Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority Inaugurates Zwangendaba House in Mzuzu
Zwangendaba House represents a significant step forward for MACRA, bringing regulatory services closer to the people and fostering improved service quality in the telecommunications and related sector
MZUZU, Malawi — The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has marked a significant milestone in its operation with the official opening of Zwangendaba House in Mzuzu, writes Tionge Hara.
During an interview after the ceremony, MACRA's Director General, Daud Suliman, addressed the challenges and opportunities the institution had faced during the building's construction and its significance for the region.
"We should have integrated this building and this structure about 12 months ago, but we suffered some delays, and most importantly, the delays were with the service provision," Suliman acknowledged during the interview.
"It's a bit disappointing that when we are trying to empower youth and ensure inclusivity in the economy and the sector, some individuals take advantage."
Suliman expressed concern that some may perceive government projects as opportunities for disregard, emphasising the consequences of such actions.
"For the past 11 months, we have deprived about 15 to 20 people of employment. Those were new people that should have filled this space, that should have been working here, providing for their families," he lamented.
"So, sometimes, as youths and citizens, we need to rethink our approach when taking part in state-related and national projects, especially those related to public services."
Highlighting the importance of MACRA's presence in the northern region, Suliman stated, "The mere fact that we now have a physical presence in Mzuzu means that the regulator is now going to be closer to the people. Our number one element is to protect consumers and the general public. Therefore, our presence in the northern region means that issues of quality of service and complaint handling, be they in the telecom sector, mobile phone services, radio services, or courier services, can now be addressed much more efficiently."
Suliman also discussed MACRA's efforts to improve service quality, including the "Better Quality of Service for Malawi" project.
"We have an ITU expert that has come in. We are working very closely with Airtel and Tenium. We have identified some issues, and we've given each other six months to rectify those issues," he explained.
"But most importantly, we are putting up systems that will help us be proactive in regulation."
Suliman emphasised the importance of evidence-based regulation, stating, "We are now going to have hard evidence that when we go to an operator and tell them that they had bad service on a particular day and time, we have that evidence, and there's no way they're going to back out. We hope that the rolling out of these regulatory systems will also help to improve the quality of services that members of the general public in Malawi are enjoying."
And Inkosi Ya Makhosi Mmbelwa V had this to say on the occasion:
Mzuzu City Mayor, Desire Nyirenda, hailed the development:
Alekeni Odala Menyani, board member and chair of the Audit and Finance Committee at MACRA, was also present at the event:
Zwangendaba House represents a significant step forward for MACRA, bringing regulatory services closer to the people and fostering improved service quality in the telecommunications and related sectors.