MANAonline
Serengeti energy plans to expand
By Damiano Thengo
Nkhotakota, September 4, Mana: Serengeti Energy, a private solar energy generation company has disclosed that they intend to develop another solar power plant in Nkhotakota to complement their current power plant in the district.
Speaking during a media tour at the plant, Plant Manager Paul Mhango said they have already acquired land that is just adjacent to their current plant and are at an advanced planning stage for the construction of the second plant.
“The land acquisition was already done but there are other issues to close out before we can set a date and negotiate other terms like the capacity of energy to be produced at this plant.” Said Mhango.
Currently, Serengeti energy company through its solar plant in the district, generates and contributes 21 Megawatts to the national grid through its power purchase agreement with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM).
Nkhotakota district council spokesperson Wongani Mkandawire said, as a council, they commend Serengeti energy and have always been supportive because not only does the country benefit through the electricity added to the grid but also people in the district benefit through employment at the plant and other corporate social responsibility programmes that the company implements around the community.
The government through the Ministry of Energy is currently implementing various projects around the country aimed at increasing power production to combat power shortages.
Association empowers communities to conserve wildlife
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, September 4, Mana: Kasungu Wildlife Conservation for Community Development Association on Tuesday launched a pilot phase of Forest Natural Regeneration and Agroforestry project in the area of Sub Traditional Authority Chisinga in the district.
The association's Board Chairperson Malidadi Langa said the livelihood-centered project is focusing on integration of agroforestry as well as village forest management.
Langa said the project aims to ensure that people have their forest resources in their communities thereby increasing agriculture productivity from the existing farm plots while addressing food insecurity challenges.
It is hoped that when people are economically empowered and are food secure, they will stop depending on the nearby Kasungu National Park as a source of livelihood.
"Conservation of Kasungu National Park is in two components which are wildlife on one hand and livelihood on the other.
"In this project, we have embarked on livelihood component as we want to empower communities economically by giving them alternative sources of income whilst conserving our national park," he said.
While commending the association for the project, the district's Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Evelyn Chima bemoaned the increased rate of environmental degradation in the district allegedly perpetrated by tobacco farming as well as the opening of new land for farming.
Chima called for concerted efforts among stakeholders in environmental conservation and landscape restoration arguing government alone cannot manage.
"We have seen that this organization is doing a commendable job in conserving the environment and landscape restoration.
"As a council, we have observed that tobacco farming and opening of new farms are some of the serious challenges haunting landscape restoration in our district hence the need for concerted effort to achieve this.
"This is why we commend the association for coming up with this project which will not only help in landscape restoration but also conserve wildlife in the park," Chima said.
In her remarks, Assistant Director for Environmental Education and Extension Services at the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Catherine Chunga stressed the significance of conserving national parks saying they boost ecotourism, leading to economic benefits for local communities.
"Apart from agriculture, the project will also help to empower communities economically through beekeeping hence the need for commitment among community members," she said.
At least 350,000 people live near Kasungu National Park boundaries and some of them depend on the park products as a source of livelihood.
About 20 000 households are expected to benefit from the pilot phase of the project which is being funded by Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management Program (BIOPAMA) under International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Japan commits to improving health services in Malawi
By Vincent Chauma
Kasungu, September 4, Mana: Japanese government has reaffirmed its commitment to support Malawi's efforts to improve its healthcare services, recognizing the importance of citizens' well-being in achieving the Malawi 2063 vision.
Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Yoichi Oya said this during the official opening of Kapichira Health Centre in area of Sub-Traditional Authority Kachipira in Kasungu District.
Oya emphasized that Universal Health Coverage is crucial for human dignity and that the health and well-being of Malawians are essential for development, as outlined in the Malawi 2063.
"Malawi is facing so many challenges. As the government of Japan, Malawi is very good partner. So, we are supporting this country to overcome some of the challenges it faces," he said.
"There is great hope that this health facility will alleviate challenges faced by communities, particularly pregnant women, in accessing quality healthcare services," he added.
