MANAonline
Karonga District Hospital gas plant to enhance health care in the north
By Patience Harawa
Karonga, January 22, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Noah Chimpeni has said construction of a state of the art gas plant at Karonga District Hospital will save lives of lots of people in the northern region.
Chimpeni made the sentiment on Tuesday when he toured the construction site for the gas plant being funded by the World Bank through Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) to the tune of $1.8 million.
He said the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Malawi’s health system and improve patient care.
“This oxygen plant will revolutionize healthcare in Karonga and surrounding districts. It is a game-changer, especially for patients with severe conditions like pneumonia, COVID-19 complications, and other respiratory challenges,” Chimpeni said.
"It will not only save lives of people in Karonga but the whole northern region by ensuring a reliable supply of medical oxygen for critical cases such as respiratory illnesses, surgical procedures and emergency care," he added.
According to the acting Director of Planning and Development for Karonga District Council, Khumbo Mkandawire, the plant is expected to produce medical-grade oxygen on-site hence it will reduce dependency on external suppliers and improve response times in emergency situations.
"Construction of the oxygen gas plant is expected to be completed by March 2025. Once operational, it will become one of several such facilities established nationwide to combat shortages of medical oxygen, an issue that came into sharp focus during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Mkandawire.
She added that currently, Karonga District Hospital procures oxygen from Afrox and Nkhoma Mission Hospital in Lilongwe which is costly considering the long distances.
In his remarks, Chairperson for Karonga District Council, Bellium Msukwa urged the contractors to maintain high standards of workmanship and ensure timely completion of the project.
“This facility is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration between the government, international partners, and local stakeholders,” said Msukwa.
Deputy Health Minister urges efficiency at Kameme Health Center
By Comfort Simbeye
Chitipa, January 22, mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Noah Chimpeni has urged Kameme Health Centre staff in Chitipa to do their best with the available resources, saying government is striving to have enough equipment in health facilities.
He said this on Tuesday when he inspected rehabilitated outpatient department (OPD) and newly constructed under-five clinic at the health center.
Chimpeni said that the project is aimed to ease access to some health services at Kameme, which are only available at Chitipa District Hospital.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by people in the area to access crucial health services due to the poor road network to the district hospital.
“I have noted that it is difficult for people here at Kameme to access health services because of the poor road network.
“This is why government is doing everything possible to make more health services available at Kameme Health Center so that people can be served at the health facility, which will help them to be assisted in time,” Chimpeni said.
District Medical Officer for Chitipa District Council, Dr. Victor Matumbo said that the longer distances from the health centers to the main hospital has reduced the quality of health services delivery in Chitipa District.
“During the rainy season, all our roads become impassable, whereby we sometimes use two ambulances to have a referral system that is functioning, which makes us use a lot of resources in terms of other recurrent transactions that the government allocates to us,” Dr. Matumbo said.
He asked the government and well-wishers to help with construction of staff houses which would facilitate transfer of staff from the district hospital to health centers.
Government under Renovation of Health Facilities in Malawi rehabilitated Kameme OPD and constructed under-five clinic to a tune of MK179 million and MK404 million respectively.
Minister urges technical colleges to sell out their innovations
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, January 22, Mana: Minister of Labour Vitumbiko Mumba has urged Technical Colleges and Vocational Training institutions in the country to sell out the innovations they develop so that they can increase their revenue bases.
Speaking in Mzuzu on Tuesday when he visited Mzuzu Technical College, Mumba applauded the fact that most institutions in the country are doing well in coming up with new innovations, however he noted that little is being done to market the same to the general public.
“I am aware that these colleges have some funding woes, but they can utilize their respective innovations by turning them into sources of generating income for themselves.
“For instance at Mzuzu Technical College, we have seen a solar powered charging facility which one can use to charge multiple gadgets at once. We have also seen a modern type of irrigation facility at Sonda which is a brain child of Mzuzu Technical College,” said Mumba.
Mumba said the institutions need to show what they can offer to the nation through development of more useful innovations which can lure stakeholder investment.
