MANAonline
All set for Catholic National Youth Conference
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, August 13, Mana: The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has organized a National Youth Conference under the theme; Fight the good fight of faith.
The conference will be held from 14 to 18 August at Limbe Cathedral where over 300 delegates from all eight catholic dioceses in Malawi are expected to attend.
Youth Chaplain for the Archdiocese of Blantyre, Father Francisco Hau, told Malawi News Agency (Mana) in an interview on Tuesday that the conference was meant to help the youth to grow strong in faith and be responsible citizens.
He said the conference expects to hear youth`s life experiences and discuss issues that should help them understand their role in the church and society.
“Youths have to learn to fight a good fight of faith in a world where there is a lot of noise and many teachings that are contrary to the word of God. The youths should learn how to make good and informed decisions based on good faith,
“The theme of the conference is taken from the first latter of Saint Paul to Timothy (Timothy 6:2) and the conference will have various facilitators,” he said, adding the national youth conference will help the youth to grow strong both physically and spiritually.
Hau said at the end of the conference, youths will be commissioned to train fellow youths in their respective dioceses on issues that will be discussed at the conference.
He disclosed that this was the first time that the Blantyre Archdiocese will host a national youth conference and said the Archdiocese was looking forward to such conferences as right places to deepen the Christian faith, apart from discussing issues that affect the new generation.
National Youth Conference organizing chairperson, Davidson Dafullen confirmed that all was set to host the youths from all catholic dioceses in Malawi.
“We are expecting to have over 300 youth representatives from all dioceses in the country,” he said.
National Coordinator of Catholic Scouts, Deodatus Muriya told Mana in an interview that he was looking forward to benefit a lot from the conference.
“I am excited and ready for the conference. We are hoping that it will help us strengthen our faith and learn from one another on how we can grow spiritually,” he said.
Facilitators at the conference will be the Most Reverend George Tambala, Archbishop of Lilongwe, Most Reverend Thomas Msusa, Archbishop of Blantyre, Right Reverend Martin Mtumbuka, Bishop of Kalonga Diocese and the Right Reverend Alfred Chaima, Bishop of Zomba Dioceses,
Other facilitators will be; Reverend Father Kinley Cosmas, Monsignor Henry Chinkanda, Miss Mandinda Zungu and Mr. Andrew Kavala.
Youth delegates will come from the dioceses of Chikwawa, Blantyre, Zomba, Mangochi, Dedza, Lilongwe, Mzuzu and Karonga.
GBA engages Nthola-Ilola Irrigation scheme users on corruption
By George Mponda
Karonga, August 13, Mana: Greenbelt Authority (GBA), Monday sensitised members of Nthola-Ilola Irrigation Scheme in Karonga on the existence of an Institutional Integrity Commitee which deals with corruption at the scheme.
Speaking on Monday in Karonga during an Institutional Integrity Committee (IIC) sensitization meeting organized by GBA in collaboration with the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB), ' Public Relations Officer for GBA, Sam Majamanda said the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Two, calls for the formulation of the committee in all public institutions.
"After its establishment, an institution is required to inform the people which it serves of the committee’s functions, hence this initiative to sensitize beneficiaries of Nthola-Ilola Irrigation Scheme where construction of an irrigation facility is underway.
“The GBA operates from Lilongwe while here on the ground, community members are our eyes as such they are better placed to identify and report any suspected corruption issues taking place, especially during the construction phase," said Majamanda.
Corruption Prevention Officer for ACB, Gloria Chikhambi said the commitee promotes a culture of integrity.
"All ministries, departments and agencies are supposed to have it and we are encouraging them to ensure that it is active to enhance the fight against corruption in the country," said Chikhambi.
Secretary for Nthola-Ilola Water Users Association, Brenda Mhango said the initiative will help root out all elements of corruption which might exist at the scheme.
"We have been sensitized on the existence of the IIC and we now know who to report to in case of suspected corrupt activities," Mhango said.
Mzimba CS-EPWP participants told to use money prudently
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, August 13, Mana: District Commissioner for Mzimba, Rodney Simwaka has urged particiants of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) in the district to use their payments wisely.
Simwaka made the remarks on Monday at Kaumphu Primary School in Traditional Authority Chindi in the district during a pay parade to over 1,000 participants of the Third Cycle of the multi-donor-funded climate smart program.
At least 1,000 community members from villages under Group Village head Chitapamoyo are part of over 15,000 participants from 19 catchment areas in Mzimba set to receive payments for having taken part in restoring degraded landscapes.
According to Mzimba district land resource officer, Oliver Nyalira, the people promoted natural regeneration, afforestation, making contour marker ridges, and gully reclamation, among others.
