A request for the following information was sent to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development: What are some of the notable actions the ministry has undertaken to ensure that local councils have the requisite skills to generate and manage resources? Does the ministry have a communications strategy? Some audit reports have shown abuse of funds in local councils. What steps has the ministry taken to ensure that councils are transparent and accountable? What are some of the achievements that the ministry has registered during the past five years? What was the proposed budgetary allocation for the ministry for the year 2019-2020, and how much was disbursed to the ministry? y y y y y n = 20 Yes No Partial X 1. Is there an official, who is designated to take and respond to information requests? 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? X 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? X Additional information Public Relations Officer X 10. Was the information received clear and understandable? Total score: 2/20 10. MZUZU CITY COUNCIL CATEGORY 1: WEBSITE Mzuzu City Council does not have a website. The council, however, has a Facebook page and Twitter account, the latter of which seems to be more regularly updated. n = 20 Yes No Partial Does the website contain the following: X 1. Up-to-date information? 2. A description of the organisation’s powers and structure, as well as its functions and responsibilities? X 3. A list of laws, acts, etc, issued within the scope of its powers? X RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 76 Additional information MALAWI CATEGORY 2: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION