A request for the following information was sent to the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development: How much mineral resources does the country have? How much does the mining sector contribute to the country’s economy and how? How can Zambia benefit more from mining? What are some of the challenges faced by the sector in Zambia and how can the challenges be resolved? y y y y n = 20 Yes No 1. Is there an official, who is designated to take and respond to information requests? X 2. Did the organisation reply within 21 days? X 3. Did the organisation respond to the request for information? X 4. Does the organisation publish their procedures for handling information requests? X 5. Did the organisation provide all of the requested information? X 6. Did the organisation provide written reasons for the refusal of information? 7. Did the organisation disclose information about its operations, budgets, structure, etc. X 8. Did the authority provide information without questioning the aims and motivations of the applicant? X 9. Did the organisation acknowledge the request for information within 7 days? Partial X Additional information The researcher was told that the requested information could not be provided without an introductory letter from her organisation. X X 10. Was the information received clear and understandable? Total score: 7/20 9. ROAD TRANSPORT AND SAFETY AGENCY CATEGORY 1: WEBSITE www.rtsa.org.zm The organisation has an active website, which is user-friendly, has online payment systems and also has a provision for online interaction with visitors. It is active on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp. n = 20 Yes Does the website contain the following: 1. Up-to-date information? X 2. A description of the organisation’s powers and structure, as well as its functions and responsibilities? X RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 177 No Partial Additional information ZAMBIA CATEGORY 2: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION