MACRA Proposes Stiffer Penalties for Vandalism of National Addressing System Infrastructure
MACRA has expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of vandalism targeting the National Addressing System (NAS) infrastructure, writes Wanangwa Mtawali.
LILONGWE, Malawi -- The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of vandalism targeting the National Addressing System (NAS) infrastructure, writes Wanangwa Mtawali.
Such acts not only incur significant costs for the authority but also impede the country's progress.
To address this issue, MACRA has announced its intention to leverage the ongoing review of the Communications Act of 2016 to propose stricter penalties for individuals found guilty of vandalizing NAS infrastructure.
Daud Suleman, Director General of MACRA, made these remarks during a press conference in Lilongwe on Monday, where he provided an update on the progress of the NAS project.
As mandated by the Communications Act, MACRA leads the implementation of the NAS project, which involves mapping, naming streets and roads, numbering houses, and labelling significant buildings through a multi-stakeholder approach.
According to MACRA, the naming and numbering of streets, roads, and properties have been completed in the Northern Region. Additionally, pilot projects have been carried out in a few areas of the central and southern regions.
However, Suleman expressed concern over the escalating incidents of vandalism targeting infrastructure such as poles and signposts, emphasising that such actions hinder progress.
"The installed infrastructure is vital for the nation as it facilitates the development and establishment of a digital economy. NAS infrastructure should be treated as a critical national asset," Suleman emphasised.
"The review of the Communications Act is currently underway, led by a relevant task force. We are proposing the inclusion of NAS in the act, along with provisions that address the issue of vandalism of NAS infrastructure. Stricter penalties must be imposed."
Despite the challenges posed by vandalism, Suleman highlighted the success of the project.
"We are in the final stages of procurement and delivery of infrastructure assets for all districts in the Northern Region. By mid-July, the region will be fully covered by NAS, both physically and digitally. We are also engaging with local authorities in the central and southern regions, aiming to have physical infrastructure installed in all districts by the end of the next financial year," he said.
The NAS project comprises various components, including addressing standards, a national postcode system, a national address database, physical infrastructure, Geographic Information System (GIS) support, and public awareness campaigns.
Among its many benefits, NAS will streamline billing processes for utility services, leading to increased revenue availability for service expansion.
It will also enhance tourism efforts and facilitate efficient responses to emergency situations.
Implemented in phases over the past five years, the project has a budget of US$25 million (approximately MK25 billion) and receives funding from the Universal Service Fund and MACRA.