The European Union (EU) has donated eight vehicles to the judiciary with the aim of speeding up the wheel of justice.

Speaking at the handover event on Thursday, the EU Head of Corporation, Mr. Mario Varrenti said their collaboration with the government of Lesotho is extensive, from taking care of range lands to develop skills for the younger generation.

He indicated that none of these could have been achievable without firm institutions, hence they saw a need to enhance justice delivery through the initiative.

He said the EU affirms to make justice more accessible especially to the poor and marginalised with the guidance of the relevant ministries and the technical assistance.

Varrenti mentioned a number of initiatives such as training for magistrates, investigative workshop for new recruits of the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) and office furniture for the judiciary.

The vehicle handover, he said, is just one of them but marks a great day where justice is to become more effective and accessible to citizens. He pledged more initiatives in the future such as renovation of the children’s court,

concluding by noting that the magnitude of all that the EU has done will be felt and become evident once the reforms are completed and implemented.

The six four by four vans and two corollas now belong to the judiciary, office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Master of High Court, Legal aid, probation unit, project coordination unit and the National Assembly each.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Master of High Court, Matahleho Matiea expressed gratitude saying she is overwhelmed by the EU gesture which she said makes it clear how much it ascribes to the distribution of justice in Lesotho.

Matiea further said the vehicles will speed up movement for essential services such as psychosocial support, especially for children and delivering of subpoenas amongst others.

The Court Clerk, Advocate Fine Maema, speaking as part of the steering committee said the gesture is one of those that strengthens the justice system especially at the time when the reforms process is ongoing and the debate on the 10 th amendment of the constitution.

He added that this gift is a sequel to a handover of furniture to the sister office not so long ago.

The donation is part of the Support for the Reform and Strengthening of Governance in Lesotho Programme between the government and the EU.