Maputo – July 24, 2025
In an official visit to the National Institute of Road Transport (INATRO) delegation in Zimpeto, Maputo, the Ombudsman of Justice, Isaque Chande, commended notable improvements in service delivery while also raising concerns over ongoing challenges in the issuance of driver’s licenses.
The visit aimed to assess the operational efficiency and citizen satisfaction with services provided by the public institution, particularly regarding the renewal and issuance of driving licenses. Chande lauded the introduction of an electronic appointment system, which has dramatically reduced long queues and overcrowding, cutting average service time to just 10 minutes.
“Today, with the appointment system, we no longer see people lining up at 4 a.m. The process is now more efficient and humane,” stated Chande. “This is a significant advancement in how INATRO delivers services to the public.”
However, the Ombudsman emphasized that delays of up to six months in issuing new driver’s licenses remain a serious concern. According to Felicia Manhique, the Delegate of INATRO in Maputo, the backlog stems from technical issues in the computer systems and printing processes. She reassured that while delays in physical license issuance persist, the renewal process remains active, enabling drivers to continue their legal activities with provisional documents.
During his tour, the Ombudsman visited several departments within the facility and held discussions with staff and service users, many of whom expressed satisfaction with the reforms in place. The visit forms part of the Ombudsman’s broader mandate to promote transparent, citizen-centered, and efficient public service delivery.
Chande reaffirmed his office’s commitment to monitoring and improving the functionality of public institutions, ensuring that reforms remain people-focused and aligned with the principles of good governance and justice.
