The new state-of-the-art Malawi Traffic Information System (MalTIS) is in full drive with Face Technologies, the South African company which was awarded the R25 million contract, reporting good progress. The system is set to address serious issues presently facing traffic authorities. Says Face Technologies operations manager, Jake Ellis: "The new system will eliminate fraudulent Drivers Licences, clamp down on illegal motor vehicles, result in better control over motor vehicle roadworthy testing and border crossing registration."
Face Technologies, a business unit of IT giant, arivia.kom, was awarded the contract late last year and printed the first of 400 000 cards at the Lilongwe site in December last year. At a further two sites, Muzuzu and Blantyre, Face Technologies is presently busy with installation and both sites will be fully operational shortly.
The new cards have been produced according to SADC standards and are full colour cards with various state-of-the art security features including biometrics and UV markings.
Apart from converting to SADC standard cards, this component of the project also involves Learners Licence applications and authorisations, Drivers Licence applications and authorisations, Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) applications and authorisations, and card production, quality assurance, dispatching and issuing.
Ellis says that Face Technologies has also started with the second component of the project which involves Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing (MVR) with an estimated 200 000 cars which need to re-registered onto the new system.
The final component is border control with three border crossing points having been identified. Implementation on the Border Control System will begin after the acceptance of the Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing system, but preparatory work is already in progress.
Says Ellis: "As part of the contract, Face Technologies is also responsible for training and we will assist the Road Traffic Department for one year after implementation."
Concludes Ellis: "Face Technologies specialises in smart technology, beneficiary payment systems, biometrics and card solutions and we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver integrated business solutions.
"On the drivers licence front we have completed many successful projects including projects in South Africa and Zambia and all indications are that we will enjoy the same success in Malawi."
Share
