Namalomba Urges Parastatals to Improve Public Access to Government Information

August 6, 2026

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By Iur Reporter

Minister of Information and Communications Technology Dr. Shadric Namalomba has challenged parastatals, ministries, departments and agencies to improve the dissemination of government information, saying there is no justification for withholding information from the public when institutions have dedicated Public Relations Officers (PROs).

Namalomba made the remarks on Wednesday during a training workshop for Public Relations Officers from various parastatals held at Sunbird Livingstonia in Salima.

The minister stressed that transparent and effective communication is essential for strengthening public trust and promoting good governance.Namalomba: Amaryllis Hotel Purchase Began Under MCP Administration

He said the success of government is measured not only by the quality of its policies and development projects but also by the level of confidence citizens have in public institutions.

“That confidence is built when the government communicates honestly, listens attentively, and remains accountable to the people it serves,” Namalomba said.

He emphasized that Malawians have the right to know how government programmes are transforming lives, creating economic opportunities, expanding access to public services and driving national development.

The minister further noted that public trust is earned through competence, integrity, consistency and openness, warning that every message issued by a public institution has the power to either strengthen or erode that trust.

“Every communication issued by a public institution either strengthens that trust or weakens it,” he added.

Speaking after the workshop, Public Relations Manager for the , Masauko Ngwaluko, described the training as insightful and timely.DPP Publicity Secretary Shadric Namalomba alleges MCP plans to arrest opposition members

Ngwaluko said the workshop reinforced the critical role that Public Relations Officers play in supporting government service delivery by ensuring citizens are well informed about government programmes and policies.

“Whatever the government does through the mainstream civil service or parastatals is meant to deliver public services. The minister has made it clear that he wants PROs to effectively communicate the government’s policies to the people,” he said.

The workshop brought together Public Relations Officers from state-owned enterprises to strengthen strategic communication and enhance public engagement, as government seeks to improve transparency, accountability and access to information across public institutions.