After four months of renovation, the previously war-damaged "house of judges" was officially opened by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Malakal, Upper Nile State, on 5 February.

The house, to be occupied by Greater Upper Nile Court of Appeal Circuit President Justice Stephen Simon, will serve Upper Nile, Jonglei, and Unity states.

"The house was completely damaged and UNDP spent $100,000 to renovate (it)," said UNDP Rule of Law Officer Bernard Mugisha. "The funding was taken from the Judiciary Project of UNDP Southern Sudan."

Renovation of the house began last September, but UNDP had difficulties bringing materials into Malakal, Mr. Mugisha said. "All materials were sent from Kosti, White Nile State, by road and river. That's the reason the cost was very high."

Justice Simon noted that the house had actually been renovated in 2001 but was then damaged in the war, adding that 12 judges' house still needed renovating the Greater Upper Nile.

"We are facing a lot of challenges, not only renovating the houses but providing capacity building. We need continuous support from UNDP," the appeal circuit president said.

UNDP Officer Mugisha observed the Upper Nile judiciary also needed training, a library and infrastructure work. "UNDP is ready to support (the judiciary) as long as the funding is available."

In addition to the judges' house, the UNDP has renovated South Sudan Police Service headquarters in Malakal and is currently building a court house in Nasser county, Upper Nile State.