Burutu Ward 18 Councillor Ebipadewei Begins Renovation Of Dilapidated Customary Court

The Councillor representing Burutu Ward 18 in the Burutu Local Government Legislative House, Hon. Pondy Ebipadewei Stainless, has taken a bold step towards restoring the dignity and functionality of the Burutu Customary Court in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, following the commencement of a comprehensive renovation of the long-abandoned and dilapidated court building.

The development, which underscores the councillor’s commitment to community development and the improvement of public infrastructure, was made known to The Liberator Newspapers during a media chat with the lawmaker.

Speaking on the decision to undertake the renovation, Hon. Pondy Ebipadewei explained that the deplorable condition of the Customary Court building had become a source of concern, as the once-important judicial facility had deteriorated significantly over the years, leaving it in a state that could best be described as an eyesore.

According to him, the building had remained in a terrible condition for decades, raising serious concerns about the state of judicial infrastructure in the community and the uncomfortable situation faced by those who depend on the court for the resolution of customary and other related matters.

He further disclosed that the poor condition of the building had made it impossible for the Burutu Customary Court to conduct its regular proceedings within the premises. Consequently, court sittings had been relocated to the residence of the President of the Customary Court in Burutu.

The councillor described the situation as embarrassing and uncomfortable, stressing that it was unacceptable for an important judicial institution serving the people to operate under such circumstances.

He said his decision to take over the renovation was informed by the need to address the situation and restore a conducive environment where judicial activities could be conducted with dignity, comfort and the respect the institution deserves.

Giving an update on the level of work, Hon. Ebipadewei disclosed that the renovation had already commenced in earnest, with the building’s old roofing removed to pave the way for a complete overhaul.

He explained that materials needed for the project had been purchased, including timber for the reconstruction of the roof, tiles for the flooring, doors, windows and other essential building materials required to give the court a befitting outlook.

The lawmaker noted that the renovation would go beyond mere cosmetic improvements, as his intention was to ensure that the building received the necessary attention to make it suitable for the effective discharge of its judicial responsibilities.

Speaking further, Hon. Ebipadewei reaffirmed his determination to see the project completed within the shortest possible time, assuring the people of Burutu that he would remain committed to the renovation until the building was fully restored.

He also expressed his intention to ensure that the renovated Customary Court would be formally commissioned upon completion, marking a new chapter in the history of the judicial facility and providing a more comfortable environment for the court’s officials, litigants and other members of the public.

The renovation initiative is coming on the heels of another intervention by the councillor, who recently embarked on a massive empowerment programme for 200 constituents across Burutu Ward 18, with each beneficiary receiving the sum of ₦50,000.

The empowerment programme, which was aimed at providing financial support to constituents and helping to cushion their economic challenges, further demonstrated his interest in grassroots development and the welfare of the people he represents.

His latest intervention at the Burutu Customary Court has once again drawn attention to the importance of responsive representation, particularly at the grassroots level, where the needs of communities often require practical and timely interventions.

With the renovation now underway, residents of Burutu and users of the Customary Court are hopeful that the project will be completed as promised, bringing an end to the prolonged difficulties associated with the poor condition of the facility.

The initiative is expected to restore the dignity of the Burutu Customary Court, improve the working environment for judicial officers and provide members of the public with a more appropriate setting for accessing customary justice.