The Malawi Department of Road Traffic has taken a major step forward with the introduction of the state-of-the-art Malawi Traffic Information System (MalTIS). This system successfully addresses numerous functional problems which have besieged the department over the years, says Malawi Minister of Transport and Public Works, SD Kaliyoma Phumisa.
Face Technologies, a subsidiary company of the new South African IT giant, arivia.kom was awarded the R25 million contract in 1998 and has successfully completed the first phase of this major project.
Speaking recently at the launch of MalTIS, Phumisa said that Face Technologies in consultation with the Director of Road Traffic had worked tirelessly in the planning, development, installation and training of user personnel in the Department of Road Traffic.
The new system was implemented after the government instituted a new Road Traffic Law in 1997, which among other things, aimed at redressing the shortfalls in the legal framework and providing for the adoption of modern techniques in traffic management and control, in order to root out rampant traffic indiscipline.
"The functional integrity of the department had been greatly undermined in the past by the existence and widespread circulation of fake licensing materials and documentation.
"This state of affairs had not only aggravated the problem of road traffic safety on our roads, but also deprived the government of much needed revenue, through pilferage and massive fee invasion by motorists.
"The use of outdated procedures and the manual processing of data and documentation had to a large extent contributed to this disturbing situation."
He said that the contract with Face Technologies registered the ministry`s untiring commitment and determination to institute necessary control measures and operational modalities, that would eliminate any form of functional irregularities while ensuring security and efficiency in service delivery.
The new system also fully complies with SADC protocols.
Phumisa also commended Face Technologies on undertaking the project on a Build, Operate and Transfer Concept (BOT) which was a commitment to meaningful partnership between the Public and Private Sector in the SADC region.
Says Face Technologies operations manager, Jake Ellis: "Malawi has led the way in the computerisation and development of their Road Traffic Department and this achievement has given the Malawi government a cutting edge, boosting the Malawi government to be a major role player in the SADC region."
The first phase of the project involved conversion of the previous driving licences to the new SADC Driving Licence cards, 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.
The new credit card format has been produced according to the SADC protocol and incorporates full colour cards with various state-of-the art security features including biometrics and UV markings.
Ellis says that Face Technologies is presently implementing the second component of the project which involves Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing (MVR) with an estimated 200 000 cars which need to be re-registered onto the new system.
The final component is the Border Control component, which will serve three Border Crossing Points. 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.
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 SA and Zambia and all indications are that we will enjoy the same success in Malawi."
Share
Editorial contacts