Rural women struggle without local Justice of Peace services

Residents of Nabouono Village in Udu, Macuata are facing ongo­ing challenges accessing Justice of the Peace (JP) services, particularly for the Government's $200 education assistance programme.

With no JP in the village, people are forced to travel to Labasa Town, often requiring a full day and sig­nificant expenses.

Mother of three, Losevati Yawa­levu, described the process as "a real hassle" since the programme began.

"Getting these documents signed by a Justice of the Peace is a strug­gle," she said.

"We have to spend a lot just to get to Labasa, and sometimes it delays when we receive our assistance."

Ms Yawalevu said delays in docu­ment verification often meant funds arrived late, sometimes after the school term had started, leaving parents scrambling to pay fees and buy supplies.

Another mother, Laite Bolalevu, echoed her frustrations, saying the absence of a local JP puts rural families at a disadvantage com­pared to those in towns.

Community members are now urging authorities to appoint a JP in Nabouono or nearby villages to make essential services more ac­cessible.

Until then, many families will con­tinue to face long, costly trips for a task that should be simple.