Opuwo: Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Fillemon Wise Immanuel, handed over two vehicles to the Otjikaoko and Ongandjera Community Courts in Opuwo as part of government efforts to strengthen access to justice in rural areas. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Immanuel said the initiative is aimed at improving the visibility and effectiveness of community court officials, particularly in remote areas where access to legal services remains limited. He noted that community courts play a vital role in bridging the gap between the justice system and ordinary citizens.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the minister emphasized that by bringing justice closer to the people, fairness, inclusivity, and equal access for all members of society are ensured. The initiative aligns with Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), which emphasizes inclusive governance, improved access to justice, and the strengthening of public institutions. The establishment and support of community courts under the Community Court Act No. 3 of 2010 reflect the government's commitment to decentralizing legal services and promoting participatory governance.

Immanuel further stressed that the government is committed to ensuring that community courts operate efficiently, transparently, and accountably. He highlighted that the provision of vehicles forms part of broader efforts to improve service delivery and ensure that justice remains accessible and sustainable for both present and future generations. However, he acknowledged that limited resources prevent the government from equipping all community courts at once. The program, which started last year, saw about eight courts receiving vehicles, with more being supported this year.

The allocation of vehicles is based on factors such as the size of a court's jurisdiction, the number of cases handled, and the availability of licensed drivers. To address capacity challenges, Immanuel mentioned that the government has enrolled court messengers without driver's licenses in driving schools at state expense, contributing to skills development and employment creation.

Meanwhile, Ujeuetu Tjihange, senior traditional councillor in the Otjikaoko Traditional Authority, expressed relief and happiness over the new vehicle, noting the challenges the community faced in reaching residents due to the long distances between settlements.