MANAonline
Malawi urges for increased IDA support
By Mike Kamande
Nairobi, Kenya April 28, MANA: Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola-Banda says the World Bank through IDA remains the largest development partner supporting key sectors of development to alleviate poverty.
Speaking on Sunday at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi Kenya during the ministerial segment for ministers of finance at the International Development Agency (IDA) Heads of State Summit he said Malawi still needs IDA for capacity building on production and value addition.
“We need IDA to help develop the agriculture, mining tourism (ATM) sectors which will transform our economy. Tourism will attract more visitors who will bring more forex.
“We also believe IDA can help in the disaster risk management and be flexible enough in responding to natural disasters and calamities,” he said.
Chithyola-Banda said Malawi is banking on IDA to build its capacity to successfully negotiate with her debtors to either grant debt relief or cancelation so that resources can be used to manage natural disasters.
In his opening remarks Governor of the World Bank (Kenya) Njuguna Ndung'u said since 1960 when IDA was established over US$110billion has been disbursed to its member countries many of which are in dire situation because of debt stress.
World Bank Senior Managing Director (SMD) Axel van Trotsenburg said Africa is at the heart of the IDA's global mission with affordable source of financing in 39 low-income countries in Africa.
“Let us work together to deliver an ambitious IDA2. IDA has been innovating to increase financing available to IDA countries without a nominal increase in donor contributions.
Lilongwe to increase CS-EPWP with 4,812 beneficiaries
By: Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, April 28, Mana: Lilongwe District Land Resources Conservation Officer Setrida Mlamba says all is set to increase the beneficiaries in the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) in this financial year.
Mlamba disclosed the development Saturday during a stakeholders meeting aimed at preparing them to follow the procedures during the registration of new beneficiaries into the programme.
She said government through National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) has increased the number of beneficiaries with 4,812 beneficiaries, bringing it to a total number of 29,440 beneficiaries from 24,628.
Mlamba said the six catchment areas namely Mtambwa Sixpence, Chidokowe, Maselero Mngongonda, Kudwe Kawala and Nyanga have been earmarked for additional beneficiaries because of its vastness.
“Our officers are already on the ground for awareness, assessment and registration of those who are suitable to be added into the programme soon. We are optimistic that we are going to reach the targeted number very soon,” she said
Speaking in a separate interview, Lilongwe District Council Chairperson Dan Mtayamanja thanked government for adding more beneficiaries into the programme, saying if well implemented many households in the district will be relived from poverty.
“This is a true reflection of prospering together that the president Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has been preaching since he became a president,” he said
Mtayamanja then asked those on CS-EPWP to work hard and use the cash they get for the intended purpose.
“This programme is not only alleviating people from their poverty, but also conserving the environment from being damaged and other natural disasters,” he said
One of the beneficiaries Jenifa Kwamdera thanked the government for the initiative saying many people in rural areas need financial support in order for them to come out from their poverty.
Meanwhile, government has revised upwards the wages of participants of the CS-EPWP from MK1,200 to MK1,600 per day.
This means that participants shall now receive MK38,400 after working for 24 days in each cycle.
CS-EPWP is a government initiative under Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project implemented by National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) with financial support from Multi-Donor Trust Fund and World Bank.
CARD awards 75 youths in Phalombe.
By Doreen Kachingwe
Phalombe, April 28, Mana: Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD) in partnership with TEVETA on Friday awarded 75 youths from Traditional Authority Nazombe in Phalombe with certificates after completing various technical vocational skills training.
CARD Consultant, Mwayiwawo Chitsamba told Malawi News Agency that the technical vocational skills training is under a project called; ‘Girls Get Equal’ and targets youths in rural areas as a way of empowering them to be productive and self-dependent for a sustainable livelihood.
He therefore said it is important to provide technical and vocational skills such as tailoring, welding, phone repairing, carpentry and electronics among others to youths in Malawi to attain a productive generation.
“This project was implemented to empower youths in rural areas. A research by TEVETA showed that many youths in rural areas including Phalombe have nothing to do, so we joined hands with a partner, PLAN Malawi and come up with this project to help them to be self-dependent," he added.
