ZANZIBAR: THE ongoing major judicial reforms in Zanzibar, including the construction of new court buildings, must translate into improved access to justice and enhanced customer satisfaction, First Vice President (1st VP) Othman Masoud Othman has emphasised.
Speaking during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the construction of a new regional court building at Kinyasini, Wete District, North Pemba Region, Mr Othman highlighted that while the Zanzibar government has made significant investments in judicial reforms ranging from infrastructural development to embracing modern technology and staff expansion these efforts must directly benefit the citizens.
He stressed that meaningful judicial reform goes beyond physical infrastructure and technological advancements.
“Effective judicial reform should go beyond mere modernisation of processes. Modern buildings and technology alone would not necessarily improve systemic deficiencies.
The reform should equip judges and court staff to serve the public better, satisfy the public and lead to national stability and social and economic progress,” Mr Othman said.
The First Vice President pointed out that the judiciary holds the executive authority to investigate suspicious deaths, particularly incidents involving suspects who die in police custody or prison.
However, he expressed concern that these powers have not been adequately utilised, even amid rising cases of deaths in official custody.
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He called on the judiciary to exercise its mandate more effectively by forming committees led by credible judges to investigate sudden deaths and similar incidents.
Such measures, he noted, would not only strengthen public trust in the judicial system but also ensure transparency and accountability in handling sensitive cases.
Mr Othman reiterated, “The Chief Justice has the authority and legal responsibility to oversee the investigation of various murder cases through the establishment of committees led by credible judges.”
Furthermore, he urged court officials in Zanzibar to deliver quality services that align with the significant financial investments made by the government in the judiciary. He insisted that courts must serve as trusted institutions where people seek justice without hesitation or fear of bias.
“The judiciary’s reputation is not solely dependent on grand, good buildings but on how effectively the courts handle cases and ensure justice, fostering public trust in the institution,” he added.
The First Vice President reminded court officials that their role is central to preserving the integrity of the judiciary and any shortcomings in service delivery risk undermining the public’s faith in the justice system. For his part, Zanzibar’s Chief Justice, Khamis Ramadhan Abdalla, outlined the strides made by the judiciary in recent years.
He noted that significant progress has been achieved in expediting hearings, reducing case backlogs and improving overall court efficiency.
He revealed that the judiciary has secured a $30 million loan aimed at further modernising the courts, upgrading infrastructure, acquiring state-of-the-art equipment and recruiting skilled personnel.
These measures, he said, will enhance the judiciary’s capacity to meet the growing demand for judicial services. Acting Minister of State, Office of the President, Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance, Mr Shamata Shaame Khamis, underscored the importance of ongoing reforms.
He highlighted that the construction of modern court buildings is a key pillar of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar’s commitment to providing efficient and reliable judicial services to its citizens.
Meanwhile, the Regional Commissioner for North Pemba, Ms Salama Mbarouk Khatib, announced that, in the lead-up to the 61st anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, a total of 18 development projects including court infrastructure will either be inaugurated or marked with foundation stone-laying ceremonies.
She called on Zanzibaris to remain cooperative and supportive of the government’s efforts in implementing these critical projects. She also noted that the visible improvements in court infrastructure signal a step forward in enhancing access to justice across the islands.
The event forms part of a series of activities taking place across Unguja and Pemba Islands in celebration of the 61st anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, which will culminate on 12th January 2025.
As Zanzibar continues to invest heavily in judicial reforms, it remains essential for these efforts to translate into practical benefits for ordinary citizens, fostering trust, transparency and accountability in the judicial system.
