The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) says 472,674 properties across the country have so far been assigned numbers under the National Addressing System (NAS).
The authority also says 11,367 streets have been officially named as part of efforts to establish a comprehensive addressing system across Malawi.
The National Addressing System is being rolled out nationwide following the successful completion of its pilot phase during the 2018/2019 financial year.
The system is designed to make it easier to identify homes, businesses and other properties, thereby improving the delivery of essential services.
According to MACRA, street naming has reached 90 percent in Zomba and Blantyre, 80 percent in Mzuzu and 70 percent in Lilongwe.
MACRA says communities are playing a key role in the process by proposing and validating street names, as well as physically verifying streets in their respective areas.
MACRA Communications Manager Clara Ngwira says the Physical Addressing Project is particularly important in improving services such as courier deliveries by enabling items to be delivered directly to people’s homes.
Ngwira says the system will also enhance navigation and emergency response, while making it easier for individuals and businesses to receive goods and services.
However, MACRA says limited funding and the vandalism of road signs remain major challenges affecting the implementation of the National Addressing System.