Chitsamba said that the certificates award was a way of congratulating the youths, adding that some of the youths had already started utilizing the skills and were doing better after the technical and vocational training.
Community Development Officer for Phalombe, Sydney Nkata applauded CARD for the youth project, saying the project also benefited other people in the district as the trained youths (both male and females) were creating jobs opportunities for others.
One of the awardees in tailoring, Vero Kaiwe said Girls Get Equal project transformed her life and described it a “game changer” for most of young people that had opportunity to acquire the technical and vocational skills.
"I bought land, goats and am planning to build my own house next year. I therefore encourage every youth to embrace this project to turn dreams into realities," she said.
District Youth Officer, Halson Bulangete said was looking forward to more youth programmes in Phalombe to transform more youths into productive citizens.
WaterAid awards Water Tokens to top Schools in Sanitation and Hygiene
By Leonard Masauli
Lilongwe, April 28, Mana: Water Aid has recognized M’buka Primary School in Lilongwe by awarding them a K600, 000 water token for their exceptional commitment to sanitation and hygiene practices on the premises.
During a ceremony held at M'buka Primary School Maria Soko, a Hygiene Behavior Change Specialist at WaterAid, explained that the organisation initiated a water and sanitation project due to a high enrollment rate that exceeded the available water and sanitation facilities, resulting in compromised hygiene standards.
Soko stated that WaterAid extended support to four schools including M'buka, Chipala, Mloza, and Kabwabwa by providing additional sanitation facilities such as toilets and change rooms for girls, as well as ensuring access to water.
She emphasized that the decision to assist these schools stemmed from their limited financial resources, which hindered their ability to cover water bills for improved sanitation and girls' hygiene.
"As a motivating factor, we conducted a sanitation competition among the four schools to evaluate their adherence to hygiene standards, focusing on areas such as toilet cleanliness, surroundings, and classroom hygiene.
"We are pleased to announce that M'buka emerged as the winner, receiving a K600,000 water token, while the other three schools each received a K300,000 water token," said Soko.
Primary School Advisor for Mvunguti zone, Chrissy Bondo expressed gratitude to WaterAid for enhancing sanitation and hygiene at M'buka, highlighting the school's previous struggles to maintain hygiene due to water scarcity.
"WaterAid has significantly improved sanitation and hygiene at our school by installing more water points, water tanks, quality toilets, and bathrooms for girls. This initiative has contributed to reducing illnesses and dropout rates, particularly among girls," Bondo stated.
Esther Chunga, a standard seven learner at M'buka, praised WaterAid for providing change rooms for girls, noting that it has played a crucial role in keeping girls in school compared to previous challenges they faced.
President Chakwera arrives in Nairobi for IDA12 Summit
Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi, April 24, Mana: President Lazarus Chakwera has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya to participate in the International Development Association-12 Summit for Heads of State. The summit, co-hosted by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank will take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Monday, 29th April.
Upon his arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, President Chakwera was welcomed by the Malawi High Commissioner to Kenya, Callista Mutharika, Cabinet minister for Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage Aisha Jumwa, Minister of Finance Simplex Chithyola Banda, Secretary to the Treasury Betchani Tchereni, representatives of Malawians living in Kenya, and several Members of Parliament.
The International Development Association (IDA) for Africa Heads of State Summit aims to identify key priorities for financing in Africa and advocate for an ambitious replenishment of IDA resources. These resources are crucial for supporting transformational development objectives across the African region.
President Chakwera's presence at the summit underscores the importance of the event, and he is scheduled to deliver a significant address. His participation follows an invitation extended by Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, in recognition of the World Bank's recent approval of 100 billion Kwacha to support Malawi's efforts in achieving food security.
This assistance comes in response to the President's Declaration of Disaster in 23 districts affected by El Niño weather conditions.
The International Development Association (IDA) plays a pivotal role in supporting low-income countries worldwide through grants and low-interest loans. It aims to invest in the future, enhance livelihoods, and foster the creation of safer, more prosperous communities globally.
