BLANTYRE--Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Anthony Livuza says the long awaited Access to Information Bill has been delayed due to lack of supporting policy to enact the bill.

Livuza said this at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre when Pres Joyce Banda held an audience with media managers.

He was responding to concerns from media managers on why the bill is taking too long to be enacted.

“The [Access to Information] Bill cannot be enacted because there is no policy supporting it though the constitution broadly explains about access to information," Malawi News Agency quoted Livuza as saying.

“But I can assure you that in 12 months time the policy will be ready. Before we develop a policy there is need to hold national consultations with relevant authorities on the matter including Members of Parliament and the media authorities,” Livusa said.

He said after consultations, the bill will have to be sent to cabinet for approval before presenting it to Parliament.

MaraPost understands that once the bill is assented to, the law would provide for the right of access to information; define the scope of information that public has a right to access; establish the Public Information Commission and define its functions; promote transparency and accountability of public officers; and provide for matters connected with or incidental to the foregoing.
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