MANAonline
Parliamentary Committee dissatisfied over delays in road construction
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, November 12, Mana: The Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Public Works has expressed dissatisfaction over the delay to complete road construction projects across the country.
This was said during a Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Public Works meeting conducted at the Parliament building in Lilongwe on Tuesday.
Chairperson of the committee, Noel Lipipa said it is sad that the construction works for roads such as Nkhotakota, Mangochi among others have halted for a long time giving no hope of having them completed.
He said even though the Ministry of Transport has singled out devaluation and lack of funding as reasons for the delay, they needed to expedite the processes for the sake of progress on the road projects.
"The Ministry has said they are facing challenges such as lack of funding, effects of devaluation and others but they need to hasten the processes as they have promised to address them so that people are helped in the communities,” said Lipipa.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Madalo Mwambose said despite the challenges, the Ministry is working hard to address the issues of delayed funding.
"As a Ministry, we are trying our level best in order to address issues of delay in the construction of the roads in different parts of the country.
"For roads to be constructed, it requires many issues to be addressed before physically implementing it on the ground, Malawians should be rest assured on this that as a ministry, we are in the process of finishing some other roads in different parts of the country," said Mwambose.
MRCS trains Karonga volunteers in Cholera treatment
By Ephraim Ngwira
Karonga, December 13, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has pledged its continued commitment to combating Cholera outbreak in Karonga District which has registered 48 Cholera reported cases and six deaths between September and November, 2024.
Project Officer for MRCS in Karonga, Ruth Jere was speaking on Tuesday at Kaporo in the area of Senior Chief Mwakaboko during a volunteer training session for volunteers in Cholera treatment.
"We are training the volunteers to help in treating Cholera cases in their communities as they are preparing to take patients to their nearest health facilities.
Our goal is to establish community Cholera treatment units where suspected Cholera cases will be given Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) before being referred to a health facility,” said Jere.
She added that many of those who died of Cholera delayed in seeking treatment at health facilities and expressed hope that the intervention will save lives.
Jere then encouraged the volunteers to serve communities with dedication.
Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response Officer for Karonga District Hospital, Raymond Jereni commended the MRCS initiative in complementing the hospital’s efforts in combating the disease in the district.
“We appreciate MRCS for training the volunteers. Providing ORS to Cholera suspected patients will prevent them from severe dehydration and improve outcomes by the time they reach at health facility,” said Jereni.
Stakeholders bemoan non functionality of traffic lights in Mzuzu City
By Kalem Ghambi
Mzuzu, November 13, Mana: Despite rapid urbanization and increased traffic flow, Mzuzu City Council (MCC) operates without a single road traffic light in some of its streets.
This situation presents a challenge for both motorists and pedestrians hence requiring a delicate balance of patience and careful driving.
One of the taxi drivers in the city, Christopher Nyirongo said that lack of the road traffic lights is a catalyst to traffic jam in most cases in the city.
“Most motorists disregard traffic rules and regulations during peak hours and fail to yield to other vehicles. This contributes to increased road traffic congestion and preventable accidents," said Nyirongo.
Another driver, Blessings Mkandawire appealed to MCC to fast track construction of some roads within the city for improved road network, hence reducing road traffic congestion.
The spokesperson for the MCC, McDonald Gondwe said that the council is aware that the traffic lights are nonfunctional and that plans are underway to fix them.
“The absence of traffic lights causes significant disruption to traffic flow in the city, hence we need to invest in modern traffic management solutions to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and enhance road safety," said Gondwe.
He said budgetary constraints and persistent threats of social unrest are some of the factors that hinder full restoration of the city's traffic infrastructure.
“I therefore appeal to stakeholders for assistance as fixing the lights requires a lot of money,” said Gondwe.
Spokesperson for Northern Region Police Headquarters, Morris Chapola said that the office deploys traffic police officers to regulate and control traffic jam.
He, however, stated that the responsibility for ensuring the functionality of the traffic lights lies with the council.
Blantyre and Lilongwe city councils have their traffic lights operational while Zomba doesn’t have any.
Parliamentary Committee on International Relations inspects Ministry of Labour’s progress report
By Pempho Kantayeni and Pickson Chipeso
Lilongwe, November 12, Mana: Parliamentary Committee on International Relations has expressed that it is not satisfied with the inspection done by the Ministry of Labour in various work places.
