MANAonline
450 farmers to access solar water pumps
By George Mponda
Karonga, June 25, Mana: Karonga Diocese through its development desk, Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) has said they would support 450 farmers from the area of Senior Chief Wasambo in the disctrict with 30 solar water pumps.
CADECOM's Project Coordinator, Matthias Bulukutu revealed this Monday in Chitipa when introducing a two-year roject dubbed 'Climate Just Communities' (CJC) to Karonga District Council stakeholders.
He said that, "The project aims to empower communities to indentify their own priorities to be addressed through climate justice support and build resilience to the impacts of climate change."
"Among other things, we want to encourage sustainable agriculture by supporting irrigation through the establishment of irrigation schemes for livelihood agriculture," Bulukutu added.
District Irrigation Officer for Karonga, George Chanya said the global consequences of climate change have negatively affected the agriculture industry.
"For farmers to feed themselves and even sell their produce while combating climate change, agricultural practices must be precise. Scarce resources such as water, land, and energy will need to be exploited more efficiently in order to produce more with less."
"Providing solar water pumps to farmers will help them boost agricultural production thereby improving food security in the country" he added.
The Project is being funded by Scottish Government's Climate Justice Fund.
Council calls for support for flood survivors
By George Mponda
Karonga, June 24, Mana: Disater Risk Management Officer (DRMO) for Karonga District Council, Humphrey Magalasi has said there was need for continued support towards flood survivors who were in decommissioned camps.
He said this Monday in Karonga when Small Producers Development and Transportation (SPRODETA) donated assorted items to over 1,000 flood survivors from Group Village Head Zindi in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu.
"Although the flood survivor’s camps were decomissioned two months ago, a lot of households still need support because some lost their houses and property hence stakeholders still need to come in with assistance for them to get their lives back on track," Magalasi pointed out.
According to the DRMO, over 3,000 households were affected by floods in Karonga this year.
SPRODETA's Finance Officer, Mary Gondwe said their organisation donated the assorted items to the flood survivors as one way of helping them recover from the disaster which befell them.
"We are giving them assorted food items which include: 20 kgs maize, 2 kgs beans, 3 kgs rice and 1kg salt each to 800 households. Lactating and pregnant women will also receive SPRODETA branded wrappers," she said.
Gondwe explained that, "Most of them had their food and houses washed away so we thought it wise to help them out. We considered lactating and expectant mothers with wrappers for them to use when taking care of their babies."
One of the beneficiaries from Kayuni Village in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu, Hastings Simfukwe hailed SPRODETA for coming to their aid.
"This contribution is a significant step towards helping us cope with the impacts of floods and it will help to restore normal life for those of us affected by floods," he said.
Karonga Police for Marine Police Department creation
By Felix Katemula
Karonga, June 25, Mana: Karonga Police Station has proposed the creation of Marine Police Department in the district for it to be able to carry out patrols, search and rescue missions in times of disasters and incidents of drowning on Lake Malawi.
Officer in Charge for Karonga Police Station, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kelvin Mulezo Monday revealed this during a protection cluster coordination meeting held in the district.
He said that, "We fail to execute our duties well in times of disasters and when there are incidences of drowning at the lake because we fail to do search and rescue operations. We have seen a significant increase in incidences of drowning on the lake and rivers in the district. We have proposed the creation of the Marine Department to be stationed at Chilumba Jetty.
Mulezo added that all the official communication processes on the need and creation of the department have already been forwarded to appropriate offices within the Malawi Police Service.
“We have submitted our proposals to the Northern Region Police Commissioner informing him of this issue. We have started the process of reviewing our five-year strategic development plan which will reflect the current needs of the service,” he added.
Disaster Risk Management Officer for Karonga District Council, Humphrey Magalasi welcomed the development saying in the past, search and rescue operations have been hampered by lack of Police boats which resulted in loss of lives.
A fisherman at Mandala Beach, Robinson Mwenibungu underscored the importance of Marine Police saying this would go a long way in saving lives of fishermen on the lake who face the risk of drowning.
"Currently, when one drowns, they are left helpless. We the fishermen, lack equipment to save and search for our friends when such disaster happens. The coming of maritime police will bring in the much-needed equipment and expertise in rescue missions,” he observed.
