Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Head of the European Union (EU) in Zambia Gilles Hervio has observed that the justice system in Zambia is still facing a number of challenges with a substantial backlog of cases, overcrowded prisons, inadequate staffing among others.
Speaking during the launch and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the “Programme for Legal Empowerment and Enhanced Justice Delivery in Zambia (PLEED) in Lusaka today, Mr. Hervio says the project will be able to address some of these challenges.
Mr. Hervio has also commended President Edgar Lungu for visiting Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison in Kabwe and his decision to commute death sentences to life imprisonment.
He says there is an urgent need to improve the situation of prisoners in the country as highlighted by the Human Rights Commission.
Speaking earlier, Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba says Government is focusing on expanding access to justice based on the recognition that functioning of a fair and accessible system of justice is the foundation of every democratic state.
Fredson Yamba
Mr. Yamba, in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Finance Deputy National Authorizing Officer for European Development Fund Ronald Simwinga says the PLEED Project launched has been developed and will be implemented within the policy, strategic, institutional and operational frameworks of the justice and governance sector of Zambia.
Mr. Simwinga says the project is expected to significantly contribute to government’s efforts, aimed at addressing the various challenges and gaps in the justice and governance delivery system in Zambia.
Speaking earlier, Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary Patricia Jere says government has continued to implement major reforms in the areas of political, social and economic governance.