MANAonline
Chiefs in Kasungu vows to prevent elephant’s poaching
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe, July 12, Mana: Chiefs in Kasungu have vowed to use civic education as a measure against poaching of elephants in protected forest and game reserves.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, Senior Chief Lukwa of Kasungu said chiefs are on the ground to sensitize communities to take full ownership of the reserves and protect the wild animals and natural resources.
“As Chiefs in Kasungu, we thought to join the fight against such practices. Currently, we are carrying out civic education in the surrounding communities including traditional leaders to ensure they take full control of protecting the wildlife.
“In this fight, we are working jointly with National Parks and community committees to discourage the malpractice,” he said.
Lukwa said they are also distributing goats to communities, to ensure they start businesses as one way of preventing them from poaching.
Concurring with Lukwa, Traditional Authority Chisinga urged the communities surrounding Kasungu National Park to prevent poaching, saying the act endangers their lives as they can be gun-shot by rangers.
“People should avoid entering parks for poaching because they may end up losing their lives,” said Chisinga.
He also urged communities to prioritize the significance of having elephants and other wildl animals in the country since they attract tourists who contribute to the country`s economy.
Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Tourism, Joseph Nkosi said the government is employing several measures to counter poaching in the country.
“Government is relentlessly working hard to stop the act of elephant poaching. It is employing more rangers, strengthening laws, improving infrastructure and also embarking on community and public awareness.
According to Nkosi, prior to 2014 elephant poaching was high but the problem has decreased, observing that from January 2023 to date, only two elephants have been killed by poachers and none poached in Majete Game Reserve for 19 years.
Chief warns community against theft of project materials
By Chisomo Kambandanga
NKhata Bay, July 12, Mana: Senior Chief Nyaliwanga in Nkhata Bay has warned communities around K23 million gravity fed Chikwina-Mpamba Water Supply Project against stealing the project’s construction materials.
Nyaliwanga was speaking, Thursday when Nkhata Bay District Council handed over the project site to a contractor, Bwalo Civils for commencement of the project which has been supported with Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) Programme.
He said that he was grateful to government for the project which he said would be a solution to challenges in access to potable water in the area.
"A qualified company has been contracted to work on this project, therefore I warn community members surrounding this project against theft of construction materials. I will not tolerate that to happen to this project and anyone found indulging in the malpractice will be punished," he said.
He therefore urged community members to own the project for its successful implementation.
Project Manager for Bwalo Civils, Joel Lungu assured the community of high quality works and to complete the project within stipulated period.
In his remarks, Acting Director of Public Works for Nkhata Bay District Council, George Gopani said that construction works of the project will include rehabilitation of intake and water treatment structures among others.
Gopani urged the contractor to deliver quality work and complete the project within three months as guided by the contract agreement.
Upon completion the project is expected to serve a population of 18, 500 people from the areas of senior chiefs Nyaliwanga and Timbiri.
Daud opens K700m multi drug resistant TB Ward in Balaka
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, July 12, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud on Thursday opened a K700 million multi drug resistant Tuberculosis (TB) Ward at Balaka District Hospital, which among other things, will reduce the problems that patients have been facing in the district.
With a growing population of investors in the mining sector, Balaka is prone to having more people suffering from TB and the construction of the ward has been described as timely.
Speaking after touring and inaugurating the structure, Daud said a good health system is important to any nation and revealed that government is investing in constructing 9000 health posts in the country so that health services are brought closer to people.
She said the intervention is also meant to reduce congestion at the district and central hospitals.
Said Daud: “This multi-drug resistant TB ward will go a long way in alleviating the many challenges Balaka District Health Office has been facing to treat those suffering from TB.
“Let me urge you all and those working in places prone to TB to rush to the hospital before it is too late. Every person in this country is important to help in the development agenda. This can only happen if we have healthy people, together we can continue to make significant strides in our fight against TB and ensure a healthier future for all.”
