Justice Ministry takes services closer to Wainikoro residents

People in Wainikoro, Macuata, no longer need to spend extra money travelling to Labasa Town to access services provided by the Ministry of Justice.

This follows approval by Permanent Secretary for Justice Selina Kuruleca for staff from the Labasa office to conduct weekly outreach services at Wainikoro Government Station every Wednesday, beginning this week.

Ms Kuruleca said the initiative was proposed by ministry staff during her recent visit to Labasa.

“The positive turnout reflected growing public awareness and interest in the availability of the ministry’s services in Wainikoro,” she said.

She said the outreach program would now be held every Wednesday, enabling people from four districts to access ministry services closer to home.

During the first outreach, 15 people were assisted with the issuance of birth certificates and business name registration certificates.

Staff also responded to public enquiries and guided residents on the requirements for various services, helping them prepare better for future visits.

The outreach generated interest among individuals seeking to solemnise marriages and obtain marriage licences.

Several business operators also expressed interest in formalising and legalising their businesses through proper registration and licensing processes.

One of the customers, Suresh Chand, thanked the ministry staff for helping him obtain a business licence.

“I am not that much educated and don’t know how to use a computer or mobile phone to get business registration done,” Mr Chand said.

“With services coming closer to my house, it has taken away many months of worry and placed me in a better position to do business.”

Ms Kuruleca said she had also received a similar request from Tui Bua Ra Makutu Nagagavoka during the Yellow Ribbon Walk in Bua earlier this year.

“We will also consider his request and perhaps send a team to Lekutu Government Station to assist people in Bua,” she said.

She said the ministry appreciated the support shown by community leaders and the public and looked forward to continuing to deliver accessible and efficient services to people in the North.