NRB IN PRINTERS CRISIS

By  Kenson McCloud 

A shortage of printers has hit the National Registration Bureau with authorities admitting the crisis is hindering timely production of identity cards. 

The development follows public concerns over delays in renewal in national IDs as well as registration process.

Instead of the proposed 6 weeks, these bottlenecks have resulted in many having to wait for months to get a service.

Speaking to Timveni news desk, NRB spokesperson Norman Fulatira said, "At the moment the bureau is operating on 5 printers instead of 12 which has greatly affected our  daily production targets."

According to Fulatira, authorities are yet to rectify the faulty printers.

"We are fast tracking procurement of spare parts from South Africa and new printers to improve the situation," explained Fulatira. 

About 3 million identity cards will expire this year and owners are expected to pay MWK2500 for renewal. 

One printer is said to produce a minimum of 300 IDs a day, suggesting 12 computers make 3600 IDs on a good day.