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Greenbelt Authority invest K21 billion at Mlambe Irrigation Scheme rehabilitation project
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, April 25, Mana: The Greenbelt Authority (GBA) has awarded a contract to the Einstein Construction Company Limited, to extend the rehabilitation of the scheme for approximately 400 hectares of land at Mlambe Irrigation Scheme in Mangochi.
The Authority started the rehabilitation exercise at Mlambe Scheme in May 2024, where it rehabilitated 48 hectares of land, with an aim of ensuring that communities in Mangochi are able to practice winter irrigation.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony of the contract at Mlambe scheme on Friday, GBA Infrastructure Development Manager, Synoden Kautsi said that the project which is expected to run for nine months, starting from April, 2025, will cost the Authority K21 billion.
Kautsi said the major works to be undertaken at the scheme include grading and leveling of the 400 hector land, rehabilitation of main canal, installation of solar-powered system at the intake of the scheme, as well as construction of Water Users Association (WUA) offices at the site.
He therefore urged the contractor to work within the timeframe, and to maintain high standards throughout the project.
‘‘We expect the contractor to adhere to the timeline, be mindful of environmental concerns, but most importantly, high quality and impressive work,” he said.
President for the Association of Mlambe Irrigation Scheme, Philip Mkwera commended government for increasing funding to the scheme, saying that the move will help communities in Mangochi to achieve government goal of transforming Malawi into a middle income country.
"As an association, we are very excited and grateful to the government for this development. Extending the area for winter irrigation farming at the Mlambe Irrigation Scheme will not only benefit our immediate families, but also contribute significantly to the Mega Farm initiative, helping to transform the country into a middle-income economy," said Mkwera.
Managing Director for Einstein Construction Company Limited, Kenneth Khonje assured the authority of their professionalism, as well as adherence to high quality work.
Mlambe Irrigation Scheme, which has approximately 800 hectares of land, has for the past years been run during rainy season only.
Government allocates 99 billion Kwacha to support irrigation farming systems
Thom Ali
Lilongwe, April 25, Mana: The Malawi Government through the Ministry of Agriculture has allocated 99 billion kwacha to support farming systems and strengthen agricultural productivity in the country.
Speaking during an inspection visit at Bwanje Valley and Nambuna irrigation schemes in Dedza District, the Minister said the funds have been allocated towards irrigation farming to improve food security and enhance income for smallholder farmers.
Kawale commended the Bwanje Valley and Nambuna irrigation schemes, noting the initiative is supporting over 10, 000 famers through sustainable agricultural practices.
He further said the Malawi government is committed to supporting irrigation farming systems in the country, by among others empowering farmers with accessible funds for essential inputs like fertilizer, seeds and other farming necessities through the Mega Farm Unit and National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).
Chairman for Nambuna irrigation Scheme Lloyd Josiya hailed the Malawi government for implementing the initiative, saying it has transformed livelihoods of farmers and community members from surrounding areas through the Scheme.
He further disclosed that the Nambuna Scheme has benefited 492 famers through cooperatives.
He appealed to the government to further extend the initiative to other areas for economic transformation in the country.
Media Council of Malawi trains female journalists in online safety
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, April 25, Mana: Media Council of Malawi has asked female journalists in the country to familiarise themselves with digital tools that can help them stay safe while using digital platforms to disseminate information.
Speaking in Mzuzu on Thursday during a one day digital skills and online safety training for female journalists, Media Council of Malawi Executive Director, Moses Kaufa said female journalists have for long been victims of online abuse in the course of their work.
“This training was organised so that female journalists can be equiped with skills on better usage of digital tools as the media is now largely utilising digital spaces to remain relevant.
“The aim of the training is also to ensure female journalists who are mostly facing abuses as they work with digital media to get familiar with tools that will help them protect themselves from the abuses,” said Kaufa.
Delivering his presentation on “Using Digital Tools for Reporting”, veteran journalist and educator Winston Mwale encouraged the scribes to familiarise themselves with multiple tools which aside assuring security for themselves, will also aide their daily work.
