MALAWI 6. Did the institution provide written reasons for the refusal of information? (If information was not refused, please contact the institution to find out what the policy is in this regard –if the institution supplies written reasons for refusal mark ‘Yes’) • 7. Did the institution disclose information about its operations, budgets, structure etc. • 8. Did the authority provide information without questioning the aims and motivations of the applicant? • 9. Did the institution acknowledge your request for information within 7 days? • 10. Was the information received clear and understandable? • Everyone who requests information should go through the Chief Executive Officer who directs the request to the person responsible – i.e. the PRO Total Score: 2/20 Part 2: Oral request for information n = 20 Yes No Additional Information 1. Is there an official designated to take and respond to information requests? (Please state title of officials in ‘Additional Information’) • The Council has a Public Relations Officer (PRO). However, at the time of research the official was on holiday. 2. Did the institution reply within 21 days? (If less than 7 please state in ‘Additional Information’) • In absentia of the PRO; the Administrative Officer responded to the questions instantly. 3. Did the institution respond to your oral request for information? • 4. Did the person dealing with your request have a friendly and helpful attitude? • Yes, he handled all the questions in an open and fair way and even gave examples of situations 5. Did officials provide reasonable advice and assistance when seeking information • All the communication should be directed to the Chief Executive who then directs it to the person responsible 6. Did the institution provide all of the information requested? (If partially please mark ‘No’ and indicate in ‘Additional Information’ how much of the information requested was supplied) • 7. Did the institution provide written reasons for the refusal of information? (If information was not refused, please contact the institution to find out what the policy is in this regard –if the institution supplies written reasons for refusal mark ‘Yes’) • 8. Did the institution disclose information about its operations, budgets, structure etc? • 9. Did the institution acknowledge your request for information within 7 days? • • 10. Was the information received clear and understandable? Total Score: 14/20 2. M inistry of Energy and Mines – Department of Energy Affairs Category 1 - WEBSITE The Ministry of Energy and Mines had no website at the time of the research. n = 20 Yes No Partial Additional Information 1. Does this website contain up to date information? 2. Does the website contain: a) A description of its powers as well as data on the organisational structure, the functions, and the responsibilities of the administration? b) A list of laws, acts etc. issued within the scope of its powers. c) Reports, policies, programs? 25