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Kasungu DHO unveils cholera response plan
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, February 7, Mana: Kasungu District Health Office (DHO) has unveiled a cholera response plan with a call to stakeholders to support the blueprint so that the district maintains the zero-case status in the current cholera season.
Presenting the plan to district stakeholders on Tuesday, District Environmental Health Officer, Rudolf Zinkanda Banda called for more support from partner institutions to cushion the district from the outbreak that is raving Kasungu’s neighbouring communities on the Zambian side.
“As much as we have not registered any cholera case this season beginning November 2023, we need to be vigilant and aware of the fact that being a rainy season, there are more risk factors, including the fact that we share borders with Zambia where they are registering many cases.
“We must see to it that the response plan is supported and implemented and be on the ground and protect our district borders so that the communities are safe,” he said.
Banda said the response plan recognises the importance of early planning for emergency response and decentralisation and empowerment of facilities’, primary health emergency rapid response teams and involvement of community leaders in the fight against the outbreak.
He said: “We want to increase community engagement and risk communication, strengthen surveillance, case management, water and sanitation hygiene and coordination.
“We also have to procure drugs and related supplies including establishing treatment units. We will also train all the line staff to build an effective and efficient team that can respond to the emergency with utmost efficiency.”
Kasungu District Council Director of Public Works, Davie Chigwenembe, called for more coordination amongst partners to ensure proper delivery of water and sanitation hygiene services such as drilling and rehabilitation of boreholes to improve access to clean water.
He said it is possible to defeat cholera if there is meaningful support towards the response plan.
Kasungu shares boundary with Zambia’s Chipangali, Lumezi and Lundazi districts and an estimated 158 600 border population, specifically at Kamboni, Linyangwa, Mpempa, Chulu, Newa, Nkhamenya and Lodjwa, could be at risk.
However, the district is yet to register a case this season owing to increased water chlorination exercise in the communities and the successful implementation of the ‘Tipewe Kolera’ campaign, authorities say.
Zambia has reported over 17 000 cholera cases since the outbreak started in October last year with at least 626 deaths whereas Malawi has registered 67 cases and two deaths in the new season.
Council advises communities to protect trees
By James Ngalande
Dowa, February 7, Mana: Dowa district council has appealed to communities to protect and take good care of trees planted in their catchment areas to realize high percentage of survival rate.
The appeal was made, Tuesday during a launch of forestry season for the district which was conducted at Mwanawakanakasanje hill in Senior Chief Kayembe in the district.
Dowa district council Chairperson Councilor Mayamiko Kambewa said that survival rate of trees planted in the past seasons has been low because the communities do not take the role protecting and taking care of the trees.
"Every year the district plants more trees but only a small percentage survive. This is because the communities do not take an initiative of taking care of them. Therefore, we are encouraging you all to always protect these trees from any forces that might disturb their survival," he said.
Kambewa further said that the council is running some programs like Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program where communities are implementing environmental restoration activities like afforestation at an incentive from government.
"There is Climate smart program where the communities do receive some wages after working in the catchments taking care of trees. This is very important because members are encouraged to work due to those incentives.
“However, the most important thing is that communities are getting the knowledge on how they can protect the environments and how to do that," he said.
In his remarks, Group Village Headman Thumbi thanked the council for launching the exercise in the area and assured the council that communities around are now aware of the importance of taking care of trees.
“From now, community members will be in the forefront in protecting these trees to grow in order to mitigate some climate change effects,” he said.
So far Dowa has already planted 50 thousand trees from the targeted 2. 5million in this season.
This year's forestry season falls under the theme “Forest Innovation in action: Restoration for sustainable tomorrow”.
MACRA supports MOE towards sign language in schools
By James Ngalande
Dowa, February 7, Mana: The Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) through its Universal Service Fund (USF) has committed its support to the Ministry of Education to introduce sign language in all primary and secondary schools in Malawi.
MACRA Executive Director Daudi Suleman made the remarks on Monday during the opening of a 5-day training of trainers in sign language in Dowa. He emphasized that for the nation to develop, every Malawian must have equitable access to communication services regardless of location and disability.