“As journalists, you need to be aware of digital tools around you, how you can access them and utilise them to your advantage.
“However, always remember that using digital tools does not take away your responsibility to remain ethical in all your reporting,” advised Mwale.
One of the participants, Towera Katswiri said the training has been an eye opener to most female scribes since during the training they were exposed to some digital tools and platforms which were new to them.
“During the training, we were also reminded to remain ethical by verifying all our sources of information and include statistics where necessary before publishing our stories.
“As female scribes, we are coming out of the training enlightened on how we can protect ourselves while working online” said Katswiri, a reporter with Zodiak Broadcasting Station and Deputy General Secretary for Association of Women in Media.
The training was supported by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
MEC engages Njema community stakeholders on voter verification exercise
By Innocent Chamtulo
Mulanje, April 25, Mana: The Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, has urged community members in Mulanje to verify their names during the voter verification exercise scheduled to take place from 13 to 15 May.
This was said on Thursday during an engagement meeting with Njema stakeholders, which was organized by the Commission to raise awareness on the voter verification exercise.
“This is an important exercise, and I urge everyone to take part to ensure that their names have been correctly recorded. Doing so will help facilitate a smooth voting process on 16 September,” said Mtalimanja.
She further asked community members to promote peace during the election period.
“I urge you to refrain from inciting political violence. Let us be patriotic by refraining from being used for violence at whatever level,” she said.
Traditional Authority Njema expressed satisfaction with the approach taken by MEC saying the message has come in the light time and they will make sure that it is passed on to everyone.
“We will work with community structures and utilize various public platforms such as churches, funerals, and other gatherings on the need to do voter verification.
“This approach will help increase awareness about the voter verification exercise, encourage participation, and promote civic engagement within the community,” he said.
Malawi Electoral Commission Commissioner Francis Kasaila resigns ahead of 2025 elections
By Sukasuka Milton
Lilongwe, April 25, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Commissioner, Francis Lazalo Kasaila, has resigned from his position, effective April 23, 2025, citing personal reasons.
Kasaila, who also served as Chairperson of the Media, Civic, and Voter Education Committee, played a key role in voter awareness campaigns ahead of the September 16, 2025, general elections.
In a statement released on Thursday, MEC Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa thanked Kasaila for his service and contributions to the electoral process.
“The Commission acknowledges the dedication and leadership Commissioner Kasaila demonstrated during his tenure, particularly in promoting voter education,” Mwafulirwa said.
Under Section 4(8) of the Malawi Electoral Commission Act, Kasaila is expected to formally notify President Lazarus Chakwera of his resignation in writing.
Despite his departure, MEC assured the public that its operations remain unaffected, as the remaining five commissioners and the chairperson still form a legal quorum. The law requires at least four members for official business to proceed.
MEC has yet to announce whether a replacement will be appointed before the polls, where Malawians will elect a President, Members of Parliament, and Ward Councillors.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to delivering credible elections and urged stakeholders to remain calm as preparations continue.
Mchinji DHO concludes ITNs distribution
By Brighton Chimsinde
Mchinji, April 24, Mana: A snap check has revealed that delays in the delivery of Long Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLITNs) to designated distribution points, as well as an inadequate supply of the nets, were major challenges that affected the recently concluded mass LLITN distribution campaign in Mchinji District, which concluded on Wednesday.
Mchinji District Hospital Malaria Coordinator, Lameck Mzava, admitted in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Thursday that transportation of the supplies posed a challenge, despite the campaign finalizing within the scheduled timeframe.
“At some centres, beneficiaries did not receive the nets on their scheduled date because of transportation issues.
“Indeed, some centres only received their consignments around 1p.m instead of the scheduled 6a.m. Our assigned transporter faced several vehicle breakdowns, which disrupted the campaign," said Mzava.
He, however, added that the challenges were managed and that all registered households eventually received their nets by the end of the campaign.
In addition to delays, some beneficiaries expressed frustration at having to wait for nets as early as 5a.m.
Many beneficiaries and their village heads also voiced concern over the reduced number of nets allocated per household.
