Gbarnga – Bong County Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris has drawn criticism after distancing the county administration from the responsibility of building judicial infrastructure, despite the commitment outlined under Pillar Three of the county’s validated development agenda.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
Speaking at the opening of the May Term of Court for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, Superintendent Norris told reporters that the judiciary, not the county administration, is responsible for constructing court buildings.
“There are three branches of government, and I represent the Executive,” she stated. “Each branch has its own budget, and as such, the judiciary should take responsibility for providing its own infrastructure.”
Her remarks came in response to an appeal by Sackie Mafelleh, Bong County’s Trial Judges’ Coordinator, who urged the county leadership to prioritize courthouse construction. He revealed that seven out of the nine existing magisterial courts in the county currently operate out of private residences.
Mafelleh warned that the lack of dedicated court facilities poses a serious risk to judicial independence and credibility. “We are challenged,” he said. “These makeshift arrangements are not sustainable and compromise the integrity of the courts.”
He cited an incident in which a local judge had to halt proceedings after the death of a relative turned the judge’s home—also serving as a courtroom—into a mourning site. “Residents have the right to reclaim their property at any time, and this severely undermines the judiciary’s credibility,” he added.
Norris’ comments appear to contradict the county’s four-year County Development Agenda (CDA), validated in 2024 during a two-day workshop supported by the Liberian government, the UN, and Sweden. Under Pillar Three of the CDA, which focuses on rule of law, the county pledged to construct, renovate, and equip justice and security infrastructure across all 14 administrative districts.
The plan includes support for the Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, Armed Forces of Liberia, Fire Service, and the judiciary.
Stakeholders have criticized Norris’ stance as a step back from the decentralization drive and collaborative development vision outlined during the CDA workshop.
The CDA, aligned with Liberia’s Vision 2030 framework, emphasizes inclusive governance and the empowerment of local leaders in addressing community needs.
Observers argue that the superintendent’s refusal to support courthouse construction raises questions about the county’s commitment to the plan. With the next County Council Sitting approaching, judicial actors are calling for a reconsideration and for local government to honor its development pledges.