By Burnett Munthali
Judge In-charge for the High Court Commercial Division, Justice Chifundo Kachale, has commended the establishment of a task force to oversee the completion of permanent premises for the court in Blantyre, emphasizing that it will significantly improve timely access to justice for Malawians.
Speaking during a meeting held at Mudi State Residences in Blantyre with Vice President Michael Usi and stakeholders involved in the project, Justice Kachale highlighted the challenges faced by the Commercial Division due to the lack of a permanent operational facility. He noted that this issue has not only delayed the resolution of commercial disputes but has also denied many Malawians the opportunity to access justice efficiently.
“The establishment of this task force is a step in the right direction. The current situation has had a direct impact on the delivery of justice. With permanent premises, the court will be better positioned to handle cases promptly, ensuring that justice is not delayed,” said Justice Kachale.
The task force, which comprises representatives from the Department of Buildings, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice, the Solicitor General, and the Judiciary, has been mandated to ensure the swift completion of the court’s Blantyre premises. This collaborative approach is expected to address delays in construction and operational challenges that have plagued the court for years.
Vice President Michael Usi, who presided over the meeting, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the country’s judicial infrastructure. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Commercial Division in resolving disputes critical to Malawi’s economic development and pledged full support for the task force.
“We recognize the importance of the High Court Commercial Division in fostering a business-friendly environment and protecting the interests of all stakeholders. As a government, we are committed to ensuring that this court has the facilities it needs to function effectively,” said Usi.
The absence of permanent premises has forced the Commercial Division in Blantyre to operate under constrained conditions, resulting in inefficiencies in case management and resolution. This has had a cascading effect on businesses and individuals relying on the court to settle commercial disputes, further straining the justice system.
The task force’s creation marks a decisive move to remedy the situation, with plans to expedite the construction process and provide the court with state-of-the-art facilities. According to the Department of Buildings, a comprehensive review of the project’s current status will be conducted to identify bottlenecks and ensure timely completion.
Justice Kachale stressed that the new premises would not only enhance efficiency but also improve the working environment for judicial staff, enabling them to deliver quality services to the public. “A functional and well-equipped Commercial Division is vital for the economy, as it boosts investor confidence by ensuring that disputes are resolved swiftly and fairly,” he added.
Stakeholders present at the meeting expressed optimism that the task force would resolve long-standing issues surrounding the project. The Ministry of Finance pledged to ensure the availability of resources, while the Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General’s office promised to provide the necessary legal and administrative support to expedite the process.
The completion of the Blantyre High Court Commercial Division premises is seen as a critical milestone in strengthening Malawi’s judiciary and promoting access to justice. For now, the task force’s success will be measured by its ability to deliver on its mandate, ensuring that the court’s operations are no longer hindered by inadequate infrastructure.
As the meeting concluded, the Vice President urged all parties to work collaboratively, emphasizing the importance of delivering results that would benefit all Malawians. With this renewed commitment, there is hope that the long-awaited completion of the court’s permanent premises will soon become a reality.
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