MALAWI 8. Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Category 1: Website www.mlgrd.gov.mw The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is part of the official Malawi Government website just like the Ministry of Agriculture. During the research, the website was not accessible. The research was based on the Ministry’s Facebook account. n = 20 Yes 1. Does this website contain up to date information? No 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? • e) Information about procurement procedures, signed contracts? • f) Vacancy and employment procedures? • g) The address, telephone number, and working hours of the institution? Just a mention of the law governing the Ministry • 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: 5/20 CATEGORY 2: REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION The following questions were sent to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development: 1. Media reports indicate that there are disagreements between Councilors and Council Secretariats in most districts in the country; what is the root cause of such disagreements? 2. What is the Ministry doing to ensure a cordial working relationship between Councilors and Council Secretariats? 3. As a ministry responsible for the welfare and appointment of chiefs in the country, what is the current state of affairs on government plans to abolish chieftains in cities? 4. What are some of the key elements the Ministry looks for before recommending or considering a chief for elevation? 5. What are some of the key challenges affecting the work of the Ministry? n = 20 No Partial Additional Information 1. Is there an official designated to take and respond to information requests? • Public Relations Officer 2. Did the institution reply within 21 days? • The officer responded within 24 hours with a request for the researcher to call the officer for a telephone interview as she was ‘swamped with work.’ 3. Did the institution respond to the request for information? • 4. Does the authority publish their procedures for dealing with information requests? 22 Yes •