Officials ready to hear cases

 By JUNIOR UKAHA

LAE Urban Local Level Government (LULLG) has for the first time since Independence sworn in 90 urban court officials to hear court cases in its six wards.

In a colourful ceremony at the Lae City Council Chamber yesterday the 82 men and eight women took their oaths of office before Lae District Court magistrate Nasaling Bingtau.

The event was witnessed by Lae Lord Mayor James Khay, Deputy Governor Morokoi Gaiwata, acting city manager Roy Kamen and Lae police chief Supt Iven Lakatani. 

They assumed their new roles as urban court magistrates, court chairpersons, deputy chairpersons, peace officers and court clerks.

Gaiwata said the aim of creating an urban court was to address the increase in law and order problems in the city.

He said the concept was similar to the village court but structured for the urban area.

“This concept was established by an act of parliament in 1973 but was never implemented in Lae until today. It’s a first of its kind,” Gaiwata said.

“We hope that by creating this urban court, the law and order problems in the city could be addressed adequately,” he said.

“We are taking the justice system to the doorsteps of the people and hope they take ownership of it.”

Gaiwata said minor law and order issues in the city would be addressed by this court instead of the higher courts.