"Equitable communication services to all the citizens in Malawi including persons with hearing disability is the backbone to the development of Malawi. But there are challenges in Malawi’s education sector in fully accommodating learners who are deaf which puts them at a disadvantage in terms of performance.
“It is with this background that MACRA through USF decided to step in and support the education sector to introduce and promote sign language in all schools so that every Malawian has access to information," he said.
Daudi said inclusive access to communication and education services will also contribute to achieve Malawi 2063 goals.
Deputy Director for inclusive education in the Ministry of education Lucy Magagula said the inclusion of sign language in all schools will help learners with hearing disability in their studies and eventually bridge the communication gap.
"The Ministry is very grateful to MACRA through USF for the support. This is a very important step because we have a lot of learners who are deaf hence requiring specialists to teach them, of which we have few. Therefore, this training will help address this challenge," said Magagula.
One of the participants Hannah Chiwindi from Thyolo secondary school applauded MACRA for the initiative saying this will help them to deliver quality lessons to leaners with hearing problems.
Feed the Children Orients Journalists on "Akule ndi Thanzi" Project
By Innocent Chunga
Nkhotakota, February 7, Mana: Feed the Children, a non-governmental organization has oriented journalists in the lakeshore districts of Salima, Nkhotakota and Nkhatabay, on issues of malnutrition among under five children and pregnant women, with a call for the scribes to enhance their programming and reporting on malnutrition issues in the districts.
Speaking on Tuesday during the orientation workshop in Nkhotakota district, Social and Behavior Change Coordinator for Feed the Children ‘Akule ndi Thanzi’ project, Isaac Manda said the media plays a crucial role in disseminating information in the country, therefore the industry needs to be empowered with information for smooth implementation of the project.
He emphasized the need for the media practitioners to amplify messages on project goals of nutrition and hygiene practices among other health issues.
"We need more collaborative efforts and a cordial relationship between media practitioners and implementers of the project in the districts to eradicate malnutrition at the district level,” said Manda.
District Information Officer (DIO) for Nkhatabay, Chisomo Kambandanga and Tapiwa Mbewe of Chisomo Radio Station in Salima, described the orientation as an eye opener adding that it has empowered them on issues to do with child malnutrition.
The orientation workshop brought together media practitioners from various media outlets from Salima, Nkhotakota and Nkhatabay districts.
With support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Feed the Children, School of Agriculture for Family Independent (SAFI) and Total Landcare are implementing ‘Akule ndi Thanzi’ project in districts that include Nkhatabay, Nkhotakota and Salima aiming at improving nutrition status of pregnant and lactating women as well as under five children.
Nkhata Bay District Council approves K8 billion budget
By Margret Praise Kalua
Nkhata Bay, February 7, Mana: Nkhata Bay District Council on Tuesday approved a proposed K8 billion annual budget for the 2024/2025 financial year.
Presenting the budget at a Full Council meeting, Chairperson for the Council’s Finance Committee, Acran Chenya said the budgeted K8,079,606,103 billion, will be sourced from central government transfers, developmental partners as well as from locally generated revenue.
He said a large sum of money amounting to K1,378,463,975 billion in excess of over K5,000,000 million compared to that of 2023/2024 budget has been allocated to the health sector.
“Among the projected programmes in the budget are construction, renovation and furnishing of healthy facilities and construction of Usisya police Unit which are crucial in the district at present,” he said.
He also disclosed that there would be an average of 30 percent upward adjustments in all the councils’ licenses, fees and permits in the 2024/2025 fiscal year as compared to the current ones following the 44 percent devaluation of kwacha.
Speaking in an interview after the approval of the budget, Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Nkhata Bay district, Edgar Chihana said the 2024/2025 budget is enough to cover all council’s operations, adding that some funds such as Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) and District Development Fund (DDF) have been topped up.