Tigers snatches a lead from Bwandilo Boys
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, June 24, Mana: Mighty Waka Waka Tigers Monday leave it late to snatch a lead as they settle for 2-2 draw against TNM Super League Leaders, Silver Strikers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Tigers were trailing n 1-2 until 90+8 minutes when they leveled the scores to 2-2 through Chimwemwe Ibrahim to make the leaders drop vital two points on the road for the second time and the first time was against Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos 1-1.
Silver’s custodian, George Chikooka known for his perfect foo work and brilliant saves could not save his team when he failed to thwart a thunderbolt released by Ibrahim to concede second goal of the match.
Chikooka has now let seven goals past him and Silver’s defensive record has been put to test just 24 hours and they were named as having best defence of the season so far.
The Kau Kau Boys could not afford to lose a third consecutive game and they had to use all the tactics in their books under the mentorship of former, Silver Striker Reserve side, Leo Mpulula to get a valuable point.
Despite suffering a painful draw way, the Bwandilo Boys are still on top with 26 points from 10 games, are being followed by Kamuzu Barracks with 19 points and still seven points clear.
It looks like Tigers had a field day at the Mecca stadium as they enjoyed support from Ganyu fans from both Blantyre power houses and have move to position 10 on the log with 12 points from 10 games.
Silver top scorers with four goals, Binwell Katinji was rushed off to the hospital after he got injured.
League Anchors, Baka City surprisingly stood firm to hold Kamuzu Barracks to 0-0 draw at Karonga Stadium to enable them increase their points tally to four but without a win.
Kamuzu Barracks have dislodged Mighty Mukuru Wanderers on the second position after only staying there for 24 hours following their 3-0 thumping of Civil Service United.
Baka City, Chitipa United and Bangwe All City are still entangled in the relegation zone in week 10 of the season which could lead them into a battle zone for relegation if not checked
Baka has four points, Chitipa United has five points while Bangwe has 7 and close to the drop zone are FOMO with 11 points.
SATCP to reduce trade barriers
By Tione Andsen
Dowa, June 24, Mana: Ministry of Transport and Public Works has the implementation of the six year Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP) would help to reduce trade barriers within the Nacala corridor.
Deputy Director for Policy and Planning in the Ministry, Charles Mtonga made the remarks Monday during the opening of a two-day Media Orientation and Tour for SACTP at Vintage Hotel in Mponela, Dowa.
He said the project was designed to open up trade and remove obstacles and barriers between the country and international markets particularly using the Nacala and Beira corridors.
“We noticed that we have a number of barriers ranging from physical and infrastructure barriers, condition of roads and railway and ports, need to be handled effectively,” Mtonga said.
The Deputy Director added that the project mainly tackles non–tariff barriers in form of procedures, strategies countries use to facilitate trade by focusing to making sure that trade was less costly and travel on the corridor was faster.
“As we opened up the corridor will make it better and bigger and chances are that there will be increase in the flow of traffic within the region. We need to look at export on the production side as much as we are looking at making the corridor better,” Mtonga viewed.
He disclosed that the project has a sub component which looks at production through Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SMEs) for a start that’s what World Bank would support and government.
The Deputy Director said value chains that Ministry of Trade and Industry need to promote and identify could be enhanced along the corridor.
“The corridor wants to provide grants to identified producers, SMEs to work in order to increase production and these identified value chains in order to expand our export base. The project is keen to promote value chains in agriculture sector,” Mtonga pointed out.
He said SACTP focuses mainly on Nacala corridor using railway and roads with complementary usage of Beira port with some activities that may touch on the operations of Beira corridor.
Project Manager for SATCP, Hestings Ngoma said the project is funded by World bank to the tune of US$ 150 million and it is a multinational project whereby two countries of Malawi and Mozambique are implementing it.
He said the project is for six years running from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2027 and has four main components which are sub-divided into two categories of infrastructure and non-infrastructure.
“This aims at reducing trade costs, improve regional coordination and project implementation and strengthen vale chains for regional integration and strengthen transport infrastructure to improve market access,” Ngoma elaborated.
Some of Media Houses that are participating includes, Malawi News Agency (MANA), Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), Zodiak Broadcastings Services (ZBC), Nation, Times Group, Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ), Mibawa and Nyasatimes.