Julius Phiri, Principal for Mzuzu Technical College which is jointly run by Roman Catholic Church’s Mzuzu Diocese and Malawi Government through Ministry of Labour, appreciated the Ministerial visit noting it is a source of motivation to the students at the facility.
“Through visits like this one, our students get encouraged and motivated specifically if their respective innovations are appreciated.
“We have taken note of suggestions by the minister such that we will move on to get certification for some innovations which are already completed so that we can sale them out,” said Phiri.
Mumba who was in company of Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Labour Chikondano Mussa, Technical Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA) Executive Director Elwin Sichilora and other officials from Ministry of Labour has been in the northern region since Monday visiting both Private and Public facilities to check compliance on different labour related laws.
Neef loan scheme to provide fertilizer to farmers all year-round
By: Timothy Peter
Dedza, January 21, Mana: Minister of Agriculture, Samuel Kawale says government is committed to ensuring steady supply of inorganic fertilizer to smallholder farmers in the country through National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).
Kawale said this on Tuesday after opening Khwakhwa Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) depot.
The Admark depot which was constructed under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), costed 46 Million Kwacha and is located in the area of Senior Chief Chauma in Dedza District.
Kawale said government introduced farm input loan through NEEF to allow small-holder farmers purchase more than two bags of fertilizer as compared to the Affordable Input Program (AIP) where each farmer is required to purchase two bags of subsidized fertilizer.
The minister said two bags may not be adequate for farmers to produce enough for food as well as commercial purposes.
"The future of agriculture in Malawi is revolving towards commercialization where inputs are supposed to be available all year round.
"We would want to assure farmers that there is going to be consistency in the supply of the inputs so that they can use them during the rainy season and also irrigation farming," he said.
The minister has since advised small-holder farmers to refrain from selling the redeemed fertilizer and use it for its intended purposes.
Senior Chief Chauma commended government through the Member of Parliament for the area, Dedza Central East Constituency, Joshua Malango for bringing the ADMARC depot closer to the people.
"I am very happy because the project has cut shorter the distances my subjects were traveling to access subsidized farm inputs like fertilizer or buy maize from ADMARC," he explained.
Dedza Central East Parliamentarian, Joshua Malango urged the people to take care of the ADMARC building as vandalizing it would result in people walking longer distances again to purchase fertilizer and maize.
Nine Ethiopian nationals arrested for illegal stay at Dzaleka
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, January 22, Mana: Police in Dowa have arrested nine Ethiopian nationals aged between 16 and 23 for allegedly residing at Dzaleka Refugee Camp without proper documentation.
Dowa police station Public Relations Officer, Alice Sitima, said through the Officer in Charge (OC) Almakio Daka, police received information indicating that some Ethiopians residing in the camp were harboring fellow nationals who lacked valid travel documents.
"Acting on this intelligence, the OC and his team conducted a search of a suspected residence within the camp, which led to the discovery of the nine individuals concealed within the home of Tsadat Tseleka, a 24-year-old Ethiopian national.
"Upon questioning them, the suspects failed to provide documentation verifying their legal stay in Malawi, which led to their arrest," said Sitima.
She added saying the detainees will soon appear in court to answer charges leveled against them.
Also, that investigations are under way to identify and apprehend anyone involved in harboring illegal immigrants.
Airtel Malawi Plc appoints new Managing Director
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, January 22, Mana: Airtel Malawi Plc has appointed Aashish Dutt as its new Managing Director, effective February 1, 2025.
In a press statement released on Wednesday, the communication company announced that Dutt will succeed Abdul Khayyum Shaik, who has been serving as Acting Managing Director since November 1, 2024.
“Dutt brings over 28 years of experience in telecommunications, including 14 years in executive management,” reads the statement.
The statement has however commended Dutt being a person with a strong commercial background in telecommunications and FMCG, with experience across India and Africa.
Dutt has been serving as Chief Commercial Officer for Airtel Kenya Networks since August,2021.
Thyolo District Council eyes increased revenue in 2025-2026 Budget
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, January 22, Mana: Thyolo District Council has outlined plans to improve revenue collection in the 2025-2026 financial year, citing financial constraints as a major challenge to service delivery and development projects.
