A judge in Papua New Guinea has made a landmark ruing, ordering various government authorities to action over the parlous state of roads in Madang province.
Justice David Cannings, presiding over the national court, has taken the rare step of invoking voluntary powers granted to judges by PNG's constitution to enforce human rights.
He has brought about a case himself and ordered a reange of government authorities to properly fund the maintenance of Madang roads.
Dr Bal Kama, a Papua New Guinean lawyer and academic specialising in judicial powers and constitutional matters, told Johnny Blades the judge has set an important precedent that could have implications for good governance in PNG.
Papua New Guinean academic and lawyer, Bal Kama. Photo: Australian National University