Ministry takes bold steps on thin plastics
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, June 24, Mana: Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change says it will intensify efforts to implement the Environment Management (Plastics) Regulations of 2015 which bans importation, manufacturing, trade and commercial distribution of plastic bags and sheets less than 60 micrometres in thickness as one way of protecting and safe guarding the environment.
Principal Secretary for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr Yusuf Mkungula, disclosed this in Lilongwe on Monday during a press briefing to notifying the public of the consequent resumption of the implementation of Environment Management (Plastics) Regulations, 2015.
This comes barely after the withdrawal of an injunction filed by Golden Plastics Limited on 19 June, 2024 and the subsequent dismissal of the matter by the full bench of the Supreme Court of Appeal on June 20.
Mkungula stated that thin plastic is hazardous if not properly disposed and take a long period to degrade which can potentially cause threat to human health and environment.
He stated that companies which are producing thin plastics and using less than 60 microns in the country are operating illegally and will be punishable by law.
"As per the ruling, we will start enforcement on July 8, 2024 to ensure that the initiative is properly and effectively implemented.
"This is aligned well with Malawi 2063 specifically Enabler 7 on environmental sustainability which provides that Malawi shall have a safe, clean, secure and sustainable environment,” Mkungula said.
He urged Malawians to use reusable and recycled materials that are environmentally friendly when carrying groceries and other items.
Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) Board Chairperson, Dr Robert Kafakoma, expressed satisfaction with the dismissal saying the initiative will help ensure that the environment is effectively managed.
He appealed to all stakeholders in the country to be custodians of environmental management by reporting all illegal malpractices to thin plastic production and distribution.
"This initiative is for everyone. I am calling upon all Malawians and all stakeholders to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Natural Resources and MEPA in safeguarding the environment," said Kafakoma.
Manase Living Water Church celebrate Bishop Chirambo
By Vida Msiyo
Blantyre, June 24, Mana: Manase Living Waters Church, led by Bishop Simeon Ludovick Msiyo, dedicated a special 20-minute praise session on Sunday to celebrate life and legacy of Bishop Obed Chirambo.
Bishop Chirambo, who served as Deputy Resident Bishop of Chomwankhunda Living Waters Church International in Blantyre, passed away on June 19, 2024 and was laid to rest on Saturday June 22 at HHI cemetery in Blantyre.
Bishop Chirambo, who also served as Deputy Region Chairperson for the Southern Region, is remembered for his role as producer and presenter of the popular radio programmme ‘Mtengano mu ufumu wakumwamba’ on Living Waters Church Radio.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA), Bishop Msiyo said it was ideal to honour Bishop Chirambo, citing his vast contribution to the church and the broader community.
“Bishop Chirambo was a giant in the ministry. When I was ministering in Mulanje in 2014, he visited us for a two-day evangelism event at Mulanje Secondary School ground. Many people received Christ and it was a powerful ministration,” Bishop Msiyo said.
He said Living Waters Church all over will miss Bishop Chirambo describing him as a humble person who was dedicated to serve Christ.
He, therefore, said Bishop Chirambo’s life is worth celebration as he was always there to help fellow pastors and other people.
“This is why Manase Living Waters Church thought it wise to celebrate his life,” he said.
Bishop Chirambo's radio programmme ‘Mtengano mu ufumu wakumwamba’ had a good listenership all over and within the Manase Living Waters Church.
Sheriff Likupe, whose life was profoundly changed by Bishop Chirambo, expressed a mix of sorrow and gratitude.
“I am so saddened but at the same time rejoicing because I had the privilege to be ministered by Bishop Chirambo. l am speechless and still finding it hard to believe that he is gone,” said Likupe.
He added that Bishop Chirambo’s radio programme was source of inspiration and hope to the broken hearted.
“His radio programmme changed my life. His preaching and words of hope are what I will remember and I cannot talk about my spiritual life without mentioning Bishop Chirambo,” Likupe said.
Favoured Martha out with 4th album
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, June 24, Mana: Gospel artist, Favoured Martha, is set to launch her 4th album titled Adonai before the end of this year
In an interview, Favoured Martha explained that the new album has 10 tracks; among them, Peace of mind Zisiye zipite, Malawi dziko langa, Akupanga za ine, Ndineneko, Amayi ndi hero, your name be praised, Pousira chimphepo and Koma mwali.
According to the gospel artist, the album project will be completed in August this year.
