Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE World Bank (WB) Managing Director of Development Policy and Partnership, Ms Mari Pangestu has asked the Judiciary to continue improving delivery of judicial services, particularly focusing on women’s rights.
Ms Pangestu made an appeal on November 16, 2021 when she paid a courtesy call on the office of Chief Justice, Prof Ibrahim Juma at the Court of Appeal in Dar es Salaam.
She explained that it was important to take into consideration women’s rights as many suffered because of lack of awareness.
“It is important to give priority to women in the community so that they can realise their rights and various legal procedures and how to use them as many suffer because they do not know what to do in pursuing their rights,” said the World Bank Director.
In addition, Ms Pangestu commended the Judiciary for the improvement of its services following the Judicial Service Improvement Project funded by a loan from the World Bank and pledged to continue providing cooperation to further improve judicial services to more citizens.
The Executive Director noted that transparency and accountability are key factors to enable the Judiciary remain close to the people. She pledged to uphold co-operation with the Judiciary to ensure that justice services continue to be improved for the benefit of the people.
“Transparency and accountability are important ingredients in the rule of law, this issue has been a problem in many countries, but I am sure you have gained experience in the implementation of the Judicial Service Improvement Project and you have been able to reach people,” said Ms Pangestu.
Prof Juma thanked the World Bank for its co-operation and giving the Judiciary of Tanzania a priority as through the Government of Tanzania received loaned funds from the bank which enabled the implementation of the five-year Judicial Strategic Plan 2015 / 2016-2019 / 2020.
The Chief Justice pledged to continue to provide cooperation that would enable the implementation of the Second Judicial Service Improvement Plan 2020 / 2021-2024 / 2025.
“The cooperation between the World Bank and the government has brought benefits to the Judiciary. There are few judiciaries in the world that receive such cooperation, thus the Judiciary of Tanzania will not undermine this partnership by continuing to improve judicial services,” he said.
Prof Juma explained that the Judiciary has changed its approach on service delivery in areas of accountability, transparency and access to justice services for citizens, thus changing their attitudes and negative mind-set towards the Judiciary and having systems of monitoring and responsibility.
During her brief visit to the judiciary, the World Bank Chief got an opportunity to visit the Temeke Integrated Justice Centre, a one stop centre for probate and administration of estates and family matter related cases.
She later received report on the operation of the Mobile Court and a report on the implementation of the Judicial Service Improvement Project for 2015 / 2016-2019 / 2020, which was presented by Judge of the High Court of Tanzania, Main Registry, Ms Zahra Maruma.
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