Director of Health and Social Services for Balaka District Council, Dr. Chimwemwe Thambo admitted that for years, the hospital has been struggling to refer patients to Queen Elizabeth or Kamuzu central hospitals which has been draining a lot of resources.
He however said the construction of the facility will help the district office to reduce such expenditures.
“With a population of over 600,000, every year, our district hospital sees not more than 12 patients with multi drug resistant TB. The construction of the ward is timely and each time we do not have a patient, the structure will be used to house other patients,” he said.
Balaka District Council Chairperson, Osman Mapira thanked government for the timely intervention, noting that the district is fast growing with more potential investors coming in to invest in the mining sector.
“We have seen Portland Cement Company investing, we also have the Lindian Company which is mining rare earth and again, our district produces Lime which in one way or the other leaves the surrounding community as well as those working in such factories prone to TB,” he said.
Mapira called on government to consider Balaka by constructing a befitting district hospital as the current one was a leprosy center donated by the Catholic Church.
Construction of the multi-drug resistant TB Ward was financed by the World Bank.
Chomanika impressed with projects in Chikwawa District Council
By Leah Malimbasa
Chikwawa, July 12, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Owen Chomanika has praised ongoing development projects in Chikwawa District, emphasizing the importance of ensuring high-quality construction standards.
He made the remarks following the ministry’s inspection visit to some of the projects in Chikwawa.
“I can see potential for quality work once the rehabilitation of a maternity wing and surgical theatre at Chikwawa District Hospital as well as the construction of Mivunza Bridge are completed,” he said.
“The council is doing well and for the defects we observed at Chikwawa District Hospital Maternity Wing project, the contractor has committed to fix them,” he said.
The deputy minister observed that such visits are important since they enable them to give timely input on ongoing projects, ensures great workmanship and that no one is sleeping on their job.
“I would also like to encourage the people here to take good care of the infrastructure and avoid theft, misuse and abuse of construction materials,” he said.
District Commissioner for Chikwawa, Nardin Kamba said the council strives to at provide good service to the people in all sectors including health and education and the attainment of this starts with good infrastructure development.
“We are happy that the Deputy Minister and the team are impressed with the works here and that the patients are now being accommodated in a good environment,” said Kamba.
He attributed good coordination and teamwork to the council’s impressive projects implementation.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Richard Hara concurred with the Deputy Minister saying the work is very impressive and that there is need to start utilizing the infrastructure as soon as projects are completed.
“We have visited Nkhudzi Community Day Secondary School project which is completed. So, we will write the Ministry of Education to start selecting learners to the school in a bid to increase chances of more learners securing space in secondary schools and shorten the distance that learners from around Nkhudzi walk to access education,” he said.
“We commend the District Commissioner and his team as well as chiefs, councilors and members of parliament in the district for working together to deliver quality projects in the district,” he said.
MERP to Improve education standards
By Patience Longwe and Sellah Chunda
Dowa, July 11, Mana: Principal Secretary (PS) Responsible for Basic Education, Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri has lauded the positive impact of the Manondo Primary School project, calling it a significant milestone in their implementation efforts.
Speaking on Thursday at Manondo Primary School in Dowa, she emphasized the community's active involvement, noting the encouraging progress made.
She acknowledged the challenges faced by the project and assured that the government was addressing them.
"Indeed, the concerns raised regarding the disbursement period of funds have been considered and adjustments are already underway," Dr. Chimbwete Phiri added.
Deputy Head Teacher of Manondo School, Wishes Kambanizithe expressed optimism about the project's potential to transform service delivery.
"The MERP Project will make learning more engaging for our students, particularly those who previously studied outdoors. They will now benefit from proper classroom environments," he stated.
Kambanizithe added that the positive impact on female students, particularly those on their menstrual period, who would now have access to dedicated changing rooms.
"This will significantly help them stay in school, providing a private space to change or clean themselves as needed," he said.
MERP is constructing three blocks, consisting of six classrooms, at Manondo Primary School in Dowa.
