The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has commended the Department of Road Traffic and Safety Service (DRTSS) for its effort to enhance efficiency and bring services closer its clients.
PAC Chairperson Hon. Mark Botoman MP made commendation when he led members of the Committee on a tour of DRTSS and Plant Vehicle Hire and Engineering Service (PVHES) regional offices in Mzuzu, Friday 11th August 2024.
In his sentiments Hon. Botoman stated that DRTSS is an essential department whose services are critical in driving the economy of the country as they determines movement of people and goods.
He said that considering this critical role it is important for the department to be efficient and professional in conducting its work.
In her remarks Ms. Madalo Nyambose Principal Secretary Responsible for Administration in the Ministry of Transport and Public Works (MoTPW) said that DRTSS working on a reform project which will bring the service closer to the people through the establishment of the Vehicle Inspection Stations in strategic district in all the four regions
Among the reforms as part of taking services closer to the People is the use of mobile MaLTIS, which takes some services to all districts periodically.
In his presentation Andrew Sandula Director of Road Traffic and Safety Service said that work is on-going to operationalize VIS in Karonga, Mangochi and Ngabu as soon as possible.
Sandula also revealed that Malawi Bureau of Standards has certified seven institutions that applied to supply vehicle registration plates and that it now up to the investors to open the business.
The DRTSS has also gone further to install security cameras at all its premises as a way of stopping any corrupt practices.
On the current status of PVHES Hon Botoman said the committee still believes in the relevance of the department in serving government resources used for government vehicle fleet management and provision of construction equipment.
"As a PAC we will seat down and look into ways, which we can help to resuscitate the PVHES and we are likely to make a recommendation to government," said Botoman.