"People should expect a new thing; God has spoken another message in this album. For example, the song Malawi dziko langa has encouraging messages saying God does not make mistakes. It is not a mistake that one is born in Malawi and this song is encouraging people to love their country and declare positive things on it," said.
She added that the track titled; Ndioneko taken from Psalms 124: 2-3, explains about God’s protection.
Production of new album involved several producers namely; Francis Chimasula from Dream High Studios, Khumbo Malowo from Studio 88 and DJ Lobodo.
Favoured Martha started singing with her friend and were known as Favoured Sisters until the two separated years later. Martha rebranded to Favoured Martha.
BEFIT hailed for improving leaners numeracy skills in Nkhata Bay
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, June 24, Mana: Authorities at Mwambazi Primary School under Mpamba Education Zone in Nkhata Bay have lauded Building Education Foundation Through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) programme for improving learner’s numeracy skills at the school.
In an interview on the sidelines of an open day on Saturday, Head teacher for the school, Morson Banda, said learner’s performance at the school has improved with the advent of BEFIT programme.
"In mathematics, learners are now able to do calculations correctly because of the tablets they were given. As a result, their numeracy skills have greatly improved which has in turn led to good performance in all other subjects," Banda said.
According to Banda, the program has also added more value to the education system because it is encouraging learners to work hard while at the same time it reduced absenteeism as learners are excited with the electronic gadgets.
He bemoaned poor roads and telecommunication networks which he said are derailing smooth implementation of the program.
BEFIT Programme Manager for OSSEDI responsible for Nkhotakota and Nkhata Bay, Mian Mpesi, said the programme which started in 2023 is expected to be rolled out in all primary schools in the Nkhata Bay by 2029.
"Out of 201 public primary schools in Nkhata Bay, we have started with 29 schools but the idea is to have all the public primary schools reached by 2029," she said.
Nkhata Bay District Commissioner, Rodgers Newa, said the program is beneficial as it prepares literacy and numeracy skills for children at the early stages.
"So far, teachers in the few schools where we have this programme can testify that the literacy and numeracy skills of learners have greatly improved. That is an indication that this program is bearing fruits," Newa said.
BEFIT Programme is being implemented across the country with financial support from Malawi Government, Imagine Worldwide, VSO and One billion.
Wanderers go second after win
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, June 23, Mana: Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Sunday collected maximum points after beating Civil Service United 3-0 at Kamuzu Stadium to go second on the table in the TNM Super league week 10 encounter.
Looks like Caretaker Coach for Wanderers, Meke Mwase was the man the team has been waiting to erase their dismissal performance after they lost two consecutive games against Silver Strikers and Mzuzu City Hammers under the tutelage of the former mentor, Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan.
The Lali Lubani boys have posted their second win after the change of the coaching panel for the team and their striker, Christopher Kumwembe had to swallow his pride owing to the fact that he was not called for Flames camp for the World Cup qualifiers as a result of poor show for his club.
Kumwembe was the hero of the day when he scored his first hat trick for the season in the 45+2’, 49’ and 71’ to move his scoring tally to six and at the same vein punishing his former employer.
Wanderers are now second with 18 points but are on tie with Kamuzu Barracks but they have a better goal difference but the log standing might change in the next 24 hours as the latter have a game away in Karonga when they face Baka City on Monday.
Creck Sporting came from behind to a 1-1 draw against rusty TNM Defending Champions, FCB Nyasa Big bullets at Civo Stadium in area 9.
TP Mazembe export, Patrick Mwaungulu showed a master class when he put Bullets in the lead after 59 minutes while Creck’s, Gift Kadawati cancelled the lead from a set play to level the scores after 68 minutes.
It looks like Chinsinsi Maonga hangover for Bullets is far from over as their paly was characterized with poor passes and finishing.
The Debutantes failed to take advantage of the situation to claim the maximum points over below par Bullets and resorted into time wasting, additional eight minutes was at play after regulation time but produce no goal.
Bangwe All Stars shared the spoils with Mzuzu City Hammers in a goalless draw at Mpira Stadium while FOMO and Premier Bet Dedza played equal in a 1-1 draw.
Karonga United used their home advantage to silence Moyale Barracks with a 2-0 win while Mafco hammered Chitipa United 2-0
Bullets and Dedza are the only teams that have most draws for the season totaling to six each while current league leaders, Silver Strikers have a good defensive record of conceding five goals.
