ZANZIBAR: FORMER Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, has called on people to provide maximum cooperation to the judiciary, particularly by testifying or giving evidence in court whenever required, as it is crucial in fighting crime including GBV.
Dr Shein made the remarks during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the new North Unguja Regional Court building in North A District. The event was among activities to celebrate 61st anniversary of the Zanzibar 1964 revolution, scheduled to climax in Pemba on 12th January next year.
He insisted that the role of the law is to guide and encourage communities to follow structured procedures for the benefit of society.
Among these procedures are for the staff to observe guidelines and discipline in the use of limited resources, “We urge judges and magistrates to ensure justice is served diligently, judiciary’s primary duty is to uphold justice.”
“Our judges and magistrates must deliver justice without favouritism or hesitation. Those who are guilty must be held accountable – that is their duty. If there are judges cheating or demurring, they may do so, but God sees everything. I trust our judges and magistrates will continue to fulfill their duties fairly,” said Dr Shein.
He added: “We observe constitutional rule of law, under three pillars: Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature. These organs do not interfere with one another but work together in harmony, as seen in all governments globally.”
The Zanzibar Chief Justice (CJ) Khamis Ramadhani Abdallah, announced plans to construct an additional court building in Nungwi, Unguja north region to provide legal services to the local community.
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“In addition to this building, we plan to build another courthouse in Nungwi to cater to the increasing economic and social activities in the area. This extension will serve residents of Nungwi, Kendwa and nearby villages, ensuring they have access to justice without travelling long distances,” he explained.
He said that the eighth-phase government under President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, will expand judicial facilities across various districts, including Kinduni in North B, Makunduchi in the South, Tungu in the Central District and Kijichi in West A District.
The Chief Court Administrator of Zanzibar, Mr Kai Bashir Mbarouk, further revealed that the government plans to construct seven new regional and district court buildings in Unguja and Pemba.
He explained that the North Unguja Regional Court, once completed, will be equipped with modern facilities, offering offices for magistrates at all levels, Kadhis (Islamic judges), and senior officers.
“This building will also house government and independent attorneys, legal aid assistants, social welfare officers, police, correctional officers, gender-segregated holding cells, a library and courtrooms for hearings and meetings,” said Mr Mbarouk.
The Chief Court Administrator also emphasised that the design of the new courthouse includes robust security features and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
He further noted that the building, along with other ongoing construction projects, will incorporate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for case hearings and court administration.
Unguja North Regional Commissioner, Mr Matar Zahor Masoud, pledged continued efforts to address challenges faced by citizens in line with the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) ruling party’s manifesto.
“President Mwinyi is dedicated to solving the people’s problems, and as his assistants, we will ensure these challenges are addressed. By 2025, we aim to resolve most of these issues and support his bid for a second term,” stated Mr Masoud.
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The planned court project in Unguja North A district, valued at 28.8 bn/-, is expected to be completed within one year from the contract signing date on October 20, 2023. The entire project is funded by the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
