in an awkward situation after it was revealed a government vehicle allocated to the Magisterial Services in the province was allegedly crashed by his son.