By FAUSTINE KAPAMA-Judiciary, Dar es Salaam
World Bank Mission, led by Senior Pubic Sector Specialist Task Team, Ms Christine Owour, is in Tanzania to make evaluation on implementation of the Citizen-Centric Judicial Modernization and Justice Service Delivery Project, aimed at improving efficiency and transparence in justice dispensation, which the Judiciary of Tanzania is set to achieve by 2025.
The delegation is set to have a site visit of some areas where the project is being implemented, notably the construction of nine new Integrated Justice Centres (IJCs) in various regions of Lindi, Songea, Katavi, Njombe, Singida, Simiyu and Geita.
Speaking at the session to kick off the site visit session at Integrated Justice Centre for Family Matters Temeke today dated July 22, 2024, the Chief Registrar, Hon. Eva Nkya thanked the World Bank for their collaboration and guidance on various issues concerning the project implementation.
“Your expert and support have been valuable to us since the inception of the project. The partnerships have testament of a shared commitment fostering judicial system that meet international standards and best practices,” she said.
The Chief Registrar pointed out that the project represents a transformative journey, hence enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of judicial process and ensuring that justice delivery is timely and accessible to all.
“I want to assure you that the Chief Justice of Tanzania, His Lordship Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma and Principal Judge, His Lordship Mustapher Mohamed Siyani are fully aware of significant of this mission and will be monitoring at every stage of the process,” Hon Nkya said.
She said that the Judiciary of Tanzania is committed to ensure that the project is completed in a highest successful rate and they are prepared to received guidance and directives from the World Bank, learning about the best practices and adopt the unique context for successful implementation.
The Chief Registrar urged everyone, especially SO owners to carefully observe the directives from the World Bank, as their full involvement in the process is crucial and have been entrusted with such responsibility, reflecting confidence in abilities in the collective commitment to excellence.
“Together we can achieve our vision by enhancing judicial efficiency, improving access to justice, strengthening judicial independence and integrity, leveraging technology and engaging the public to ensure a more and responsible judiciary…
“…Let us work together with dedication and determination to realize our share vision of a modern citizen centric judiciary that serves the needs of all Tanzanians,” Hon Nkya said.
The Chief Registrar expressed her gratitude to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for support and dedication to the strengthening the country’s judicial system.
Speaking during the session, Judge of the High Court of Tanzania and Head of Judiciary Delivery Unit (JDU), Hon. Dr, Angelo Rumisha unveiled that in the project, there are four areas that are being looking at, including increasing the provision of services to citizens, increasing transparency and accountability, increasing system engagement and increasing citizens' trust to the judiciary.
“This project has been going on for quite some time and we are about to reach the end, on June 30, 2025. We are happy to see the project come to an end, having achieved success on all the areas that we agreed with the World Bank,” he said.
The JDU boss pointed out that right now they are at advanced stage of construction of nine Integrated Justice Centers in different regions of the country and by June 2025, all regions of Tanzania will have High Court services, thus reaching 100 percent access to High Court services for all regions of Tanzania.
“Similarly, we have 60 Primary Courts that we are building, which will be completed by January 30, 2025. We are proud to see all the things we agreed with the World Bank and all areas have succeeded and exceeded the goals we have set for ourselves,” he said.
On his part, World Bank Senior Officer dealing with Good Governance Benjamin Mtasigwa explained that they are in Tanzania for evaluation of achievement of the project, which has been implemented for about eight years now.
“The goal of this project is to ensure that we make improvements in access to the best judicial services for the citizens of Tanzania. This is a common procedure between the Bank and the Government, as we have the opportunity as experts to come together and discuss the best way to implement this project,” he said.
The Officer explained that with the records available, they have no doubt that the project has been implemented well, thus he congratulated the Judiciary and its leadership, as well as the Government of Tanzania in general for the best implementation of the project.
“We know that there are good things that have been done in the construction of Integrated Justice Centers, in the improvement of technology systems, in training for judicial officials and other things. As we enter into the last year of implementation of this project, we want to use this forum to see how best we can finish it with great success,” he said.
A memorable group picture of the entire delegation.
Hakuna maoni:
Chapisha Maoni