By Burnett Munthali
At the Bangwe Post Office, the National Registration Bureau (NRB) established an ID registration center to serve residents seeking to obtain or renew their national identity cards. However, for nearly a month now, this center has been inactive due to a lack of electricity, causing frustration and delays for many citizens dependent on these essential services.
Electricity issues have crippled the registration center’s operations, leaving it unable to perform vital services, including ID issuance, updates, and document retrieval. When advised to report the power issues to ESCOM, NRB personnel often express irritation and reluctance. Furthermore, despite the center’s ongoing power issues, they are reportedly unwilling to deploy a generator to address the problem. This stance has prolonged the service disruption, impacting those who rely on timely access to ID services for various official processes, including banking and social welfare programs.
The situation has sparked criticism among local residents. Reports indicate that one particular staff member, known for her partisan affiliation with the ruling MCP, has been accused of being dismissive towards the public. Such behavior has further added to the frustration of residents, who feel that their needs and concerns are being ignored.
The power challenges at Bangwe Post Office underscore the need for improved accountability and responsiveness within the NRB. For essential services like national ID issuance, it is crucial that management ensures service continuity through contingency measures, such as deploying backup generators in the event of power failures. This situation also highlights the necessity of proper staff training on public service etiquette, as a courteous and respectful attitude can significantly improve citizen satisfaction even in challenging situations.
For many citizens, access to IDs is not just a service but a necessity. The prolonged closure of this center has affected the livelihoods of those needing valid identification for daily transactions. Addressing these issues promptly, and with empathy, is essential to restoring public confidence in the NRB’s commitment to serving the nation.
