By Alfred Zakaria
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, . Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving court infrastructure as a way to enhance access to justice and create a conducive environment for citizens.
Speaking on January 1, 2025, during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Western B District Court in Kisakasaka, Zanzibar, Ambassador Kombo noted that outdated and inadequate court facilities have long been a challenge.
He emphasized that the government, under the leadership of President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, is determined to address these issues through the construction of modern court buildings.
"The previous Western B Court building in Mwanakwerekwe was too small, leading to overcrowding and significant inconvenience for users," he stated.
"It also lacked proper facilities for court officers and services for people with special needs, as well as parking spaces, leaving citizens without a suitable place to wait for services."
The minister explained that these challenges drove the government to prioritize the construction of regional and district court buildings in both Unguja and Pemba.
He highlighted that the Western B District Court project is part of a broader initiative to build seven court facilities, which was allocated funds in the 2023/2024 financial year.
For Unguja, Lot Number 2 of the project includes four court buildings: the Northern Regional Court, the Urban-West Regional Court, the Southern Regional Court, and the Western B District Court.
Ambassador Kombo also emphasized the importance of preserving the new infrastructure, noting the government’s significant investment in these facilities.
He called on court users and the public to maintain the buildings to ensure their long-term serviceability.
This development is a crucial step in the government's efforts to modernize the judiciary and ensure justice is delivered efficiently and effectively across Zanzibar.