Group Village Head Chikwapulo of Traditional Authority Zulu in Mchinji said they were initially informed that each household would receive a maximum of four nets and a minimum of one.
“Now they are telling us the number has been reduced due to limited funding. The allocation was trimmed from four to two nets per household. We are concerned because many people were left without adequate malaria protection,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Mzava confirmed that during the campaign, which ran from April 19 to 23, a total of 411,868 LLITNs were distributed to approximately 197,000 registered households across the district.
Tourism exposure crucial in boosting the ATM strategy- Chakwera
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, April 24, Mana; State President, Dr Lazarus MacCarthy Chakwera has said tourism exposure to the outside world will play a crucial role in boosting the agriculture, tourism and mining strategy (ATM) that is in line with the vision 2063 strategy.
He made the remarks on Wednesday during the official opening of the 2025 “Takulandilani” Malawi international tourism expo that took place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
“Malawi is very unique as it contains many tourists’ attraction things which includes wild animals in different national parks, lake Malawi, which has unique species of fish that are found only here in Malawi and Mountains that if properly exposed to the outside world can bring foreign exchange and boost the economy.
“Tourists coming to Malawi is always a right choice because the country has unique people who are warm hearted, people of empathy and humane, people of good relations and network as well as people who promote good hospitality and respect to elders who keeps culture and diversity that is seen in cultural dances;” he said.
Chakwera further said the coming of tourists during the launch will help in international relations, attract foreign exchange and boost business activities thereby promoting agriculture, tourism and mining.
He said this opportunity will also help to transform the tourism sector by exposing different resources which includes minerals, cultural dances and foods that are unique.
Minister of tourism, Vera Kamtukule commended the president for his presence during the official opening of the takulandilani tourism Malawi international tourism expo saying it had shown his interest in promoting the country’s tourism exposure to the world.
“We have raised a profile of tourism not only in Malawi but also across the world.
“This launch will provide business people with a platform to be exposed to other countries thereby boosting several sectors including the energy, water, health and tourism itself as we are selling our resources to other countries;” she said.
The three-day exhibition has attracted tourism players from Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, among others. It mainly aims to market Malawi's tourism industry, as one of the country's three key sectors, others being agriculture and mining.
The three days’ expo is being cerebrated under the theme “solidifying the gains” Everything. Everyone tourism”.
Many girls in rural areas remain unaware of ICT-Macra
By Ruth Kumwenda
Blantyre, April 24, Mana: Despite the advancement in technology, many girls, especially in rural areas remain unaware of the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) career opportunities because of the gender stereotypes, cultural norms and limited to access.
Board of Director for Malawi Communications and Regulatory Authority (MACRA), Malla Kawale, disclosed this on Thursday during the commemoration of the International Girls in ICT Day at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS).
"If you go to the village and ask girls what career they want to pursue; they will say nursing or teaching because that is all they know. They don't talk about ICT because they have never been exposed to it," she said.
She highlighted MACRA's effort in bridging the digital divide through the ‘Connect a School’ project, which is establishing 75 computer labs nationwide, to help girls access digital tools and training prioritizing the rural areas.
Kawale encouraged girls to work hard, network with companies and leaders, and believe in their potential reaffirming that the future is digital and the future is female.
She called upon development partners, private sector leaders and other institutions to play a role in shaping an inclusive digital economy.
Head of Computer Science and Information System at MUBAS, Dr. Patrick Chikumba, reaffirmed the university's commitment to digital transformation through inclusive programs.
"We ensure that there is 50-50 selection in ICT courses and next year we are introducing new programs like Software Engineering and Cyber Security to equip girls with skills to solve local problem," he said.
Chikumba added that MUBAS is working with UNDP in digital transformation, targeting secondary schools and local communities to do awareness in digital skills.
"We are also working with girls in artificial intelligence to make sure citizens are equipped with enough ICT solutions," he added.
One of the participants from MUBAS, Ellen Liradala, a second-year student pursuing ICT, said she was motivated to pursue such a career because she was curious about how computers works and how to fix them.
