By Burnett Munthali
In yet another frustrating development, Malawians continue to face significant challenges in obtaining their national IDs from the National Registration Bureau (NRB) offices in Area 18, Lilongwe. A visit by our reporter to the NRB offices at 1 PM yesterday uncovered disturbing inefficiencies, leaving citizens stranded and angry.
It was revealed that there had been no network connectivity since the morning, effectively halting operations. By 3 PM, staff were seen closing the offices, citing a scheduled meeting at the Department of Registrar General’s office. This sudden closure, coupled with the lack of communication and contingency measures, left scores of people who had traveled from various parts of the city and beyond without the assistance they desperately needed.
Those seeking services from the NRB expressed deep frustration. “It’s heartbreaking,” said one citizen. “We wake up early, spend money on transport, and wait in long queues only to be told there is no network, and then the entire office closes because of a meeting.”
The closure of the NRB office during business hours raises critical questions about the bureau’s commitment to serving the public. Many citizens believe the NRB is failing in its mandate to ensure accessible and efficient service delivery.
“There is no accountability,” remarked another disappointed Malawian. “How can the entire office prioritize internal meetings during working hours when people are waiting for their IDs? It feels like this institution is working for its own agenda, not for the people.”
National IDs are a vital document in Malawi, required for accessing banking services, voting, and other essential activities. The inefficiencies and delays at the NRB not only inconvenience citizens but also undermine public confidence in the institution.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the NRB were unsuccessful by the time of publication. However, the continued operational challenges at the NRB call for urgent intervention from relevant authorities to ensure citizens can access this critical service without unnecessary hurdles.
The government must act swiftly to address these systemic issues, ensuring that the NRB fulfills its mandate effectively. Citizens deserve better service, and the inefficiencies currently plaguing the bureau cannot be allowed to persist.
