A partial roof collapse at the Jama Judicial Unit in Manabí, Ecuador, has led to the temporary suspension of in-person court hearings as the judiciary moves to telematic sessions during repairs.
On February 22, 2024, a partial roof collapse occurred in the hearing room of the Judicial Unit located in the canton of Jama, Manabí province, Ecuador. This incident was reported by the Judiciary Council, which clarified that there were no injuries or loss of life, only material damages sustained to the infrastructure. The property is leased, and the owner has begun the process of clearing debris and conducting a technical assessment to facilitate repairs swiftly.
In response to the incident, the Judiciary has put measures in place to temporarily relocate judicial staff to ensure continued operation despite the damage. The organization is keen on maintaining judicial services, and as a result, all court hearings will now be conducted remotely until the infrastructure interventions are completed to ensure safety and service continuity.
The Jama Judicial Unit has been providing services to the citizens since September 2024. This recent event underscores the importance of maintaining public infrastructure and highlights the challenges faced by judicial services in providing reliable service without interruptions, especially in the context of ensuring access to justice amid structural issues.
