DRTSS to spend K90m on new generators

The Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS) plans to spend between K66 million and K90 million to purchase heavy duty generators to reduce operational challenges brought about by frequent blackouts.

Some of the challenges DRTSS want to deal with between September and November include intermittent network connections, frequent blackouts, long queues and lack of space, especially where vehicles undergo certificate of fitness (CoF) tests.

These challenges have led to overcrowding at DRTSS offices in Blantyre and Lilongwe and, in some instances, delays to produce licences and other important documents for vehicles.

Speaking in an interview in Lilongwe on Tuesday, DRTSS spokesperson Chisomo Chibwana said the challenges would be reduced considerably within three months.

Said Chibwana: “We have given ourselves this three-month period to deal with most of the complaints from our customers. We intend to purchase six heavy duty generators which store enough power to enable us operate even when there are blackouts. The generators we have now are very small and not compatible with the new system. Power fluctuates when we are testing vehicles, hence the decision to purchase the generators.”

On intermittent network outages, Chibwana said they are liaising Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) to allow them use their optic fibre.

On decongesting the offices, she said they would be opening new offices in City Centre in Lilongwe and in Makata Industrial Area in Blantyre.

The institution has also engaged 59 data entry clerks to hasten the process of capturing data into computers.

DRTSS embarked on upgrading the Malawi Traffic Information System (Maltis) early this year in a move which has attracted a lot of criticism from various stakeholders.

Maltis—which captures, processes and stores traffic information—is used for the issuance and renewal of drivers’ licences, motor vehicle licences and permits, road permits and weighbridge data.

In an interview, Alabi Tembo, who owns Lilongwe-based transport company, Jeetu Tours, said it would be a welcome development if Maltis were improved due to a barrage of complaints about poor services at DRTSS.

“If they say they have given themselves three months to improve the situation, well and good. But the situation right now is causing a lot of consternation among motorists,” said Tembo. n