In his remarks, Simwaka said donors are funding the climate-smart program by investing huge sums of money to repair the damaged environment and stop the effects of climate change which are impacting negatively on people.
‘‘We are facing effects of climate change in terms of poor harvest in our farms and even destructive heavy rains. Donors are interested in stopping such phenomena by investing in programs such as climate-smart. Some of these things we are witnessing are the effects of climate change. As beneficiaries let's work hard at ensuring we restore degraded environments and not just look at the monetary value of working in the fields and forests, let's look at the benefit of caring for the land we live on,’’ said Simwaka.
He further urged the people to put the money received to good use and not squander it on trivia.
‘‘The money you are receiving today is meant to compensate you for the work you undertook in restoring the environment and you should use it prudently by investing in improving your households and not buying beer. Let the money benefit your families, ’’ he said.
One of the recipients Abner Phiri from Chandodo Village said he owns a garden and will invest some of the K38, 400 he received into buying seeds for the garden.
Another beneficiary Maria Moyo from Chakazi village hailed the programme for enabling them to work and get paid.
‘‘With this cash, I will buy food and other things for my household. I thank the donors and governments for starting to disburse the payments now when most of us are running out of food stocks, ’’ said Moyo.
The participants are receiving K38,400 up from the K28,000 they used to receive for working for 24 days in the past.
At least 15,000 participants are expected to receive their payments in Mzimba from 19 catchment areas.
CS-EPWP aims at addressing climate change and environmental degradation and promoting sustainable development in vulnerable communities.
It is a component of the social support for resilient livelihoods program which is being implemented through the National Local Government Finance Committee with support from the World Bank and the social protection multi-donor support.
Youths encouraged to take leadership positions
By Esther Ndhlozi and Grace Thesi
Mzuzu, August 13, Mana: Mzuzu Youth Association and Added Power Understanding Sustainable Education (APAUSE) jointly hosted a youth dialogue in Mzuzu on Monday, aimed at empowering youth leadership and fostering mindset transformation.
Speaking at the event, Mzuzu Youth coordinator, Francis Chirambo said the event was part of the commemoration for Youth International Day which falls on 12 August, every year.
Chirambo said the event was a necessary platform to empower youths to participate in the electoral processes by ensuring that they consider to take up leadership positions.
“As a way of remembering International Youth day we wanted to get this opportunity and empower the youth to take part in political decision making and opting to take part in political positions. They should not just be used as violence vessels during campaigns and elections” said chirambo.
He further said Mzuzu Youth Association being part of the youth NGOs body has a goal to reach out to all 15 Wards in the city to ensure that the youth are civic educated on the benefits of having a fair and credible presidential election.
“As an umbrella body for the youth organisations, we are committed to civic educate the youth concerning the upcoming elections. We would want them to consider candidates who have their interests at heart. They shouldn’t just vote for someone because they were bribed” said Chirambo.
Youth Coordinator for APAUSE, Maria Malaso said they are working hand in hand with the Mzuzu Youth Association office to encourage and educate young people on various issues.
“This event gave us an opportunity to reach out to the youths by civic educating them on issues concerning education, health, sexual reproductive health and climate change” said Mabaso.
She encouraged the youth to attend such functions since they talk of issues that are usually not discussed in cultural or religious settings because some content can be too sensitive.
Commenting on the matter, one of the youths who attended the event, Asimenye Mwaighogha hailed Mzuzu Youth Association and APPAUSE for bringing the youths together and equipping them with the confidence to take part in the 2025 elections.
Go for Integrated catchment management and conservation, farmers urged
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, August 13, Mana: Machinga District Adaptation Fund Project Coordinator, Richard Thole says Integrated Catchment Management and Conservation can positively contribute to increased crop production for improved livelihood among farmers in the face of climate change effects.
He said this on Monday at Nanyumbu Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Traditional Authority (TA) Kawinga in Machinga District, during the launch of a district`s Integrated Catchment Management and Conservation project.
Thole said the new technologies which have been put into practice by the farmers around the EPA promote holistic approach to managing land, water and biodiversity, leading to enhanced conservation of ecosystems and improved ecosystem services.
He said farmers at Nanyumbu EPA where the project is being implemented were demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability thereby responding to effects of climate change.
“We are happy as a project that farmers are now adopting the new catchment management and conservation technologies. These technologies offer farmers a lot of advantages such as increased crop production that offers greater flexibility in adapting to climate change.
“Machinga District is prone to various disasters including droughts and floods as a result of climate change. These issues affect communities greatly as they cannot harvest enough for their families, Thole said, adding that interventions which farmers adopted started bearing fruits to improve their livelihood.
He further disclosed that the launch was also meant to showcase agricultural technologies which prove to be necessary tools in responding to effects of climate change and at the same time improve crop production.