The ambassador also expressed hope that the facility will be well utilized and sustained, to be serving as a symbol of the friendship between Japan and Malawi.
Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daudi, thanked the Japanese government for the support, highlighting that equitable healthcare is a priority of the Chakwera-led government.
She assured that President Lazarus Chakwera will maintain good working relationships with development partners to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
"The government plans to construct many health facilities to ensure that people easily access quality healthcare services," she said.
Kapichira Health Centre, which has maternity, running water, electricity and staff houses, will serve a population of at least 15,000 people, bringing the total number of health facilities in Kasungu District to 38.
JICA urges utility companies to draw action on non-revenue water
By Leonard Masauli
Lilongwe, September 4, Mana: Japan International Cooperation Agency has urged utility companies to draw action on non-revenue water for them to maximize revenue collection.
This was said on Tuesday during an opening ceremony for a Three-day-Water Utility Regional Partnerships Workshop (WURP) at Bingu Internation Convention Centre, meant to strengthen the capacity of non-revenue water reduction for Lilongwe Water Board.
Representative of Jica in Malawi, Kazuhiro Tambara said water utilities especially in Sub-Sahara Africa are facing challenges and among them is non-revenue water which he said requires collective action to solve the problem.
“This workshop is meant for experience and knowledge sharing. The expanded partnership between Malawi, Kenya and Rwanda into a three-way agreement shall pave way to enhance improvement and growth.
“The partnership will also facilitate solutions to the challenges among the member utilities based on their collective expertise to ensure reduction of non-revenue water and increase on revenue,” said Tambara.
Chief Executive Officer for Lilongwe Water Board (LWB), Silli Mbewe said with assistance from Jica, Lilongwe Water Board is implementing a project to strengthen the capacity of non-revenue water reduction to maximize revenue.
Deputy Director of Administration in the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, Masauko Manyunya said the Malawi 2063 agenda aims at providing clean water and sanitation services to the country and hence the partnerships will ensure knowledge sharing and experiences that will help reduce non-revenue water among the utility companies.
The 5th WURP is hosted by LWB after Kenya and Rwanda in 2019 and 2023 respectively.
Former Silver Strikers Captain has died
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, September 4, Mana: Former Silver Strikers Captain and defender Mike Robert died on Tuesday at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe after battling with kidney failure.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), brother to the deceased who plays for the Blue Eagles football team, Jacob Robert confirmed the death, saying Mike had been sick for a long period.
“Indeed my brother has passed on after suffering from kidney problems but recently he was also diagnosed with cerebral Malaria and died in the evening of Tuesday at the hospital,” He said.
Robert who also played for Dowa stars and Dowa medicals before joining Silver Strikers will be laid to rest in his home village in Dowa district.
CSEPWP beneficiaries hail government
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, September 3, Mana: Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programeme (CSEPWP) participating communities in Zomba have hailed government for the timely payment of their wages saying this will help them to meet basic needs such as food.
Speaking Tuesday after receiving her wages, Regina Saiti of Chikwekwe Village at Thondwe in the district said her family was in acute shortage of food and described the support a life saver.
“Honestly I did not have food for today and the whole of this week. However, God has answered my prayer. From here I will immediately be going straight to the market to buy maize,” added Saiti.
She said working in CS-EPWP has more benefits to the communities as well at individual households and promised that she will dedicate herself to work in the next cycle for another pay.
“Major activities in the programme are about sustainable land management and they are of direct benefit to us,” Saiti explained.
Frolence Mpinda of Mwamadi Village who also received her wages said would use the money she received to buy food for her family, saying for the past two weeks she survived on piece work to make ends meet.
She also hailed the CS-EPWP for providing the money, saying this was timely and beneficial to her family.
Director of Agriculture Environment and Natural Resources, Linda Mphande said the money was relief to families affected by hunger.
Mphande said most farming families did not harvest enough food in the last growing season and described interventions like the CS-EPWP as of great importance.
