THE Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs yesterday launched a Customer Service Centre to enable members of the public to submit complaints without incurring costs associated with travelling.

At the launch ceremony, Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prof Palamagamba Kabudi explained that people previously had to incur significant expenses to travel long distances to submit complaints at the ministry’s offices in Dodoma.

He noted that the Samia Legal Aid campaign which has since reached Dodoma, Manyara, Singida, Simiyu, Shinyanga, Ruvuma and Njombe regions inspired the establishment of the centre.

However, he added that the centre is a continuation of the campaign, which will soon expand to the remaining regions of Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

“This centre reflects the 4Rs of President Samia’s philosophy. Through these principles, the ministry aims to facilitate conflict resolution, provide legal education and offer legal assistance,” he said.

He highlighted that the centre allows citizens to submit their concerns via phone number 0262160360.

“This service benefits those who cannot afford travel expenses, allowing them to lodge complaints by phone. The centre will address the issues without requiring a physical visit to the ministry,” he said.

Prof. Kabudi reported that from February to 31st August 2024, 499 complaints had been registered, with 410—equivalent to 82 percent—resolved fully, and 89 at various stages of resolution.

He noted that the centre underscores the government’s commitment to using technological solutions to effectively reach and assist citizens.

“The ministry plans to extend service hours to 24/7. I would like to thank our development partner FCDO for its support in establishing this centre in collaboration with the government,” he said.

He urged the media to continue raising public awareness about the centre to ensure citizens submit their complaints for resolution.

Earlier, Jane Lyimo, Director of Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights Department at the ministry, explained that the centre is part of broader efforts to combat corruption through a programme implemented by the ministry and overseen by the Office of the President and funded by the UK government.