Mzuzu, November 8, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) says it will spend about K20 billion on procurement and installation of physical infrastructure for National Addressing System (NAS) across the country.
MACRA Director General, Daud Suleman disclosed this in Mzuzu on Monday when he opened a training workshop on NAS for local authorities from the Northern Region.
He said besides being computer based, there is need for physical infrastructure for NAS to be operational. The infrastructure includes plates for numbering of houses, roads and streets signs at village, traditional authority and district levels.
“NAS is not for MACRA, it is for the local authorities and we will provide all the necessary support needed for the topnotch implementation. Macra is only playing facilitation role,” he said.
Director of Planning and Development for Likoma District Council, Stephen Munthali said NAS will assist local authorities to better target for delivery of essential services such as electricity and water.
“This system will enhance effective identification and control of diseases besides increasing opportunities to reshape urban areas into user friendly towns and cities,” said Munthali.
Once operational, the system is expected to contribute towards improved service delivery and enhance timely response to emergencies in various areas such as health and security, among others.
