Francis Barnabas
The World Bank (WB) has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the citizen-centric judicial modernization and justice service delivery project, funded with 90 million US dollars (approximately 229.5 billion TZS), highlighting ongoing collaboration with the Tanzanian government.
During a press briefing at Dodoma’s Integrated Justice Centre (IJC), the World Bank’s Senior Governance Specialist, Benjamin Mtesigwa, shared the positive feedback on the successful implementation of the project. He emphasized, “This project is one of the successful initiatives, and we are pleased with the advancements made.”
A delegation from the World Bank Group is currently on a weeklong visit to evaluate the progress of phase II of the project. Led by the Bretton Woods Institution’s Senior Public Sector Specialist, Christine Owuor, the team is conducting assessments in various project locations across the country.
The visit commenced in the capital city, where the team engaged in extensive discussions with the Tanzanian judiciary’s technical team before proceeding to other regions.
Under the leadership of Chief Court Administrator (CCA) Professor Elisante Ole Gabriel, the government secured a concessional loan agreement of 90 million US dollars with the World Bank for the implementation of phase II of the citizen-centric judicial modernization and justice service delivery project.
The primary objective of this project is to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of selected citizen-centric justice services. The agreement for phase II followed the successful implementation of phase I, which brought significant improvements to Tanzania’s judicial system in terms of infrastructure and service delivery.
During discussions held recently, Ms. Awour mentioned that phase II is projected to conclude by June 2025. She emphasized the importance of meeting all targets within the stipulated timeframe and highlighted the collaborative efforts between the World Bank and Tanzania’s judiciary.
The World Bank delegation is set to engage in further discussions with the Tanzanian technical team, ensuring close collaboration and cooperation to enhance justice delivery nationwide. Professor Ole Gabriel assured the delegation of their commitment to implementing projects efficiently and cooperatively to achieve set objectives.
Furthermore, plans include establishing Integrated Justice Centres (IJCs) in all regions nationwide, with an additional center planned for Pemba in the isles. The CCA pledged prudent utilization of project funds to ensure maximum impact.
Since 2016, the World Bank has been instrumental in supporting Tanzania’s Judiciary to enhance efficiency, transparency, and access to citizen-centric justice services. Apart from constructing IJCs, the Citizen-Centric Judicial Modernization and Justice Service Delivery Project has introduced mobile court services (justice-on-wheels) to reach rural and underserved areas, providing easier access to justice services for vulnerable groups.
Dr. Angelo Rumisha, Head of Judicial Reforms, highlighted plans to construct nine additional IJCs across different regions in this phase of the project, following the successful construction of six IJCs in phase I. He praised the World Bank for its continued support and additional funding for judicial reforms in Tanzania.
