Modern courts on the horizon for Tanzanians

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzanian government is prioritising the improvement of court infrastructure across the country to ensure citizens receive judicial services in a secure and conducive environment.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Mahmoud Kombo, made this statement on January 3, 2025, while laying the foundation stone for the construction of the Magharibi B District Court building in Kisakasaka, Zanzibar.

The move is part of a larger government initiative to address longstanding infrastructure challenges in the judiciary.

According to a public statement, Minister Kombo noted that court buildings in Tanzania have faced infrastructure challenges for many years. The government is now determined to address these issues by constructing new and modern facilities to facilitate better service delivery.

“For instance, the building previously used by the Magharibi B District Court in Mwanakwerekwe was very small, resulting in severe congestion and causing inconvenience to those seeking services,” said Mr Kombo.

“Additionally, the absence of proper facilities for people with special needs and the lack of parking spaces made it difficult for citizens to access services comfortably.”

Legal experts have welcomed the government’s move, emphasising that a proper court environment is crucial for justice to be served efficiently and fairly.

A prominent lawyer based in Zanzibar, Ms Fatma Saleh, said that inadequate court facilities have a direct impact on the administration of justice.

“When courtrooms are overcrowded and lack basic amenities, it affects the mental and emotional well-being of both judicial officers and citizens. This can delay cases and erode public trust in the judiciary,” she said.

Studies conducted by the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) indicate that modern court facilities significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of judicial systems. A 2021 UNDP report titled Access to Justice and Court Infrastructure, highlighted that the physical environment of courts plays a pivotal role in shaping citizens’ perceptions of justice.

“Courts are symbols of justice and fairness,” the report stated. “Modern and well-maintained court buildings foster a sense of trust and legitimacy in the judicial process.”

A retired High Court judge, Mr George Mkosamali, stressed the importance of creating a conducive working environment for judges and magistrates.

“Judicial officers need proper spaces to conduct their duties without distractions or discomfort. It is difficult to focus on complex legal matters in cramped or poorly maintained environments. Investing in court infrastructure is an investment in justice itself,” he said.

The government’s current infrastructure project includes seven court buildings planned for the 2023/2024 financial year.

In Unguja, the Lot Number 2 project comprises four key buildings: the North Region Court, the Mjini Magharibi Region Court, the South Region Court, and the Magharibi B District Court.

Minister Kombo explained that the new court buildings are designed with modern features, including wheelchair access, spacious waiting areas, digital courtrooms, and adequate parking spaces.

“These facilities will not only improve the working environment for judicial officers but also enhance the overall experience of citizens seeking justice,” he said.

Citizens have also expressed their optimism about the government’s initiative. A resident of Mwanakwerekwe, Mr Abdallah Hassan, said that the new Magharibi B District Court will make a significant difference in how justice is delivered.

“In the past, we had to wait for hours outside due to lack of space. Sometimes, there was no place to sit. We hope the new building will solve these problems,” he said.

Minister Kombo called on citizens and judicial officers to take responsibility for maintaining the new facilities.

“The government has invested heavily in improving court infrastructure. It is now up to the users to ensure these facilities are well-maintained so they can serve future generations,” he said.

The judiciary’s infrastructure improvements are part of a broader effort to enhance access to justice in Tanzania. As the country continues to modernise its judicial system, the emphasis remains on ensuring that every citizen can access justice without unnecessary delays or barriers.