Malawi will soon have a state-of-the-art new National Traffic Information System (M-Natis) which will address serious issues presently facing traffic authorities. This follows the awarding of the R25m contract to the Southern African leaders in identification technologies, Face Technologies - a business unit of Ariel Technologies.
Says Face Technologies operations manager, Jake Ellis: "The new system will eliminate fraudulent Driver`s Licences, clamp down on illegal motor vehicles, result in better control over motor vehicle roadworthy testing and border crossing registration."
M-Natis consists of three components. The first component is Driver`s Licence card production and issuing module. An estimated 400 000 Driver`s Licence cards are currently in use, which must be converted to the new SADC card (Credit card format) within six months from date of implementation. The new cards are PVC based with various state-of-the art security features.
Says Ellis: "It is envisaged that the new system will be implemented during the first week in October with the commencement of system and user training. Cut over to the new system is scheduled for the third week in October."
Apart from converting to SADC cards this component of the project also involves Learner`s Licence applications and authorisations, Driver`s Licence applications and authorisations, Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) application and authorisation and card production, quality assurance, dispatching and issuing.
The second component involves Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) and Licensing with an estimated 200 000 cars which will need to be re-registered onto the new system. Development on the MVR system will start after the acceptance of the Driver`s Licence Card production and issuing module."
The final component is Border Control (BC) with three border crossing points having been identified. Development on the Border Control module will begin after the acceptance of the Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing module.
Currently the infrastructure for the new system is being installed. The network system has been installed as well as security for the offices which will house the new equipment. Face Technologies has also occupied its offices in Lilongwe. As part of the contract, Face Technologies will be responsible for training and assisting 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 driver`s licence front we have completed many successful projects including projects in South Africa and Zambia and we are confident of success in Malawi."
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