MINISTER CALLS FOR BETTER QUALITY IN REGISTRY OFFICES

Mozambique’s Minister of Justice, Benvida Levy, has demanded better quality from the country’s registry and notary offices, according to a press release from the Ministry, received by AIM on Monday.Speaking during a visit to the Maputo First Registry Office on Friday, Levy urged all the staff to perform their duties with greater responsibility and speed. She also warned them to refrain from acts of corruption.
She said that despite the efforts and advances made in 2013, the registry offices continue to face major challenges, but these can be overcome given the commitment of each official. The staff at the offices, she insisted, have the obligation to act with transparency and within the law.
As for corruption, Levy was particularly concerned to avoid corrupt schemes whereby Mozambican nationality is granted to foreign citizens who do not qualify for it. This was a sensitive issue, she said, which “should be treated with due attention and responsibility so as not to call into question the sovereignty of the state”.
The premises of the Maputo First Registry Office were rehabilitated somewhat more than a year ago, so that birth, death and marriage certificates are now dealt with at separate counters, in an environment of much greater comfort for users than was the case in the past.
Levy urged the registry staff to view the improved quality of the premises as an opportunity to improve the quality of the services they provide for the public.“Whenever possible, we should personalize attendance during the registration of marriages, giving proper explanations about the various alternative marriage regimes, so that the users can take the best decisions”, she said.