ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has intensified pressure for full digital transformation of the judiciary, saying delays in adopting Information and Communication Technology are slowing access to justice.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Justice George Masaju at State House in Zanzibar on Monday, Dr Mwinyi said ICT must become central to court operations to speed up case handling and reduce costs for citizens.
He said Zanzibar should build on Tanzania’s progress in digitalising judicial systems to modernise its own courts and improve efficiency.
Dr Mwinyi reaffirmed government support for stronger cooperation between the Zanzibar Judiciary and the Judiciary of Tanzania, saying the partnership is key to improving justice delivery.
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He added that ongoing investment in ICT systems and court infrastructure is aimed at bringing services closer to citizens and improving working conditions for judicial officers.
He also cited the construction of the Court of Appeal building in Pemba as a key project expected to ease operations and improve access to justice on the island.
Chief Justice George Masaju welcomed the reforms and praised Zanzibar’s support, saying the Pemba court project will reduce costs for litigants and improve service delivery, and promised close oversight to ensure timely completion.