“Farmers showcase to communities and other stakeholders in the area technologies they adopted and how they benefit from the same. It is a known fact that farmers realized that the only way to address effects of climate change or impact is to use the new technologies that are useful to control running water which causes soil erosion and other forms of land degradation.” he said.
On the La Nina weather condition which is expected to hit the country in the next rainy season as forecasted by the Department of Climate Change and Metrological Services, Thole reminded farmers to still adopt new agricultural technologies to improve on crop production.
“La Nina brings heavy rains which has a negative bearing on agriculture especially in hilly areas. Farmers should therefore adopt technologies such as creation of stone bunds, check dams and water absorption pits to protect soils and regulate water flow,” he added.
Stereo Kachimanga, a farmer and member of Makenngere Bee Keeping Club said new agricultural technologies played a greater role in improving soil fertility on his piece of farm land for the two years.
“I am a good example of a farmer who benefited from the new technologies. After adopting these technologies, things changed for the better in recent years as there is an improvement in maize production on my part” said Kachimanga.
The launch was held with support from World Food Program Adaptation Fund Project.
PLEM takes over Rumphi-Nyika Road construction project
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, August 13, Mana: Roads Authority on Wednesday handed over construction of a 20 kilometer stretch of Rumphi- Nyika road to PLEM Construction replacing Unique Construction.
Construction of the stretch from Chikwawa to Bembe will cost K29 billion and funded by Malawi Government.
Speaking during a hand over ceremony at Bolero Trading Centre, Managing Director for PLEM Construction, Jay Khrishnan said his company is committed to complete the road.
"Our company has never failed to complete a project. I understand we have to prove ourselves, but I can assure you that we will complete it," said Khrishnan.
District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu said the road is important for rural development and urged the company not to fail government under the leadership of President Lazarus Chakwera and people of Rumphi.
Bulukutu also pledged Rumphi District Council’s support to ensure that the road is completed on time for the benefit of people in the district and the country as a whole.
Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe said the people of Rumphi have been waiting for the completion of the road and thanked government for awarding the project to a new contractor.
“We are hopeful that the road will be completed. We will cooperate with you so that your job runs smoothly,” Chikulamayembe said.
Rumphi-Nyika Road is the main route to Nyika National Park and also connects Hewe, a major farming hub in the district.
More chaos with La Niña prediction on Lakeshore
By Leonard Masauli & Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, August 13, Mana: Stakeholders have warned that the predicted La Niña could wreak further havoc to the country’s tourism economy due to rising water levels in Lake Malawi.
This warning was issued during a Research Dissemination Dialogue on the Economic Impact of Lake Malawi’s rising water levels at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe on Monday.
The Report highlights that as per the La Niña projection, the Lake has increased its water level by 45 centimetres and this was a very significant threat on tourism economy in the country.
La Niña weather conditions have been predicted by Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services for the forthcoming rainy season.
These cooler than usual temperatures disrupt global weather patterns because they cause it to become warmer.
In Southern Africa, humidity levels are expected to rise as this tropical country gets cooler during such periods.
Executive Director of Malawi Tourism Council, Memory Kamthunzi expressed her worry, saying considering how high waters have been pushed was like sitting on a time bomb especially with the La Nina prediction next year, making the tourism in the lakeshore at risk.
“When the incident occurred, the Council conducted assessments in all regions, and it was evident that the impact on lakeshore businesses was substantial. After working with the National Planning Commission (NPC), we confirmed the severity of the situation.
“When we review our database, the rising water levels in Lake Malawi have significantly affected operators. Some businesses are no longer operational, having closed due to property damage, leading to significant job losses,” she noted.
Kamthunzi recommended that financial institutions should be lobbied to provide loans to lakeshore operators, enabling them to rebuild and resume tourism businesses.
NPC Research Manager, Dr. Andrew Jamali, highlighted that tourism contributes approximately 6.7 percent to the country’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP).
He warned that the damage to businesses is likely to affect the 2024 GDP.
“Our primary objective with these findings was to assess the impact of rising water levels on the tourism sector and estimate the potential GDP loss.
“Tourism patronage along the lakeshore has dropped, affecting revenue. We estimate that the tourism GDP will contract by 0.5 percent by the end of the year, as many establishments have not resumed full operations, and some are operating at just 45 percent capacity,” Jamali pointed out.
The Manager explained that the 0.5 percent contraction in tourism would have an overall effect on the national GDP, reducing it by an estimated 0.01 percent.
“At the stakeholders meeting, we are discussing the best ways to address construction along the lakeshore and how water levels in the lake, particularly through the Shire River tributary, can be managed in anticipation of more rain in the forthcoming season,” he added.