Chihana pointed out that the council will take all precautionary measures before implementation of any project to be assured of the outcomes of whatever is being implemented to prevent faults and losses.
He said: “The council will also keep on empowering the local structures to take a leading role in monitoring the projects happening in their respective areas with a follow up and technical support from the council in order to come up with projects which are tangible.”
Commenting of the development, Member of Parliament (MP) for Nkhata Bay North West Constituency, Julius Chione Mwase commended the council for approving the budget and thanked the finance committee for an even distribution of funds across the district saying it brings uniformity.
Traditional leader urges children to be proactive on issues of climate justice
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, February 7, Mana: Traditional Authority (TA) January of Thyolo district has urged learners in his area to be on the forefront in championing issues of climate justice as the district intends to plant 1,5 million trees in the current forestry season.
The traditional leader made the call on Tuesday during the launch of a tree planting season for this year, saying that the future of the country lies in the youths.
January said there was need for the learners to be environmental conscious and start taking environmental conservation seriously.
"The future of this country is in the hands of these children and it is very important for them to start taking issues of climate justice seriously now.
"We are adults and our time is slowly passing. If they start now, we know that they will not face the challenges that we are facing now like dry spells, floods and the like," said the TA. Traditional
He said Thyolo was affected by a lot of issues to do with human induced environmental degradation as a result of deforestation and pledged to mobilise his subjects to start taking good care of the trees to address some of the challenges associated with environmental degradation.
"We have been experiencing dry spells due to the fact that we do not have trees. People are also stealing trees from companies creating problems between communities and companies," he said.
District Commissioner for Thyolo, Hudson Kuphanga asked the communities to take care of the trees being planted to increase their chance of survival.
"Currently, we are not receiving rains so the communities need to team up to water the trees. On top of that, they should guard the trees jealously," said Kuphanga.
District Forest Officer for Thyolo, Mirriam Yona said a total of 1.5 million trees will be planted in the district during this forestry season.
"Apart from community members, we have also encouraged learners in all schools in the district as well as estates to help us plant trees to reach the target," said Yona.
Zomba District Council approves K37 Billion 2024/25/budget
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, February 7, Mana: Zomba District Council on Tuesday approved a K37.1 Billion budget for the 2024 /2025 financial year.
Of the total, K27.5 Million has been allocated for personal emoluments, K255 Million for District Development Fund(DDF), K900 Million for Constituency Development Fund(CDF) and K108 Million for water fund.
The council has also set aside K1.4 Billion for the rehabilitation of health facilities, K2.4 billion as Other Recurrent Transactions (ORT) and K1.8 Billion as GESD funds.
Speaking after the approval, Chairperson for Zomba district council, Baster Chirwa said the expectation of each member of the council and the people of Zomba is that the budget will address some of their needs while fostering development.
Chirwa said the 2024/2025 budget has included crucial projects such as completion of health clinics, construction of school blocks and market shades, things that will directly improve people’s lives.
"This is a citizen budget and there is a lot that we expect from it. Among others, we expect to see sustainable food security and steady income at household level," said Chirwa.
District Commissioner (DC), Reinghard Chavula said the aim of the 2024/ 2025 budget is to ensure that the objectives of the council are achieved.
Among others, Chavula said the budget seeks to improve accessibility of essential services and mobility through accelerated infrastructure development.
Chavula also said the budget will likely enhance social economic lives of the people through improved access to quality health care and sustainable alternative livelihoods.
"The budget has included all funds that the district expects to get including that of projects and it is our expectation that the aspirations and wishes of people of Zomba would be achieved” he said.
He however said the council has prioritized the completion of all projects whose construction works are underway or stalled before starting new ones
Member of Parliament for Zomba Chingale Constituency, Loney Chijele expressed satisfaction with the budget, observing it will directly benefit the people of Zomba.
Local authorities worry over the state of schools in Bwanje South Constituency
By Maston Kaiya
Ntcheu, February 6, Mana: Local leaders in the area of Sub Traditional Authority (STA) Mkutumula in Ntcheu have expressed concern over inadequate learning materials and poor infrastructures in Chigumukire and Mapondera primary schools in Bwanje South constituency.
