By Alan Clement
Lawmakers representing Kajo-Keji county have raised concerns over delays in deployment of Judges in the county.
During a visit to the office of the governor on Wednesday, the lawmakers urged the governor to expedite deployment of Judges to the area.
The Kajo-Keji county lawmakers in the Central Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly, led by Mila Amos Peter, said the judicial vacuum created by the absence of first-class magistrates in the county has resulted in many cases not being resolved and emboldened criminality.
“The people of Kajo-Keji have suffered for too long due to the absence of a first-class magistrate. Numerous atrocities have been committed and the community is calling for the establishment of a mobile court to ensure justice is served,” said Mila.
Mila further stressed the need to strengthen the judiciary and reinforce police presence in the county to uphold justice and maintain law and order.
According to governor’s office, the lawmakers also expressed a major concern over the poor road infrastructure in Kajo-Keji particularly the road linking Kajo-Keji to Juba during the meeting. “The lack of reliable transport routes is cutting the county off from the capital which is hindering delivery of services and response to emergencies,” the statement partly read.
They further highlighted the shortage fuel at Kajo-Keji hospital which is hampering efficient provision of medical services in the county.
The legislators also raised concerns over border encroachment and the limited representation of Kajo-Keji within the State government and urged for more inclusive participation in decision-making and governance.
CES governor, Rabi Mujung acknowledged some of the challenges and pledged to address them in close collaboration with relevant ministries. “Improved service delivery requires strengthened collaboration among all arms of government. I call on the executive, legislature, and judiciary to work as one in meeting the needs of our people,” said Mujung.
Mila disclosed that a formal proposal has been tabled for the creation of three additional Bomas in Kajo-Keji. “The governor assured us that he would collaborate with the County Commissioner to review the necessary modalities and conditions before giving approval for the formation of the new Bomas,” he noted.
They called for a multi-sectoral response, urging the state government to prioritize both infrastructure repair and judicial deployment to restore order and reconnect Kajo-Keji with the rest of the state.