ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has announced that the government has a special plan to construct modern infrastructure for government offices, the judiciary, and the House of Representatives. The aim, he said, is to create work environments that foster accountability and ensure efficient delivery of quality services to citizens.

Dr Mwinyi made these remarks yesterday in Mazizini, just outside Zanzibar City, during the inauguration of four newly constructed modern court buildings for regional and district courts across the islands. The new facilities include the North Regional Court in Kiongole, the South Regional Court in Tunguu, Mazizini Court in the Urban Region, and Kisakasaka Court in Magharibi B District, Unguja.

He emphasised that the judiciary had long struggled with overcrowded and dilapidated office spaces, which negatively affected their ability to deliver justice efficiently. “Previously, the conditions were far from satisfactory for institutions entrusted with the crucial role of administering justice,” Dr Mwinyi said.

The president noted that with the rapid growth of both domestic and foreign investment in Zanzibar, strong and well-resourced institutions are essential for managing the resulting legal challenges. “We need institutions that are not only resilient but also accountable, supported by functional and enabling working environments,” he added.

Dr Mwinyi further revealed that the judiciary is preparing to begin another major construction project comprising five additional buildings funded by the World Bank. These include the construction of four district court buildings, a comprehensive justice service center, extensive renovations to Mahonda Children’s Court, and a new court building in Wete, Pemba.

“My expectation is that once these projects are completed, they will address the challenges of space constraints and dilapidation, creating courts that are user-friendly, energy-efficient, and digitally managed,” he said.

The President also highlighted the benefits of the new comprehensive justice center in Chake Chake, Pemba, which will consolidate the Court of Appeal of Tanzania, the Zanzibar High Court, and regional and district courts under one roof. This will eliminate the need for Pemba residents to travel to Unguja to follow up on their appeals, greatly improving access to justice.

Zanzibar Chief Justice Khamis Ramadhan Shabani welcomed the new court buildings, noting that previously, cases were heard in worn-out facilities where evidence was often damaged by pests, and the backlog of cases was growing due to inadequate infrastructure. 

He credited the initiative, along with efforts to increase the number of judges and court clerks, to President Mwinyi’s leadership. “We owe you nothing, Your Excellency, except to work diligently and ensure that citizens receive justice promptly without unnecessary delays,” Justice Shabani said.

Bashir Mbarouk, Chief Executive Officer of the Zanzibar Judiciary, said that the construction of these new facilities reflects the government’s broader strategy to strengthen public institutions and create professional and efficient working environments. 

According to Mbarouk, improved infrastructure will enhance service delivery to citizens and facilitate the effective administration of justice throughout Zanzibar.

These developments demonstrate Zanzibar’s commitment to modernizing its public institutions, promoting accountability, and improving access to justice, laying a foundation for sustainable governance and socio-economic progress across the islands.