“I salute the government for programmes such as CS-EPWP. Apart from sustainable land management interventions, people can use the money received to buy food,” she said.
CS-EPWP Desk Officer for Zomba, Chimwemwe Chimbaza said a total of 19, 597 beneficiaries will receive their wages.
Upie Collection to host fashion event for People with Disabilities
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, September 3, Mana: A physically challenged Fashion Designer and Founder of Upie Collection, Ruth Upie Chirwa has organised a fashion event as one way of promoting inclusivity and empowering people with disabilities.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, Chirwa said there are many stereotypes about people with disabilities in the country as a result she wants to showcase the beauty and talent in the fashion industry, which people with disabilities have despite their challenges.
“This event will help to address the lack of representation and opportunities for people with disabilities in the fashion industry. By featuring models with disabilities, I hope to challenge stereotypes and stigmas surrounding disability,” she said.
Chirwa further encouraged people to attend the event saying regardless of ability or disability; the fashion will celebrate diversity and inclusivity to something, which will bring about a positive change in society.
“We want to address the misconception that people with disabilities lack skills or abilities. We want to showcase the diverse talents and capabilities of individuals with disabilities, inspiring others to recognize their potential,” said Chirwa.
In his remarks, one of the models taking part in the event Chancy Chirwa said people with disabilities are left out in such activities so it is high time that they should showcase their talents, gain exposure and network with others.
“By participating in the event, disability models will have a chance to collaborate with other designers of which will help them to never look down upon themselves again,” said Chirwa.
The event is expected to take place on September 6, 2024, at Springs Park in Mzuzu.
Community expresses concern over South Rukulu Bridge construction delays
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, September 3, Mana: People living in Mbalachanda, Traditional Authority (T/A) Chindi in Mzimba have expressed concern over the lack of a bridge on the South Rukulu River, saying it creates mobility challenges when it rains.
Speaking in an interview, Group village head Ulela Kachali said lack of bridge on South Rukulu River has resulted in many problems for the communities.
‘‘For instance, we rely on Mbalachanda rural hospital but when they cannot treat us here we are referred to Euthini or Mzambazi hospitals. But to get to Euthini we have to cross over the South Rukulu River which becomes impassable during the rainy season. Some people have lost lives before due to delays to get them to the hospital in time’’, he said.
‘‘Some learners in community day schools have to cross over to Euthini which they fail to do during the rainy season resulting in absenteeism. We appeal authorities to act on our concerns. This bridge is so important to us’’, Kachali added.
A civil servant residing in the area also expressed concerns, saying when it rains South Rukulu River swells and it becomes risky for one to cross.
‘‘As civil servants, we lose training opportunities when they take place during the rainy season in Mzuzu and other areas. Even our salaries we go to Euthini to access banks.
“Just to cross the other side and connect to Euthini and then to the rest of the areas we use improvised boats. It is risky. We cannot travel outside Mbalachanda it becomes almost impossible,’’ said the civil servant who refused to disclose his name.
Group village head Kachali said is fed up with delays in having the bridge completed by authorities adding they have resorted to local resource mobilization among villages.
‘‘We are asking each village head to mobilize money amounting to K15,000 from his subjects so that we can raise K6 million in total and construct a make-shift bridge across the river so we could lessen our mobility challenges.
“This is just a desperate measure to save the situation because it becomes dire during the rainy season and our livelihood is disturbed. Most essential services like banks and schools are at Euthini. When it rains and becomes difficult to cross, most people suffer,” said Kachali.
‘‘Even school-going children cannot cross over to a community day school in Euthini. Business people risk their lives travelling on risky improvised boats to cross. We wish the government did something to improve our situation in terms of completing the bridge which was abandoned’’, said group village headman Chikoma Botha.
Mbalachanda Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Jimmy Nyirenda said having no bridge results in communities being cut off from the rest of the country hence the need for authorities to complete the bridge construction to lessen their mobility challenges.
