MALAWI n = 20 Yes No 1. Does this website contain up to date information? Partial Additional Information • 2. Does the website contain the following: 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, programmes? • d) Budget and expenditure? • No information on its powers but the organisational structure and its functions • Signed contracts only • e) Information about procurement procedures, signed contracts? f) Vacancy and employment procedures? • g) The address, telephone number, and working hours of the institution? • h) The contact details of specific public officials? • i) A mechanism to request and receive a response to electronic messages and requests for information? • Total Score: 10/20 CATEGORY 2: REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION The following questions were sent to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development: 1. What is the status of the Land Bills? 2. Most people in the rural areas feel the proposed laws will usurp chief’s powers. What is your position on this as a ministry? 3. Most rural people also believe that the proposed laws will force them to pay registration fees for their land. What is the position of the Ministry on this? 4. Does the Ministry have any plans to undertake a massive civic education exercise on the proposed land laws? 5. Most Malawians seem unaware of the importance of the proposed land laws. How much will the Ministry require to effectively raise awareness and understanding on the proposed land laws? n = 20 Yes 1. Is there an official designated to take and respond to information requests? • 2. Did the institution reply within 21 days? • 3. Did the institution respond to the request for information? • No • 5. Did the institution provide all of the information requested? • 6. Did the institution provide written reasons for the refusal of information? • 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? Additional Information Public Relations Officer 4. Does the authority publish their procedures for dealing with information requests? 10. Was the information received clear and understandable? Partial The “Contacts” section can be used to engage relevant officials for information at the Ministry. • • Total Score: 9/20 21