During the summit, discussions will focus on various intervention areas, including social support, agriculture, health, and climate shock recovery issues. The expected outcome of the Summit will be the adoption of the Nairobi Communique, outlining key strategies and commitments for advancing development in the region.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets beat Baka City 2-1
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, April 28, Mana: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets spoiled Baka City’s day after a 2-1 defeat on Saturday at Kamuzu stadium in the first leg match of TNM super League.
Geoffrey Mwakyembe put the visitors ahead in first thirteen minutes of the game while FCB Nyasa Big Bullets defenders failed to clear good balls but later in the 21th minutes of the game, a brilliant equalizer came from Ephraim Kondowe followed by Chawanangwa Carzola Gumbo_in the 43th minutes to make it 2-1 on the last whistle at the disadvantage of Baka City’s part.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency, FCB head coach, Calisto Pasuwa expressed gratitude with the win saying it was a good pick considering that they didn't even know how Baka City plays.
He warned the team not to underrate any team and said he told the players to play with caution.
“I am glad that the players managed to pick points on a bad day. The team ran the whole match and Baka City boys came with energy since it was like a motivation to them.” said Pasuwa.
He added that considering that it was a fourth game of the league, FCB still needed to go more on finishing
Baka City Head coach. Davie Chimwemwe Muyombe said his squad did not perform well due to lack of concentration in the first half of the game and over confidence of the players considering that they were leading the game with a goal.
"We have learned and gained a lot of experience in today's match and It was a very good game which has taught us something’s, we have to build concentration because the game was our side but players didn't take it instead they felt like they had already won the game," said Muyombe.
In other match of Silver Stickers against Mafco FC ended 5-1 in favour of the bankers at Silver Stadium while Creck Sporting against Mzuzu City Hammers game ended 1-2 in favour of Mzuzu City Hammers.
Limbe Police nabs four men for series of robberies in town
By Memory Khutuliwa
Blantyre, 28 April, Mana; Police in Limbe have arrested four men for allegedly committing a series of robberies in Limbe township where they broke into houses and shops and got away with various items since February this year.
Limbe Police Deputy Spokesperson, Chibisa Mulimbika told Malawi News Agency that police received reports that on the night of March 8, 2024, the group of criminals armed with panga knives tied guards at Dika Construction House and broke into five shops and got away various Isuzu motor vehicle spare parts and nine car batteries.
‘We launched an investigation which led to the arrest of Saidi Mambo, 32, Victor Chamasowa, 28, Patrick Chingwalu, 25, and Andrew Juma, 26, and we recovered the stolen items,’ he said.
Mulimbika added that the four confessed to be responsible for series of robberies in Limbe Township including that of a residential house in Kanjedza where they damaged two Toyota Vits and stole items valued at K2 million on the night of February 7, 2024.
‘The suspects are in custody waiting to appear before court as soon once investigations to recover remaining items are completed,’ Limbe Police deputy publicist added.
Mambo comes from Kaipa Village, Traditional Authority Bwananyambi in Mangochi district while Chamasowa is from Macheso Village, Traditional Authority Kapeni in Blantyre district,
Chingwalu comes from Chide Village, Traditional Authority, Bvumbwe, in Thyolo district and Juma is from Kandeu Village, Traditional Authority Ganya in Ntcheu district.
Chinamwali CCAP inducts Women Guilds chair
By Evance Chisiano
Mana, April 28, Mana: Chinamwali CCAP congregation in Zomba on Sunday inducted Liny Matemba Mkwinda as Women Guilds chairperson and will be in charge of more than 600 women guild members.
Moderator of Chinamwali CCAP, Rev. James Mingu presided over the induction during a church service and called on Mkwinda to be dedicated in the women ministry to achieve what the Chinamwali Women Guilds also known as Mvano planned to do in her three years term of office,
“You’re now inducted to serve the Lord by being in charge of the women guild. This is God’s ministry and you are expected to serve the ministry with devotion and dedication. Be a visionary leader and always consult when you are not certain,” the moderator added,
Before the induction Mkwina attended leadership training at Chigodi Women’s Training Centre in Blantyre alongside other chairladies in the Blantyre Synod of the CCAP.
