By Kelly Napolo:
The country is making progress in finding a permanent solution to problems that have been plaguing passport issuance, a senior Ministry of Homeland Security official has said, citing ongoing discussions between government officials and a new service provider.
Principal Secretary for Homeland Security Steven Kayuni told The Daily Times on Tuesday that they are ensuring that there is no gap in the issuance of passports, with the government’s contract with E-Techno Systems set to expire this month end.
Kayuni said ministry officials are working around the clock to formalise and initiate a contract with E-Tech.
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He added that Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) officials have been consulted on procurement processes with the company.
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“We are live to contract processes for E-Tech. PPDA too has been contacted on the long term solution procurement process. There won’t be a gap in service delivery to Malawians,” Kayuni said.
Recently, Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (Cdedi), in a letter addressed to Attorney General (AG) Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda on August 12 this year, asked the government to revert to one of the former service providers, citing proven track record.
“Cdedi has established that the Malawi Government is in the process of procuring a new passport supplier following the expiry of the K897 million six-month E-Techno Systems contract this August end,” the letter, which the organisation’s executive director Silvester Namiwa signed, reads.
“Cdedi, on behalf of millions of Malawians, implore you, Hon AG, to use powers vested in you, as principal legal adviser to government, to halt this ridiculous decision…,” Namiwa added.
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And, in a letter dated August 13 2024, Chakaka Nyirenda acknowledged receipt of the letter from Cdedi.
He, however, quashed the organisation’s request to bring back former service provider Techno Brain.
“Your organisation’s proposal to bring back Techno Brain is illegal as it is contrary to the PPDA Act on public procurement procedures,” the letter reads.
On Tuesday, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services (Dics) expressed optimism that enhancements to its passport issuance processes would help improve service delivery.
Ironically, the department has maintained the daily printing capacity of 800 passports despite the latest upgrade.
On Monday, the department completed maintenance on its system, which began on Friday last week and is aimed at improving overall efficiency.
The maintenance reportedly focused on streamlining internal processes rather than increasing the printing capacity.
Dics spokesperson Wellington Chiponde said while printing capacity remains the same, the department had made strides in enhancing service delivery.
“Our goal was to address backlog issues and reduce congestion in our offices. By doing this, we aim to offer a more efficient and valuable service to all Malawians,” Chiponde said.
He also expressed confidence that the improvements would lead to shorter waiting times at the department’s offices.
“We are working on minimising long queues and improving the service experience. Additionally, Malawians can now access passport application forms online, making the process more convenient,” Chiponde said.
He also said the department was expected to resume the provision of passport services at its Mangochi office soon.
“Reopening the Mangochi office will reduce travel distances for many [service seekers] and make it easier for people in that [eastern] region to access our services,” Chiponde said.
Recently, Salim Bagus, who is Chairperson for the Security and Defence Committee of Parliament, suggested that acquiring additional machines could further address challenges related to passport issuance.
Earlier, Information and Digitalisation Minister Moses Kunkuyu said the government was committed to improving the system.
“Although the reopening of offices in Blantyre and Mzuzu may not have had an immediate impact, it is gradually easing congestion. We ask for the public’s patience as we work through these improvements,” Kunkuyu said.
After the suspension of passport printing services in February due to a system glitch, which President Lazarus Chakwera attributed to hacking by digital mercenaries, Dics resumed operations in March.
At the height of the passport crisis, Homeland Security Minister Ken Zikhale Ng’oma paid surprise visits to Dics offices to inquire into what was happening.
