Minister of Justice Mulambo Haimbe says that government is resolved to strengthen the criminal justice system, by embarking on institutional, legal and judicial reforms.
Mr Haimbe said the reforms will focus on enhancing access to justice, modernization of the judicial system and introduction of performance management systems, as well as development of multi-purpose court infrastructure.
Mr Haimbe said this in a speech read for him by Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary for Administration, Thandiwe Oteng at the official launch of the Zambia judicial sector Public Expenditure and Institutional Review (PEIR) report in Lusaka.
The Minister revealed that Government has engaged the World Bank Group to undertake a diagnostic study of the judicial sector, with the objective of identifying the institutions and financial constraints affecting justice service delivery in the country.
“While the country has a functional justice sector and robust legal framework, institutional and implementation weaknesses continue to persist due to challenges such as inadequate financing, understaffing, inadequate use of technology and court infrastructure impeding access to justice by citizens,” Mr. Haimbe stated.
The Minister cited the eighth national development plan which reaffirms the government’s commitment to making judicial reforms a critical element to national development, as reflected under the good governance environment pillar.
Chief Justice Mumba Malila acknowledged the review as a significant milestone in efforts to attain a just and accountable judiciary which guarantees justice for all.
Justice Malila noted that recommendations made in the review, if implemented, will address the institutional weaknesses and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the judiciary.
Justice Malila said that by continuously striving for improvement, the judiciary can adapt to evolving society needs and enhance access to justice.
He pointed out the importance of the PEIR as an important tool which can contribute to promote accountability, enhance policy formulation, promote institutional reform and support donor coordination.
The Chief Justice said this in a speech for him by High Court Judge, Charles Kafunda.
And World Bank Country Manager Sahr Kpundeh stressed the importance of the justice sector as part of the country’s economic growth and development.
Dr Kpundeh noted that strengthened judicial systems are critical in achieving Zambia’s development priorities as it resonates well with the government’s intent to modernize the judiciary to speed up dispensation of justice.
Dr Kpundeh disclosed the bank’s interest to consider providing investment support to the sector if the Ministry of Finance and National Planning make a request for such support.
Among the recommendations include ensuring sustainable financing to the judiciary, increasing public access, addressing infrastructure and human resource shortfalls, improving ICT and data systems, developing ongoing judicial training, improving accountability mechanisms and enhancing the information provided by the courts to the public.
