DODOMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on primary courts to prioritise fairness over rigid technicalities that may hinder the delivery of justice, marking a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and trust in the country’s judicial system.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constructed judiciary headquarters in Dodoma yesterday, the Head of State said there is a need for courts to serve as the primary and ultimate recourse for citizens seeking justice, rather than forcing them to seek resolutions through alternative channels.
“If primary courts become excessively focused on technicalities, they will fail to simplify access to justice for citizens, forcing them to turn to the offices of regional, district commissioners or Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM),” she said.
She added: “I request that you adhere to constitutional principles that mandate justice without excessive technical constraints. Specifically, consideration of Article 107 (a) and sub-article 2 (e) of the constitution.”
The inauguration ceremony, which included the unveiling of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and residential houses for judges, served as a platform for President Samia to outline crucial areas for judicial improvement.
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Beyond procedural fairness, she stressed the importance of integrity among judges and court officials, advocating for transparent and value-driven construction projects.
The Head of State further elaborated on the necessity of adopting a people-centred approach to justice, moving beyond mere call centres to ensure that the delivery of justice itself is accessible and responsive to citizens’ needs.
Moreover, President Samia insisted on the need to build residences closer to workplaces for Court of Appeal judges, reducing the long distances they currently travel.
She called for a robust maintenance strategy for judicial buildings, ensuring their longevity and functionality.
President Samia said the government’s commitment to judicial reform is evident in its substantial budgetary allocations.
The Head of State said the substantial investment, coupled with ongoing training programmes for judges and officials, demonstrates a concerted effort to enhance the judiciary’s capacity and efficiency.
“On the side of officials, in 2021, we had 25 Court of Appeal judges and 86 High Court judges. We have made improvements and this year, there are 39 Court of Appeal judges and 105 High Court judges,” she said.
She added: “These efforts have already yielded positive results, with statistics showing a reduction in the average time for case completion from 119 days in 2021 to 78 days in 2024, indicating improved efficiency and growing public trust.”
President Samia reiterated the government’s serious commitment to ensuring that justice reaches all corners of the country in a timely manner, the ongoing implementation of 144 judicial infrastructure projects, including new IJCs, court renovations and the construction of the Chief Justice’s residence, underscores this dedication.
Furthermore, she said the government is in the advanced stages of preparing a national criminal justice policy, incorporating input from all stakeholders to further strengthen the justice system.
During her tour of the newly inaugurated buildings, President Samia lauded the quality of design and installed equipment, affirming their suitability as the headquarters of the Tanzanian judiciary.
She said that the building is the sixth largest among judicial headquarters globally and the first in Africa.
President Samia also commended the inclusion of facilities for vulnerable populations, such as dedicated children’s rooms and the provision of office spaces for key stakeholders in the justice delivery chain, including prison officials and lawyers.
She further expressed particular satisfaction with the significant involvement of local experts and companies in the construction project, with Tanzanians comprising 95 per cent of the technical workforce and a local firm serving as the supervising consultant.
She urged other government institutions to emulate this model in future projects, fostering local capacity building.
President Samia witnessed the interconnectedness of 17 judicial systems within the building’s Judiciary Situation Room, a state-of-the-art facility that provides real-time insights into court operations across the country. She said that this advanced centre is the second of its kind in the world, after Kazakhstan.
The President reiterated the importance of inter-agency collaboration within the justice sector, for seamless communication between the judiciary, the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, the National Prosecution Office, the Attorney General’s Office, Registration Insolvency and Trusteeship Agency (RITA) and National Identification Authority (NIDA), leveraging the National Identification Number for accurate information.