Speaking during a budget hearing organized by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) on Tuesday in Blantyre, District Commissioner Hudson Kuphanga said the council will focus on strengthening revenue collection through intensified supervision of revenue centers, enforcement of bye-laws, and the introduction of an e-ticketing system.
He said despite making progress in key development areas, inadequate funding remains a barrier to effective implementation of projects in the district.
“The council faces challenges such as late disbursement of funds, high vacancy rates for frontline staff, and poor mobility.
“To address these issues, we are prioritizing strategies that will maximize revenue collection,” Kuphanga said.
Kuphanga disclosed that for the 2025-2026 financial year, the council has proposed a budget of MK32.58 billion, with MK5.7 billion allocated for local development, MK24.08 billion for personal emoluments, and MK300.7 million expected to be raised through locally generated revenue.
“In the previous financial year, the council had a MK25.05 billion budget, generating MK265.8 million in local revenue.
“The funds supported various projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of water facilities, improvements in the education and health sectors, and support for farmers through fertilizer and maize seed distribution,” indicated Kuphanga.
Director of Finance, Andrew Jaffar said while the council managed to implement several projects, financial shortfalls affected its ability to deliver services efficiently.
“The delays in funding made it difficult to carry out planned activities in time. However, with enhanced supervision of revenue centers and the rollout of an e-ticketing system, we expect to improve revenue collection significantly,” Jaffar said.
He also expressed hope that revenue reforms will help close funding gaps.
Council Economist, Humphrey Savieri added that the introduction of e-ticketing, which will be piloted this year, will bring efficiency and transparency to revenue collection.
He said the system, supported by the Ministry of Local Government, Unity, and Culture (MoLGUC) under the Demand-Driven Performance Improvement Plans (DD-PIPs), will minimize financial leakages and ensure funds are used for intended purposes.
“The use of digital systems will enhance accountability and enable the council to generate more revenue, which will directly benefit communities through improved service delivery,” Savieri said.
MoH, MIAA engages Zion, Apostolic faiths on health uptake
By: Steve Chirombo
Dedza, January 21, Mana: Ministry of Health says the faith community represents nearly 80% of the population it serves, therefore, it is essential for this community to have a proper understanding of the importance of seeking medical health services.
The remarks were made on Tuesday at Mountain View Lodge in Dedza District where the Deputy Director in the Ministry of Health, Responsible for Health Promotion Services, Dr. Kondwani Mamba, opened a three-day engagement between his ministry, Malawi Interfaith Aids Association (MIAA) and the representatives from Zion and Apostolic Churches.
According to Mamba, Malawi as a God fearing nation, has people with different religious beliefs and such meetings are crucial for successful health service delivery in communities.
“Normally we face some challenges in the ministry when it comes to response to outbreaks, even as we deliver our normal health services. We have some religious beliefs that prohibits members from accessing medical services.
“So, in this meeting, we have invited such faith communities so that we engage each other, and make sure that we understand the issues that surround us and why as a ministry we would want everyone to access health services,” stated Mamba.
He said they want to reach a compromise where the faith community should be encouraging as well as mobilizing their congregants to access health services as it is supposed to be.
Mamba further said that he noted that from the beginning of their discussions, the participants impressed him and he realized that it was one of the key forums they were missing as a ministry.
“It is motivating to also note that the two sides are sharing experiences and we hope by the end of this meeting we are going to reach a consensus so that everyone in the country regardless of where they worship, should be accessing health services,” said Mamba.
MIAA, Director of Programs, Wellington Nkhoma, said Zion and Apostolic faiths are two major religious institutions that have the tendency of not patronizing medical health services in the country.
“So with support from the United Nation’s Children’s Funds (UNICEF) and with technical expertise from MoH, we are trying to understand barriers that hold them from accessing the medical services while also aligning these in terms of what they do when it comes to healing and what the ministry does on the same and bringing them to a common ground,” he said.