Speaking on Tuesday at Parliament after meeting officials from the Ministry of Labour, Chairperson for the committee, Patrick Bandawe, said the committee was not impressed with how the ministry is handling inspections of some work places.
“As a committee, as members of parliament we have observed that they are not doing enough when it comes to inspection, as a result, a lot of working places do not have the standards that they deserve”
The Committee also raised concerns on the recent protests Israel job seekers had on the government. Bandawe added that some members of the committee did not like how the issue was handled to the point where some of the youth protesting were arrested.
In her remarks, Principal Secretary for Ministry of Labour, Chikondano Mussa said that they were invited by the committee to give them progress on what the ministry is doing on Convention 111, Convention 100 and others, to look into the issues of discrimination in work places, equal remuneration and forced labour.
“So, we have given parliament the progress report on what we have made, these are ratified conventions by the country and therefore we have regulations to facilitate adherence to the same. We have shared with parliament many issues that the ministry is doing. We have shared with parliament that we carry out regular inspections to various work places to ensure that people are complying in terms of discrimination, that there’s no discrimination and people should not be recruited based on sex, religion and ethnicity. This is what we check when we go out, we want to go into a company or industry and find out if there is equal opportunity,” Mussa explained.
She added that they have also shown parliament that through the same inspections they are able to ensure that companies and all work places both private and public are complying to issues of health and safety at work.
Mussa also addressed the concerns raised by the youth who protested against the government's involvement in job placements in Israel. The protesters urged the Ministry of Labour to halt its recruitment efforts and allow private recruiters to handle the process instead. Mussa stated that the reasons for this demand have been acknowledged and that the Ministry of Information is yet to release an official government statement on this.
She explained that the Ministry of Labour is responsible for overseeing and implementing labor export programs, as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which states that the recruitment of workers for farms in Israel is managed by the Malawian government under the Ministry of Labour. However, recent protests by job seekers have called for the Ministry of Labour to stop conducting the recruitment and instead allow private recruiters to take over the process. This raises questions about who has the authority to decide that the recruitment should shift from the government to private recruiters. The current program is government-to-government, with Israel specifically requesting that the Malawian government handle recruitment. Therefore, any decision to change to private recruiters would need to be agreed upon by Israel.
Saint Louis Academy awards best performing students
By Happy Milanzie
Lilongwe November 12 Mana: Saint Louis High school Academy has awarded laptops and school bags to best performing students that scored 12 to 19 points during the 2023-24 Malawi Schools Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations.
Speaking during the awards ceremony, Legal Adviser for Saint Louis Academy, Felix Katsaira said the Laptops and school bags have been awarded as a starter pack to the students as they are going to continue with education in different colleges across the country.
"Saint Louis Academy has decided to help these students with scholastic school materials following their hard working spirit and the gifts received will help them to work extra hard as they're going to colleges," he said.
Katsaira emphasized that the school had spent over K5 million in getting gifts for the students.
In his remarks, headteacher for the school, Amos Kachilere, said the results have energized Saint Louis Academy which saw nine girls out of 28 students passing with flying colours showcasing the high competition existing between girls and boys.
"Boys and girls work hand in hand at Saint Louis High School Academy and looking at the grades scored by the students, it reveals that there is no huge gap between girls and boys," he said.
One of the best performed student who scored 12 points, Felix Mulundila, said he's very much impressed with the laptop received saying it would help him as he goes to university to continue with education to fulfill his ambition of being a surgeon.
"Saint Louis High School Academy has helped us a lot to come up with these grades including the starter pack that they have awarded to us, so I urge Saint Louis not to stop giving the students the starter packs because it is huge encouragement," he said.
Saint Louis High School Academy managed to come up with 98 percent of Junior certificate of Education(JCE) pass rate and 28 students passed below 19 points in Malawi Schools Certificate of Education (MSCE).
NICE Trust urges media to woo people to get registered
By Andrew Gondwe
Chitipa, November 13, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has said that journalists are important in disseminating messages to woo people to participate in electoral processes in readiness for the forthcoming 2025 General Election.
NICE Trust District Manager for Chitipa, Lusako Swira, was speaking on Tuesday during an interface meeting between NICE Trust and Chitipa Media Network.