“You should be visionary and be an achiever in whatever you plan and. Let Chinamwali CCAP benefit from your leadership,” Rev Mingu said.
Zomba City Presbytery Women Desk Chairperson, Wezzie Ndawala called on Mkwinda to execute what she learnt at Chigodi Women Training Centre for the benefit of fellow women and entire Chinamwali CCAP congregation.
“Serve the ministry without discrimination. Accommodate every Mvano member regardless of her age and financial status,” Ndawala who is also in charge of Zomba CCAP Women Guilds added.
In an interview after the induction, Mkwinda said will be dedicated in the ministry and will do according to the will of God.
In her tenure of office she pledged to facilitate the construction of a kitchen at Chinamwali CCAP to facilitate all the church’s catering services.
“I will make sure that Mvano buy a coaster during my tenure of office to ease mobility,” Mkwinda added.
Representative of Zomba City Presbytery, Chingale Presbytery together with a choir from Chingale and friends and relatives attended Mkwinda’s induction.
Mkwinda has succeeded Jennifer Khanda who served as in charge of Chinamwali CCAP Women’s Guilds from 2016.
Chakwera leaves Malawi for Kenya for IDA summit
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe , April 28 Mana: President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera on Sunday left Malawi for the Republic of Kenya to attend the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) Summit which will be held in Nairobi slated for 28th April 2024.
In an interview Chakwera hailed World Bank for its consistent support whenever the country goes through challenging times.
He said the World Bank plays a crucial role in advancing Malawi's developmental projects, thus enhancing the country's resilience.
"We are grateful for World Bank and for always being there when we are facing challenges. World Bank is also helping us make strides in actual development issues that will make Malawi more resilient, and all the development projects for instance irrigation, this will help this country to produce more and add value," Chakwera said.
The World Bank has donated K100 billion Kwacha to support the country's challenges caused by natural disasters like El Niño. This assistance comes in response to the President's Declaration of Disaster in 23 districts affected by El Niño weather conditions.
President Lazarus Chakwera is expect to address the summit.
President Chakwera's participation follows an invitation extended by President of the Republic of Kenya William Samoei Ruto, in acknowledgment of the World Bank's recent approval of 100 billion Kwacha in support of Malawi's endeavors to achieve food security.
The International Development Association (IDA) is a pivotal arm of the World Bank dedicated to aiding the world's low-income countries. Through grants and low-interest loans, IDA facilitates investments in the future, enhances livelihoods, and fosters the creation of safer, more prosperous communities globally.
The Airplane carrying the Malawi leader departed the Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) at 14:00 hours and the President is expected to return home through the same airport on Monday 29th April 2024 at 17:00 hours.
Biwi market in a Clean-Up exercise
by Ousman Manda
Lilongwe, April 28, Mana: Rotaract Club of Lilongwe, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Luanar, organised a Market Clean-up Day at Biwi market to address the issue of environmental degradation and promote community engagement in preserving the environment.
Speaking after the clean-up exercise on Saturday, President of Rotaract Club of Lilongwe, Esther Bonyonga reiterated the importance of environmental conservation in addressing the root causes of environmental degradation.
He said the clean-up efforts has not only addressed environmental concerns but also improved the overall cleanliness and appearance of Biwi market, in enhancing its hygiene and aesthetics.
The President also highlighted that the Market Clean-up Day at Biwi market showcased the Rotaract Club of Lilongwe's dedication to environmental stewardship and community service.
In a separate interview, President of the Rotaract club of Luanar, Makhalo Matola commended the market vendors for helping with the clean-up exercise, saying their involvement was key to making it successful.
"The positive response from the community has really indicated a growing awareness and willingness to contribute to environmental preservation efforts," Matola added.
The market clean-up initiative event was in line with this month's Rotary theme, which is 'Environment Month'.