He added that it is their wish that at the end of the three days, the two faith groups, understand the concept of healing as presented in the bible but also be able to understand the relationship between, faith, healing and education which are key to making sure that the country develops.
On his part, Prophet Dr. Lex Kalolo, Leader of Altar and Liberty Church of All Nations, who is also President of the Association of Prophets in the country, said apart from hearing from the two sides they will also reach a consensus of how all this affects the well-being of people.
“During our deliberations at the start of our engagement, we agreed that good health, education and beliefs go together and were all brought together by the missionaries. And this is what we wanted to see happening. It is our wish that colleagues under Zion and the apostolic faith should start seeking medical services and also access education,” he said.
Kalolo said the meeting is also necessary as the country is eyeing for the Malawi 2063 Agenda which calls for unity hence for the faith leaders to understand their roles in advocating for health uptake, good beliefs and access to education, thereby having a healthy Malawi that will see everyone achieving the MW2063 Agenda together.
Fire claims couple`s lives at Che Mussa
By Milcah Mathias and Alex Mlanga
Blantyre, January 21, Mana: Fire has claimed the lives of a man and his wife at Che Mussa Market in Blantyre City where the couple had a shop selling among others paint, paraffin and other solvents such as thinners which are highly flammable.
An eye witness, Patrick Makwala, of Che Mussa Market said the accident happened during lunch hour when the wife was preparing lunch.
“It happened when a customer came to purchase thinners. Due to the heat of the charcoal burner, the fire immediately broke out and caught the whole shop which later on claimed their lives,
“We tried to put down the fire using sand and water but to no avail. We only managed to rescue their 20-year-old son, thanks to the firefighters who were passing by and managed to put off the fire,” added Makwala.
Chairperson of Che Mussa Market, Hastings Kabango, described the accident as tragic, saying this had never happened at the market before.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Queen Elizabeth Central hospital by police for post-mortem. However, the fire has affected more than 10 other shops which led to damage of property.
Kasungu District Council presents MK25.5 billion budget
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, January 21, Mana: Kasungu District Council proposes to spend K25.5 billion in the 2025/2026 Financial Year prioritizing infrastructure development, increasing social protection beneficiaries and building resilience against natural disasters.
The figure excludes personal emoluments and represents a 56 percent increase from the last year's MK16.1 billion.
Speaking on Tuesday during a draft budget presentation in Blantyre, District Commissioner James Kanyangalazi said the proposed financial plan must be a cause for elation amongst the people of Kasungu District as it will fund various infrastructural development initiatives that will help in quality service delivery.
"In the ending year, we have constructed office and school blocks, health facilities and their staff houses, police units, market structures and extension planning areas, among other projects.
"We are looking at the 2025/2026 budget to be another huge package for the district. Communities in Kasungu must expect a lot of good things coming their way because we cannot talk of poverty alleviation when there is no infrastructure development," Kanyangalazi said.
He pointed out the increase in the number of beneficiaries in the Social Cash Transfer and the Climate Smart Public Works Programmes as good news for the district as many people will be reached out with the social protection initiatives.
"We also expect to continue constructing bridges, improving the road network and promoting irrigation farming by rehabilitating some dams," he said.
Specifically, the council plans to spend MK1.3 billion to boost agriculture productivity, MK343 million to improve access to water and sanitation, MK3.9 billion to fight morbidity and mortality and MK3.2 billion to improve road network and information communication technology infrastructure in an annual investment plan that totals to MK9.8 billion.
It also plans to boost its locally generated revenue by diversifying revenue streams, digitizing revenue collection and enhancing engagements and collaboration with businesses.
Director of Local Government Services, Douglas Mkweta said he expects councils to make budgets that align with national frameworks.
"The main purpose of these sessions is to check if the draft budgets conform to the advice that we provide every year that what is implemented is in line with national frameworks like the Malawi 2063.
"This time we are also looking at climate related issues such as disasters. So we want to ensure that services are provided in line with what is happening on the ground," Mkweta said.
The budget presentations have been facilitated by the National Local Government Finance Committee to ensure that the councils' financial blueprints adhere to principles of effective resource allocation at the local government level.
