New series!! Malawi is a land with problems

As keen followers of international political and social affairs, we all know Malawi to be a place where for decennia people have suffered from poverty, starvation, deadly diseases, corrupt leaders and what not. Indeed, the very reason I have come here is to try and contribute a little bit to the eradication of some of these evils. But having been here for a while now and reading the newspapers it becomes apparent that this is not all. As if being poor, sick, hungry and ripped off is not enough, it seems there is a whole bunch of other issues out there that just aren’t right. I therefore decided to start a new series on my Blog to let you in on some of the other challenges facing Malawians today. Please find below the first installment: the horrendous and downright illegal use of flashing lights and sirens:

THE DAILY TIMES, Thursday, February 28, 2008

Malawi Government

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT, PUBLIC WORKS & HOUSING

DIRECTORATE OF ROAD TRAFFIC

PRESS RELEASE

ILLEGAL USE OF FLASHING LIGHTS AND SIRENS

The Directorate of Road Traffic has noted with concern on illegal fitting and use of Flashing Lights (Beacons) on Sirens on vehicles in the country. The Directorate wishes to inform that under the Road Traffic Act it is illegal to fit and operate a motor vehicle on a public road with flashing light (beacon) and sirens which is not authorized by the Directorate of the Road Traffic.

The Road Traffic Act (1997) section 91 (3b) and 93(b) and Road Traffic Regulations 200 under Construction, Equipment and Use, Part IV “Equipment On or in Respect of Vehicles”, Regulation 64 (2), (3), (4), (5), and Regulation 89 n(2) clearly outlines the motor vehicles authorized to have the facility in execution of duty listed are as follows:-

VEHICLE COULOUR OF LIGHT SIREN

Road Traffic Directorate Blue Yes

Police Blue Yes

Ambulance Red Yes

Fire-Fighting Red Yes

Construction vehicles Amber No

Rescue vehicles Red Yes

Break-down Towing vehicles Amber No

There are other protected names, signs and emblems which are protected by the laws of the land e.g check band which are normally used by the law enforcement security Agencies. On this, if in doubt please contact the Directorate of Road Traffic or the Police. The Directorate of Road Traffic is requesting all those concerned to obtain clearance and register with Road Traffic Before 1^st March, 2008.

The Directorate of Road Traffic always appreciates your voluntary compliance and cooperation on such important matters.

DIRECTORATE