Ombudsman decries lack of resources in Mozambique’s administration
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Club of Mozambique
Mozambican ombudsman Isaque Chande says a lack of funding, bureaucracy, deteriorating infrastructure and a shortage of qualified staff are hampering public administration and service quality. Presenting his annual report to parliament, he also condemned corruption and institutions’ operational difficulties in districts, Club of Mozambique reports.
Mozambique’s ombudsman, Isaque Chande, denounced financial constraints, excessive bureaucracy, deteriorating infrastructure and a shortage of qualified staff that hamper public administration and the quality of services for citizens. He presented these findings in his annual report to the Assembly of the Republic on Thursday, the AIM news agency reports.
Chande also cited illegal payments and failures in public services among the sector’s problems. He said corruption remained an obstacle to democratic rule of law and the country’s development. The economic crisis is worsening the difficulties faced by institutions, including through budget cuts, delayed disbursements, debts owed to suppliers and shortages of essential goods and services, including internet access, office supplies and fuel.
The report identifies shortages of human, financial and material resources in criminal investigation services, district prosecution offices and some police commands. Chande called for stronger efforts to prevent and combat corruption and for public officials involved in illegal practices to be sanctioned. He also encouraged citizens to report illegal fees and poor services, reminding them that they should pay only rates set by law.
The ombudsman nevertheless noted progress in the development of digital platforms, notably for civil registration, criminal records, notarial services and passport issuance. His findings on difficulties facing local administrations echo those published on 15 October about a shortage of more than 3,000 teachers in Nampula province.