NBS Bank donates mattresses to Salima DHO
By: Golden Kang'oma
Salima, August 12, Mana: To create a conducive environment for patients, NBS Bank on Monday donated 35 mattresses and a projector totaling MK5.5 million to Salima District hospital.
Speaking during the donation, NBS Bank Head of Retail Banking Cluster responsible for Central and Northern Region, Dr. Justin Lufajiri Chikaonda said the donation is part of the bank's corporate social responsibility and pledged that the bank will continue supporting the hospital through different initiatives.
"As you are aware the people being served here, the patients, are our customers. So after receiving a plea from the District Commissioner (DC) that there are some gaps, we decided to at least support and intervene shortening the gap of mattresses,” he said.
He added, "That is why we thought it is important to respond to the call and support the community. It may not be enough, but we think it will make a difference.''
Speaking after receiving the donation, DC for Salima James Mwenda commended the bank for the timely donation pointing out that it will go a long way in helping communities, especially in the health sector.
"You see, we have a lot of patients that are admitted here at the hospital but they lack proper bedding. So these 35 mattresses will go a long way in solving that particular problem.
"But we have also requested our colleagues from NBS Bank to consider adopting one of the wards so that they should be assisting that particular place, and they have taken the request and assured us that they will go back and discuss the request with management, for a way forward," said Mwenda.
Salima District Director of Health and Social Services, Dr. Eugene Katenga Kaunda said the hospital has 300 beds only, with a lot of patients sleeping on beds without mattresses and the gesture from NBS will help to improve the condition.
"The donation is a great relief to the district hospital and this will help to improve cleanliness and reduce some diseases," said Kaunda.
Taking his turn, Senior Chief Kalonga hailed NBS Bank for the donation and said if different stakeholders come together to help the district hospital in different areas, some of the challenges the hospital is facing can be reduced.
First lady hails Lisoka water project for transforming lives
By Sarah Munthali
Lilongwe, August 12, MANA: First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera has underscored the need for communities in the country to have access to clean and potable water to ensure a healthier and dignified future.
She made the remarks on Monday, during the handover ceremony of a Solar powered water reservoir project, at Lisoka Trading Centre in the area of Senior Chief Khongoni donated by the Muslim World League (MWL) worth K150 million.
“Water is the essence of life, and by providing access to this precious resource, you have given our community the means to thrive.
“The impact of this reservoir cannot be overstated. It will alleviate the daily struggle for water that so many in our community face, reducing the burden on women and children who often walk long distances to fetch water,” said Madam Chakwera.
She then hailed the Muslim world league for the project saying the donation is a clear demonstration of the generosity and compassion of the Muslim World.
The First Lady stated that the reservoir will also serve as a cornerstone for further development and collaboration.
In her remarks, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia said the 30,000 litres water project will sustain the lives of people in six villages around the water reservoir.
She then appealed to the MWL for more collaborative efforts to address other challenges the country is facing including climate related disasters.
“President Lazarus Chakwera has emphasized that his government would ensure that people in the country especially in the rural areas have water all year round, I have noted that some villages in this area don’t have access to safe water, my ministry will soon address the challenge,” she stressed.
Secretary general of the Muslim World League, Dr. Muhammad Bin Abdulkarim Al issa stated that the league will continue supporting projects aimed at alleviating challenges faced by communities in the country.
Senior Chief Khongoni highlighted that the water reservoir will address critical water shortage which the area experienced prior to the implementation of the project.
She expressed gratitude to the government and the MWL for bringing the project in her area.
Youth organizations share noted on effective leadership
By Uchindami Msowoya
Mzuzu, August 12, Mana: In an effort to promote meaningful youth participation in the forth coming general elections, Mzuzu Youth Association and Timbiri Youth Network, Monday conducted a youth dialogue in Mzuzu on a theme ‘Promoting Youth Leadership and Mindset Change.’
Speaking in an interview, Coordinator for Mzuzu Youth Association Francis Chirambo, said the event aimed sharing notes on effective leadership so that young people can serve the nation as politicians as well.
"We have discovered that, most young people are being exploited by politicians and are often manipulated for the benefit of the old practicing politicians and this initiative will empower them from being involved in such malpractice,” said Chirambo.
According to Chirambo, the event also aims at equipping youth with knowledge on understanding political systems, political parties and good leadership.
Youth Advisor for Timbiri Youth Network, Edward Kaunda said the event was strategically scheduled to amplify youth voices and empower them to make informed political decisions, "he said.
Some of the youth clubs which participated in the dialogue included Added Power And Understanding Sustainable Education (APAUSE), Hope for All Generations (HAG), Titchile Speak-Out Youth Club, Umodzi Youth Organization and Kang'ona Youth Club.