She added that seeing female lecturers in ICT boost confidence in girls and it keeps them dreaming bigger.
The International Girls in ICT Day was commemorated under the theme ‘Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation’ and attracted girls from Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), MUBAS and Chichiri Secondary School among others.
Social Protection programs propelling lives in Nkhotakota
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, April 24, Mana: Participants in social protection programs in Nkhotakota district have commended government for the ongoing programs, saying they are improving the people’s livelihoods.
Speaking in an interview with Mana on Thursday, one participant of social cash transfer program, Kapochi Piyasi, of Mtete Village in the area of Senior Chief Mwadzama, said he has managed to build a house, buy six goats, and a bicycle through the money he receives, adding that he is now investing to become self-reliant even without the program.
"Before the program, I was living in poverty: I was depending on my relatives to help me feed and manage my family, but now I have a good house that qualifies to be called home and it is all because of the support I get from the social cash transfer program," he explained.
Another beneficiary, Malita Chimera, said, with children to look after on her own, life was not as simple as all she did was rely on piece work to bring food and their family necessities.
After being enrolled into the Public Works Program in 2019, she said life changed, and she is now one of the well-known livestock farmers in her area of residence since she started investing the money she got from the program into goats and chicken farming.
A 78-year-old Mumdelanji Chimbano of Ngumbwe in the area of Senior Chief Mwadzama, who is also enrolled in the social cash transfer program, said the money she received every month, is assisting her to, among other things, access health services due to her age.
“When I feel sick due to my old age, I use the money as transport to receive medical treatment. I am also depending on the money for food and basic needs as you can see, I can’t manage to venture into farming activities,” she said.
Principal Social Welfare officer for Nkhotakota, Osward Mwale, said these programs are important to communities as they improve their livelihoods beyond expectations.
He encouraged participants to invest in livestock, or save their money through other related ventures like savings and loan groups in their communities for further benefit.
Between the social cash transfer and public works programs funded by the World Bank and Multi-donor Trust Fund, over 26,000 households are enrolled in these social protection programs in Nkhotakota.
K445 million Safe Water Project excites people of Lilongwe
By Rennie Tembo
Lilongwe, April 24, Mana: People of Lilongwe in the area of Traditional Authority Masula have applauded Water Mission Malawi for providing solar water pump equipment worth K445 million to help the people of the area access clean and potable water.
Speaking at Kalesi Community Ground in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Masula on Thursday during commissioning ceremony of the facility, Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Msinja South Constituency, Francis Belekanyama, said the facility will assist the people in his area, especially women, whom he claimed used to walk nearly 6 kilometers to fetch clean water.
“It is a huge relief that this project has brought, making the people’s life easier. It has lifted the burden women had of waking up at dawn, or leaving home in the evening, searching for water, a task that was tiring and unsafe for them.
“Apart from walking long distances in search of clean water, we have also been hit with cholera outbreaks and one of the contributing factor was that a number of people were unable to access clean water,’’ he said.
Belekanyama then urged people in his area to take ownership of the facility by avoiding vandalism so that it lasts longer, serving the people.
Speaking in a separate interview, Sellina Mikayelo, a 48-year-old woman also thanked Water Mission Malawi for coming in with such project, saying they used to wake-up early in the morning, around 4am, to fetch clean water, an experience that put their lives at risk and disturbed several marriages.
“We have been experiencing an increase in waterborne diseases due to contaminated water since we would just opt to source water in the nearby streams; but now this project has changed that, and we are very grateful,’’ she said.
Water Mission Malawi Country Director, Nixon Sinyiza, said proper sanitation and healthy living cannot be achieved in the absence of safe and potable water.
“Access to clean water is an entitlement to every individual regardless of where they live. After conducting an assessment in the area we discovered that there were few clean water sources and some residents were traveling long distances just to access water.
“So we came up with a solution to install a water source powered by solar which distributes to 12 water points serving over 1, 517 households per point,’’ he said.
The project, which was funded by the Mckinnon Family from United States of America (USA) and it will provide safe and clean water to a population of 8,389 people in Kalesi village and surrounding areas.
