By Yamikani Yapuwa

Thyolo, September 7, Mana:  Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) said the National Addressing System (NAS) is a transformative initiative, which will greatly improve service delivery through standardized physical addressing across the country.

MACRA’s Director of Postal Services and E-Commerce Kondwani Kachika said this on Friday during full council meeting in Thyolo adding that the NAS project will boost national development.

“The National Addressing System is a comprehensive system that will facilitate better planning, enhance business operations, and improve access to government services,” said Kachika.

He added that NAS will play a critical role in the socio-economic development of communities by providing a reliable addressing framework that will improve health service delivery, utility management and facilitate navigation for both residents and visitors.

Thyolo District Commissioner, Hudson Kuphanga welcomed the initiative, noting that NAS will significantly improve the district services delivery.

“With the National Addressing System, we can now address many of the challenges especially in identifying precise locations for service delivery.

“This is a major step forward in modernizing our district and ensuring that all residents can be easily located for any services they may need,” said Kuphanga.

He appealed MACRA to consider recruiting work force within Thyolo when implementing NAS.

 “It’s crucial to involve people who are familiar with the area, understand the terrains and know where people reside.

“This local knowledge will ensure the addressing system is accurate and effective, leading to better outcomes,” added Kuphanga.

Thyolo District Council Chairperson, Councilor Petro Charles Bowman hailed MACRA for spearheading the project, stating that this demonstrates that Malawi is moving forward.

 “The introduction of the National Addressing System is a clear sign that we are progressing. Apart from modernizing our infrastructure, this initiative will also enhance service delivery for all Malawians,” the council chairperson added.

Bowman therefore assured MACRA of the council’s full support and emphasized the importance of community involvement in protecting the resources that will be used in the project.

“Local leaders will work together to ensure that people in the villages refrain from vandalizing MACRA’s resources used in the addressing system. We all have a role to play in safeguarding this vital infrastructure,” he added.

MACRA has already introduced NAS in other district in the southern region such as Mulanje, Machinga and Neno.