KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Nijrab District Courthouse was co-hosted by District Gov. Mohammad Sultan Safi and the Kapisa Provincial Reconstruction Team here Nov. 13.
The opening of the newly constructed courthouse marks another step taken by the Kapisa District government in strengthening rule of law for the people of Kapisa.
As part of the ceremony, Mohammad Sharif Hakimzada Safi, the acting provincial governor of Kapisa; the district governor; Provincial Council Chair Mohammad Husain Khan; and other key leaders from Kapisa province addressed the audience.
“We’ve assembled here today to celebrate the opening of this courthouse,” said Jim Morris, Kapisa PRT director of state representative from Chappaqua, N.Y. “Although this project appears to be finished, it’s really just beginning.”
“This project was not intended to simply create a nice building; it was meant to bring justice to this area of Afghanistan,” said Morris. “I hope, by working together, this building is used to its fullest extent so the people of Nijrab may find justice here in this courthouse.”
During the ceremony, many key leaders of Kapisa stressed how important the new courthouse was for the people of Nijrab.
“This courthouse will allow our justice system to protect the rights of ordinary citizens from cruel individuals who wrongly mistreat them,” said the acting governor, through an interpreter.
Prior to the construction of this courthouse, Nijrab did not have a local court where the people could seek legal assistance. Now, Kapisa provincial leadership can better address legal concerns that Nijrab citizens may have.
“We are all very happy with the completion of the courthouse,” said Abdul Hanan, a villager from the area, through an interpreter. “Now the people [of Nijrab] have a place where they can bring their problems and find solutions.”
The courthouse project is intended to support the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan by providing the people a legitimate alternative to the Taliban vigilante justice system.
"We hope this building will not only provide a structure for the judicial system to use, but will also act as a symbol of GIRoA’s legitimacy and fair administration,” said U.S. Army Maj. Seth Middleton, Kapisa PRT civil affairs officer and native of Wichita, Kan.
The courthouse facilities consist of a justice center, residential quarters, generator room, jail facility, guard shack and restrooms.
The Kapisa PRT assists the GIRoA in providing a secure, stable environment for reconstruction efforts by increasing government officials’ capabilities and capacities. The Nijrab District courthouse project is an example of the development projects the PRT is using to connect the government to the people and to improve quality of life in the province.
| Date Taken: |
11.13.2010 |
| Date Posted: |
11.14.2010 12:46 |
| Story ID: |
60119 |
| Location: |
KAPISA PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: |
144 |
| Downloads: |
1 |
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