"If district based journalists can work with our office, we believe that people will get accurate information besides what Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and other stakeholders are giving out," Swira said.
Swira added that district based media network is vital in disseminating civic education messages on various issues affecting communities.
‘We therefore request journalists to collaborate with us in mobilizing people to get registered during the extension period of voter registration which will be opened after concluding phase three of the exercise," Swira said.
He then appealed to political parties to be mobilizing their followers to participate in all electoral processes to avert voter apathy come 2025 General Election.
One of the journalists, Asimenye Sibale thanked NICE Trust for recognizing the media as another important stakeholder in the electoral process.
"As Chitipa District Based journalists together with NICE Trust, we will make sure that we disseminate accurate information related to electoral processes,” Sibale said.
About 86, 659 against 144, 000 people registered during the initial phase of voter registration exercise in the district.
Lilongwe upbeat on combating possible measles outbreak
By Yewo Munthali
Lilongwe, November 13, Mana: Lilongwe District council has urged its citizens to take heed amidst the measles outbreak in some of the areas in the city.
In a published statement, dated November 7, 2024, titled, Measles Outbreak in Lilongwe District, the Council cited Area 18, 23, 24, 25, 36, 49, 50, Chinsapo, Dzenza, Kauma, Chiunjiza, Nathenje, Nthondo, Nsundwe, Mtsiliza, Mtandire and Likuni as the affected areas.
Some notable signs and symptoms of the highly infectious disease include red watery eyes, a rash that stems from the face and proceeds to the whole body as well as high fever, a cough and runny nose.
In a telephone interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana), Tuesday, Lilongwe district Health Office Public Relations Officer, Richard Mvula, highlighted that the district health office embarked on mass vaccinations of children aged 9 months to 15 years in schools and other designated spaces in affected areas.
“We started the vaccinations last week and we are winding up today [Tuesday], the campaign was projected to vaccinate 142,945 children and by the 12th of November, 132,938 children have been vaccinated. This represents a 93% success rate which is very encouraging especially when dealing with targeted areas.” Mvula said.
Mvula further emphasized the importance of seeking medical treatment as soon as signs and symptoms appear and encouraged parents to get their children fully vaccinated against measles at public health facilities near them.
Commenting on the outbreak, health expert, Maziko Matemba, has called upon Lilongwe district to intensify vaccination campaigns to prevent further spread of the disease.
“It is sad to note that Lilongwe is affected by measles, a disease that is preventable through vaccination that is given for free,” he said
He also urged the public to take into action advice given by medical experts to prevent further spread.
The daily measles update as of 12 November shows that the district had registered 28 cases.
Pasuwa brings hope to Flames
By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, November 12, Mana: The Malawi national football team has travelled to Côte d'Ivoire to face Burundi in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier for Group L with Zimbabwean Calisto Pasuwa heading the technical team on an interim basis.
Pasuwa, a proven coach with recent successes at FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, is joined by Peter Mponda and Prichard Mwansa as assistant coaches.
Both are well-respected in Malawian football, with Mponda leading Silver Strikers to second place in the Airtel Top 8 and currently topping league standings.
The new technical staff aims to address the Flames’ challenges in Group L, where they have yet to secure a win or a point.
Pasuwa steps into the role following the dismissal of Patrick Mabedi, whose tenure ended due to a string of losses, including back-to-back defeats against Senegal and a loss against Burundi in the first leg.
Expectations are high, with Malawians eager to see if the fresh leadership can deliver the Flames' first win in the group stage. In Lilongwe, local fans have expressed both hope and caution.
Alex Chimphanda, a vendor in the city, remarked, “regardless of Thursday's outcome, we should give this new panel enough time. Each member has shown their quality with their respective clubs."
Echoing this sentiment, a local bus driver, Pachalo Tembo, commented, “there’s hope in this panel. Pasuwa has done well, even winning the Airtel Top 8 despite a challenging season in 2024."
With faith in Pasuwa’s leadership and the abilities of his assistant coaches, many Malawians are watching closely, hoping this new technical panel can bring long-awaited success and renew hope for the future of Malawian football.
The question remains whether this team can provide the breakthrough that fans are longing for. Only time will tell.
