Zanzibar strengthens legal aid with new transport support
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR government has strengthened access to justice by providing 14 electric tricycles and a Land Cruiser vehicle to legal aid providers serving communities across Unguja and Pemba.
The transport support is aimed at improving the delivery of legal aid services, particularly in remote areas, as part of efforts to expand access to justice under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s legal aid campaign.
Handing over the vehicles at the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance in Mazizini, Unguja, Minister Dr Haroun Ali Suleiman said improved mobility will enable legal aid providers to reach more citizens efficiently.
“The government recognises the important role played by legal aid providers in educating communities about their rights and helping citizens access justice in a timely manner,” he said.
Dr Haroun said the government will continue working with development partners to strengthen legal aid services and address challenges affecting access to justice. He noted that transport constraints have particularly affected the handling of gender-based violence and abuse cases, delaying assistance to victims.
ALSO READ: Judge Parliament by its service to the people – Speaker
The minister urged beneficiaries to use the vehicles responsibly to maximise their impact on service delivery. Director of Legal Aid Providers for North A Region, Ms Asia Fadhili Makame, welcomed the support, saying inadequate transport had limited their ability to reach remote communities.
“The electric tricycles will make it easier for us to reach villages and areas with poor infrastructure, enabling more people to benefit from legal aid services,” she said.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Mr Shigeki Komatsubara, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Zanzibar’s efforts to improve access to justice through development partnerships.
A representative from the Embassy of Ireland in Tanzania, Ms Danai Lazaris, also pledged continued support for initiatives that strengthen the rule of law, improve access to justice and protect vulnerable groups.
