The Ombudsman, Isaque Chande, said today in Maputo that several public institutions refuse to attend to citizens' complaints, and are therefore far from ensuring the efficiency of their services.  

Among the institutions highlighted by the negative are the Tax Authority (AT), the National Institute of Road Transport (INATRO) and the National Directorate of Civil Identification (DNIC). In his view these institutions need urgent intervention.

The Ombudsman, who was speaking in the Assembly of the Republic as part of his report for the year 2021, said that these and other public administration institutions shy away from collaborating with his office. In his opinion, this attitude discourages citizen participation in the management of public affairs.

"We also note, with dissatisfaction, that some holders of public administration bodies, senior state officials and agents do not give themselves time to attend and listen to citizens who clamor for hearings. It is important that the public administration service find the space to receive and listen to citizens' concerns," he said.

In his report, the official said that citizens are increasingly aware of their rights to seek justice. This perception has led to an upsurge in denunciations.

"The complaints received between 2021 and 2022, numbering 700, represent an increase of 46% over the previous period when 478 complaints were recorded," he noted.

Most of the complaints registered in 2021 against the poor service of state administration institutions were in Maputo province and city, followed by Nampula and Manica.

On that occasion, Isaque Chande said that corruption cases involving public servants still prevail, and recommended a greater denunciation of this practice and improvement of the strategy to fight this evil.

The Ombudsman's annual report will be approved via a draft resolution that will be produced by specialized parliamentary committees.