Welfare office rescues a two-year stolen old baby
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay July 11, Mana: District Social Welfare Officer for Nkhata Bay, McSenscie Chagomerana has said their office has managed to rescue a two-year old girl who went missing in Ntcheu on June 11, 2024
He said Police were tipped by Sophie Mohammed a resident of the district who was left to take care of the child by a the mentally challenged woman who claimed the child was hers.
"We received a report about the child on June 18, 2024 from Nkhata Bay Police who were approached by Mohammed. Upon thorough investigation together with the Police, it was established that the woman who claimed to be mother to the child was once admitted at Zomba Mental Hospital, had no record of having a child and is a sex worker," Chagomerana said.
He said the office took custody of the child and was referred to Mzuzu Social Welfare Office as the search for her parents intensified.
The Officer disclosed that on July 5, 2024, they were contacted by Ntcheu Police who inquired about a missing child reported by some parents and they later confirmed she was the one.
Mohammed, the woman who was left with the child by the stranger, said the condition she saw the child in forced her to accept the responsibility of looking after her as the woman openly claimed she could not manage to provide good care.
"I reported the matter to police having noted some irregularities and inconsistent narration of events by the woman. I also thought it wise for the police to know in case anything had happened to the child while under my watch," Mohammed said.
A 31 year-old, Never Kambalame from Tsangano in Ntcheu District who is father to the child expressed relief upon being reunited with his daughter.
"Since our child went missing, the family had been traumatized leading to sleepless nights and loss of appetite. From now on, I will keep a close watch on my children to avoid such from happening again," he said.
According to Kambalame, the baby went missing on a market day as she was trying to follow her siblings who did not notice her coming leaving her mother sleeping in the house.
Nkhata Bay Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Sergeant Kondwani James hailed coordination among all stakeholders that led to the rescue of the child.
Construction of houses for people with albinism on track
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, July 11, Mana: Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba has said government would continue constructing houses for people with albinism for their enhanced safety and secure environment.
He was speaking on Wednesday in Mandala Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Muzikubola in Mzimba when he presided over handover ceremony of a house built to a family which was raising two kids with albinism.
Gumba said government was constructing 69 houses across the country with 49 of them fully completed and four handed over to the owners with the remaining ones at finishing levels.
‘‘When President Chakwera took over government four years ago, he pledged to ensure that people with albinism are provided with decent houses for their safety and this ceremony is a testament to fulfilment of that promise,’’ he said.
The Minister added that government has in the current budget provided more funding to cater for 15 additional houses for the same course.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Nertha Mgala called for enhanced collaboration amongst community members and organisations in protecting people with albinism.
‘‘We lobby Members of Parliament to consider constructing houses in their constituencies for people with albinism using Constituency Development Fund so more people with albinism have decent houses,’’ she said.
National Coordinator for Association for People Living with Albinism (APAM), Maynard Zakalia hailed government for embarking on the project and father of the children, John Mwale commended government for the project.
‘‘This house will provide conducive environment to my children and I ask government to continue constructing such houses to more people with albinism across the country,’’ Mwale added.
Diaspora engagement in mining sector
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, July 11, Mana: Minister of Mining, Monica Chang'anamuno has stressed the importance of engaging Malawians in the diaspora to support the growth of the country's mining industry.
During a Press briefing on Thursday in Lilongwe, she disclosed that the upcoming virtual Malawi Mining Investment Forum (MMIF) scheduled for July 13, 2024, at 2:00 pm Malawi time.
The Minister said the forum aims to provide opportunities for Malawians living abroad to offer technical assistance and explore investment prospects in the mining sector.
Chang'anamuno pointed out that the forum aligns with the Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining (ATM) Strategy, which is part of Malawi's efforts to achieve the Malawi 2063.
She said the forum would offer avenues for investment in mining infrastructure, the upcoming government mining company including the State of the Art Mineral Laboratory, and urged active participation from Malawians in the diaspora.
The Minister emphasized need for government's objective to create an enabling environment in the mining sector to attract both foreign and local investment.