M’mbelwa District Council Director of Public Works Allan Chitete in an interview admitted the sorry state of the bridge but referred the matter to Roads Authority.
‘‘The road that connects Euthini and Mbalachanda passes through South Rukulu River and there is indeed no bridge. That road and bridge is not under our jurisdiction as council but Roads Authority. We have written Roads Authority about the state of the road and the lack of bridge’’, said Chitete.
In an interview, Roads Authority spokesperson Portia Kajanga asked for more time to cross check facts about the matter.
MP appeals government to boost health centers
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, September 3, Mana: Member of Parliament for Ntchisi East Benard Chikwete, has expressed concern over the delayed completion of health centres in his constituency highlighting that people are facing difficulties in accessing health services.
He made the remarks during the Parliamentary session on Tuesday in Lilongwe, through supplementary questions to the Minister of Health.
Chikwete said the Ministry should consider finishing up the construction of the Chafubwa health centre because the main hospital in the constituency is located far where other people fail to go.
“Since 2013 the Health centre has not been completed. It is my plea to the Ministry that it should consider finishing it so that people must not travel long distances to access health services,” he said.
In her response, Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said she is aware of the facility and that the government has approached the health sector joint fund for assistance whereby they agreed and that the completion will commence as they now have funds for the project.
“The health centre has been abandoned for a long time as it is a very hard place to reach which is a sad development as women and children have to walk long distances to get health services,” said Chiponda.
She further said, it is the wish of the ministry that the health center should be large enough to accommodate all patients in the area.
“We are going to finish up what already started, then we are going to build an extra centre so that all services should be found there”, she added.
The minister assured Malawians that her Ministry will address challenges in the health sector as so far they have recruited more health workers across the country so that people should have quality health care.
Mponela Community Hospital to be completed next year
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, August 3, Mana: Head of Infrastructure Development in the Ministry of Health Dr Sanderson Kuyeli has said construction of Mponela Community Hospital will be completed in June 2025, which will pave the way for the opening of the facility.
He made the remarks Monday at Mponela in Dowa during a media tour organized by the Office of President and Cabinet in conjunction with the Ministry of information and digitalization, aimed at appreciating the progress of the facility.
Kuyeli said the facility whose construction started in 2019 faced some challenges like inflation, but the government is committed to have it operational mid next year.
"Because of the magnitude of the of the project, we had put it in phases. The first phase was the construction of an administration block and wards which is now 85 percent complete.
"The second phase included the kitchen, mortuary and other facilities which is now at around 40 percent. And in the third phase, we are constructing houses of which excavations and foundations have already started.
'We are planning that in the next three or four months, we should have some blocks already functioning. But ultimately, we want by June 25 all the facilities should be completed," he said.
Other facilities at the hospital will be theatres, a nutrition department, an infectious disease unit and about 46 houses.
This will be a secondary facility which will be receiving patients from health centers surrounding the area, and other complicated cases and referrals.
The hospital, whose initial cost was K7.9 billion is expected to complement Mponela rural and Dowa district hospitals.
"Looking at the district hospital, it is an old hospital. Although it is also in the plans and funds are available to build a new hospital, but it takes time. So this facility which will also have enough medical personnel fills in on the gap," said Kuyeli.
Kuyeli then said the government is committed to developing health infrastructure to ensure universal access to health services for all Malawians.
Lucia Michael Chipwaira of Chibwato village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mponela in an interview said the facility will ease challenges especially pregnant women face.
"Pregnant women travel a long distance from the village to Mponela for assistance, and some deliver on their way there which poses risks to their lives. So this facility will minimize these challenges, and we are thankful to the government under the leadership of President Dr Lazarus Chakwera," she said.
Benjamin Samale of Kachulu village in TA Mponela shared the sentiments saying once the hospital opens, people will be able to get medical attention in their localities, hence cutting costs and time.
He however asked for the hospital to be completed in time.