Ministry of Health urges women to prioritize cervical cancer screening ahead of Elimination Day of Action
By Martha Rukunya
Lilongwe, November 13, Mana: Director of Health Services in the Ministry of Health, Doreen Namagetsi Ali, has called on women across Malawi to prioritize cervical cancer screening in the lead-up to the Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action on November 17th.
Speaking at a health event held at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, themed ‘Elevating Frontline Health Workers,’ Ali emphasized the importance of early detection and encouraged the active involvement of men in supporting the health of their families.
“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers,” Ali stated, “yet it continues to claim lives due to limited awareness and insufficient screening. Men should be a part of the change by encouraging their wives and daughters to get tested. We need everyone involved in fighting this disease.”
The event aimed not only to increase awareness about the importance of screening but also to empower frontline health workers who play a crucial role in cancer prevention and treatment. The focus on ‘Elevating Frontline Health Workers’ recognized the dedication of healthcare professionals and sought to provide them with resources to improve service delivery in communities.
Dr. Susan Kambale, an official at the World Health Organization (WHO) Malawi Country Office, echoed the call for increased vigilance.
“Despite being preventable, cervical cancer remains a significant health concern, especially in countries with limited access to healthcare like Malawi.
“Early detection through screening can save lives, but unfortunately, many women do not come forward until it is too late. We must work together to change that,” Kambale noted.
According to WHO, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, but it is highly preventable through regular screening and vaccination. In Malawi, however, cervical cancer has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, mainly due to a lack of awareness and accessible healthcare services.
To help combat this issue, the Ministry of Health has launched several initiatives aimed at increasing the availability of screening facilities across the country, including mobile clinics in rural areas. These efforts are part of Malawi’s commitment to the WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, which aims to reduce cervical cancer deaths worldwide by 2030.
Ali encouraged women to take advantage of the free or low-cost screening services offered at health centres and upcoming mobile clinics. She highlighted that screening is a simple, non-invasive procedure that can detect early signs of cancer, allowing for timely treatment and prevention.
“If detected early, cervical cancer is treatable and preventable. I urge every woman to get screened your health is worth it,” she said.
In addition to screenings, the event highlighted the importance of HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination, which protects against the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. WHO and the Ministry of Health are working to increase vaccination rates among young girls, aiming to make cervical cancer a disease of the past for future generations.
Community leaders, health workers, and volunteers were urged to spread the message in their local communities, encouraging women to participate in screening and men to support these efforts. By raising awareness and making screening services more accessible, the Ministry of Health hopes to significantly reduce cervical cancer rates and empower women to take control of their health.
“Cervical cancer is preventable, treatable, and, with commitment, ultimately eliminable,” said Ali. “Let’s work together to ensure no woman loses her life to a preventable disease.”
The Ministry of Health encourages everyone to join the fight against cervical cancer by participating in the activities leading up to November 17th and supporting their loved ones in getting screened.
Parliamentary Committee concerned with Airtel Malawi poor services
By Pickson Chipeso and Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, November 11, Mana: The Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information, and Communication has expressed concern over poor internet and call services provided by Airtel Malawi.
Speaking on Tuesday at Parliament during a meeting with Airtel Malawi's Acting Managing Director, Committee Chairperson Susan Dosi stated that they have been receiving complaints from customers about the poor services being provided.
"We invited them to understand the challenges they are facing and to learn about the plans they are implementing to ensure these issues are resolved. As we are aware communication is key and most of the times people do business online and also communicate online with colleagues, if people are failing to do that because of poor internet or calls services, that's a big challenge. So we invited them to explain to us as a Committee on these challenges," she said.
According to Dosi, the Airtel Managing Director highlighted that the on-going road construction is the cause of their poor services due to cutting of fibres as well as vandalism. She also added that as a Committee they would like to visit the places where fibers were cut off.
"So as a Committee, we would want to go and visit these places as you are aware we also invited them to come and answer why they are not putting their gates on towers that have been constructed under last mile project, as a committee we are there to represent people and connectivity is a key and we cannot be quite. So we want to go and verify what is indeed happening on the ground," said Dosi.
Airtel Malawi Acting Managing Director, Abdul Shaik, said they are taking all necessary steps to ensure people in different communities are having access to all services.
"We are confident and can demonstrate the efforts we have made as a company to ensure the protection and maintenance of the high quality of services provided to the public," commented Shaik.
