Malawi Legal Aid Bureau (LAB) on Wednesday, 28 February 2024, had an interface with the Legal Affairs and Government Assurances cluster committee of Parliament to discuss plans for the 2024/25 financial year.
Among other issues discussed were how the Bureau has utilized funds allocated in the 2023/24 financial year, outlining successes and challenges faced within the period.
The Director for the Bureau Trouble Kalua, has told the cluster committee that in the financial year under review, the Bureau planned to open more district offices, pay for mandatory budgeted expenses, and carry out activities aimed at assisting indigent Malawians among others.
Noting that funds from the treasury have proven to be inadequate for carrying out planned activities, the Director has pleaded with Parliament through the cluster committee to consider increasing funds allocated in the coming financial year with at least MK685 million.
Given adequate funds, the Bureau will be able to provide quality legal aid services to more Malawians by taking a huge step towards Court representation, opening more district offices, holding prison visits, camp courts, and awareness campaigns.
While agreeing with cries from the Bureau, the chairperson for the cluster committee, Hon. Albert Mbawala, has assured that during the reporting stage in Parliament, the Minister of Finance will be reminded to consider making the needed upward adjustment.
Presently, LAB has registered 23,200 cases in its books and has recruited additional 39 new employees including 10 lawyers and 9 assistants.
Accompanying the Director at the meeting was the Chief Legal Aid Advocate for the south, Sigere Chirwa, Chief Legal Aid Advocate for the east, Zaheed Ndeketa, Chief Accountant Chilambila Chitembeya, Principal Accountant Chikondi Mauluka, Accountant Olipa Dzuwa and Public Relations Officer John Namalenga Jnr.
Copied:Malawi Legal Aid Bureau
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