David Mzandu, Malawi's secretary for transport and public works.

Malawi is facing a conundrum due to a failing traffic information system.

For several weeks, Malawi's Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services has failed to offer system-processed services.

The system is used for motor vehicle administration, driver licensing administration, and other services concerning traffic management and road safety.

The situation has enraged people, who have taken to social media to express their displeasure that they are being punished for government ineptitude, as the police continue to fine citizens for services provided by the dysfunctional traffic information system.

The government announced this week that it is working around the clock with the system supplier to remedy the situation.

“Despite the urgency to have the system back within the shortest period, the technical nature of the problem required more time to resolve than earlier estimated,” said David Mzandu, secretary for transport and public works

“The ministry would like to assure the public that progress has been made so far towards resolving the system error and the system will be functional within this week.”

The situation is similar to what happened last year, when a cyber-attack disrupted the country's passport system and the Malawian government was able to restore it several weeks later.