By: Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU – In a move to improve the capacity and effectiveness of institutions responsible for ensuring oversight and administration of justice, the European Union (EU) has donated eight vehicles to various oversight and justice institutions as part of its ongoing efforts to support reform and strengthen governance.
This contribution, made under the EU-sponsored
‘Support for the Reform and Strengthening of Governance Program’ initiative, aims to foster a rule of law, good governance, human rights respect and gender equality.
The two sedans and six (sports utility vehicles) SUVs have been donated to the Judiciary, National Assembly, Master of the High Court, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Legal Aid Unit, Probation Unit and Program Coordination Unit (PCU). These vehicles will enable these institutions to effectively carry out their mandate particularly in remote areas.
This gesture, the Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane said, underscores the EU’s commitment to assisting Lesotho’s and thanked it for being a “dependable” partner.
Appreciating the gesture, from one of the beneficiary institutions, Advocate ‘Matahleho Matiea, the Master of High Court thanked the donor promising that the vehicles will be used for the purposes which they were requested. She said in the Magistrate Court, they will ferry children from one place to another in accordance with the Magistrate’s orders.
For her office, the Master of the High Court said they have come in handy as they will assist them to reach their clients, especially those living in hard to reach places.
“We are happy. We are grateful. We will be able to discharge our mandate through the help of these vehicles,” she said.
The project has not only facilitated the handover of vehicles but also provided office furniture to partner institutions in governance and justice services, it has also implemented capacity-building initiatives for officers including Judges and Magistrates, as well as supply of vocational training equipment to inmates at correctional facilities. It also saw the supply of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment and services to partner institutions.
The Clerk of the National Assembly, Advocate Lebohang Fine Maema KC reiterated that through strengthening of the country’s institutional and legal framework this move aims to guarantee respect for human rights ,gender equality and the rule of law. “The specific objectives of this program align with our national strategic development plan (NSDP II as extended) under the key priority area, four – strengthening national governance and accountability systems. Therefore, it becomes apparent and certain that this program will advance the efforts of the Kingdom of Lesotho aimed at promoting peaceful and inclusive societies providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.”
Mario Giuseppe Varrenti, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Lesotho said handover of vehicles will support the oversight institutions and enhance the delivery of justice in the Kingdom as well as access to quality justice for all.
“We reaffirm our commitment to making justice more accessible to all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalised by increasing both efficiency of justice services and access to legal awareness aid and education,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice and Law, Hon Richard Ramoeletsi, assured that the vehicles will be serviced as needed and encouraged those using them to ensure they are well-maintained.