President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has consistently underscored the revitalisation of the country through agriculture, tourism, and mining, with the aim of growing the mining sector to contribute at least 15 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Theme of the forum is "GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, LOCAL IMPACT: INVESTING IN MALAWI'S MINERALS," and it is expected to provide insights into legislations, frameworks, and investment opportunities in Malawi's mining sector.
Government committed to provide quality health services
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, July 11, Mana: Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has pledged government’s commitment to continue providing quality health services to Malawians.
Speaking in Zomba on Thursday when she commissioned four facilities at the Zomba Central Hospital, Chiponda said health care is one of the essential services that the government prioritizes in its plans and budgets.
Chiponda said increasing the number of health workers and improving infrastructure in all the health facilities are among the key drivers in achieving the goal.
She described the Infectious Diseases Unit, the CT scanner, Incinerator and the Multi-Drug Tuberculosis (TB) Ward as a giant step towards improving quality delivery of health services.
“We want our facilities to have everything at one place. When patients come for help, they should be able to get the assistance without being referred to another facility within the district,” Chiponda said.
She said: “From now onwards no-one will travel to Blantyre for CT scanning and the Infectious Diseases Unit whose main function is to accommodate emergency diseases will heavily support the district in times of disease out breaks since infectious diseases would be isolated than was the case in the past.”
Chiponda thanked the Germany government and the Global Fund for supporting the country's health sector.
“We are proud of this achievement but many thanks to the Germany government and the Global Fund for supporting us with resources to construct these facilities and also provide all the necessary equipment,” she said.
Germany Ambassador to Malawi, Ute Konig said Germany has keen interest in improving Malawi's health system by improving its infrastructure and equipping health facilities with the necessary equipment.
Konig pledged continued support in all health related areas, adding: “Germany has been a steadfast partner in improving quality and expanding coverage of health care provision for Malawians.
“Our current Germany portfolio to the health sector is as high as EUR 110 million (equivalent of MK205 billion) for both technical and financial cooperation.
“We would like to see Malawi’s health system transformed and we commit to supporting the country improve the quality of services to the people,” he said.
A resident of Zomba, Herbert Banda said the opening of the four facilities was a major step and dream come true to the people of the old capital city.
“A facility such as Zomba Central Hospital is supposed to be fully fledged and no need for patients to be referred for further treatment elsewhere. Today, we are happy to see that our hospital has been equipped with more advanced machines and have new structures,” said Banda.
Lands Ministry says police key stakeholder in new Land Act
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, July 11, Mana: Director of Planning in the Ministry of Lands, Pamela Kandonga has said the Malawi Police Service in the country is crucial in the effective implementation of new enacted and amended landlLaws.
Kandonga made the sentiments on Thursday in Liwonde during the sensitization of police officers from the eastern region on the amended land laws and land information management systems.
She said the police is a key stakeholder in the implementation of the amended laws; hence, the need for the men and women in uniform to understand the provisions to ably enforce the pieces of legislation.
“It is no secret that police are a crucial stakeholder in the implementation of new amended land laws as they assist in enforcing the laws. They are mandated to making sure that the laws are being implemented and people are complying with the laws,” she said.
Kandonga, therefore, said the ministry decided to engage the police officers to acquaint them with the new land laws.
“Therefore, it is important for the police to know the provisions of the new land laws and enable them to deliver on their mandate in their respective work places efficiently,” Kandonga said.
Commissioner of Police responsible for the Eastern Region, Barbra Mchengatsika said the orientation has come at a right time, as land issues have always been sensitive.
Mchengatsika concurred with Kandonga that police officers need to know the laws considering that it is very difficult to enforce a law, which one is not familiar with.
“We are very grateful to the Ministry of Lands for the orientation. The police officers had more knowledge on old land laws despite the fact that the law was amended which was dangerous.
“We had a risk of not enforcing the law as it is supposed to be. But now with the orientation, we will be able to enforce the land laws properly,” she said.
Land laws were enacted in 2016 and were amended in 2022.