Speaking Monday when Bwanje South legislator, Alexander Chilikumtima, toured the two schools to appreciate challenges learners are facing in his area, a representative of STA Mkutumula said at Chigumukile Junior Primary School, two classes learn under grass thatched classroom while the other three use a community improvised structure or under the shade of a tree.
“It is our wish for primary schools to produce educated people for development in this area but infrastructure remains a challenge to the provision of quality education,” he said.
The representative added that three teachers are resident at Mapondera School while the rest are living in rented houses in surrounding villages.
Mkutumula Area Development Committee (ADC) Chairperson, Gregory Chafanji, said the community contributed sand and bricks for the construction of one classroom block which was initially destroyed by cyclone Freddy.
He said Chigumukile Junior Primary School, which was opened in 1994, had classes from standard one to seven but instead of upgrading, the school has been downgrading to standard five.
Grace Mtambo, the only female teacher out of five at Chigumukire School, said she travels about 15 kilometres since the school has only two teachers houses which are occupied by the head teacher and his deputy.
"The challenges are many and the school is still a junior primary. There is shortage of classrooms and inadequate teacher houses and when it rains, classes are disrupted and teachers who live far away fail to report for duties," said Mtambo.
Deputy Headteacher for Chigumulire School, Christopher Kabango, said with inadequate teacher houses, teachers fail to plan for their work accordingly due to long distances.
Bwanje South Legislator, Alexander Chilikumtima, said he has tirelessly raised the issue in the August House but to no avail.
"The problems at both schools are beyond the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) which is not enough. What we need is intervention from the central government and other well-wishers," said Chilikumtima.
Chiefs cautioned against corruption
By George Bulombola
Rumphi, February 6, Mana: Chiefs across the country have been advised to refrain from all forms of corruption to enhance unity and peace amongst their subjects for the sake of development at all levels.
The advice was given Monday at Rumphi Boma by Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, during the elevation ceremony of Sub Tradional Authority (STA) Chapinduka to traditional authority status and installation of STA Njikula.
The minister also elevated Group Village Head (GVH) Chipofya, GVH Chimphamba and GVH Chiwiriwiri to the status of STAs.
Chimwendo Banda said corrupt practices have lead, in many cases, to favoritism in targeting beneficiaries of safety nets initiatives such as Public Works Program, Social Cash Transfer Program and relief food distribution including land allocation.
“Corruption compromises government efforts which are geared at vulnerable households but only a few are reached out with such interventions.
“It is mostly deemed to be a vice at Capital Hill only, yet it starts from village level. I, therefore, advise you to be in the forefront in the fight against corruption,” said Chimwendo Banda.
He added that traditional leaders should also lead in fighting gender based violence which in many cases leads to forced and early marriages thereby depriving young girls from accessing education.
He, therefore, called upon traditional leaders to work with the government of the day and collaborate with Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe, members of parliament in fostering development in the district.
The minister commended Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe for delegating some of his powers to chiefs of under his jurisdiction for easy administration which, he said, attracts the leadership’s respect and trust.
He also advised Rumphi District Council officials to always be on the ground to check any suspected corrupt practice in implementation of government initiatives for the benefit of the intended households.
Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe advised traditional leaders to collaborate with him and work with government.
“Besides stipulated conditions which can make government dismiss you from the throne, I can recommend for your dismissal if you are lazy leaders,” warned Chikulamayembe.
World Bank hints at public works wages increment
By Kondwani Magombo
Lilongwe, February 6, Mana: World Bank, key financier for the social cash transfer and public works programs, has hinted at an increment on public works wages following concerns that participants of the programs have been raising.
World Bank Program Leader for Human Development, Dr Aneesa Arur, gave the green light on Monday when she visited Nanjili Micro-financing catchment in Traditional Authority (TA) Amidu in Balaka district to appreciate the impact of the social cash transfer and public works programs on people’s lives.
She said World Bank is aware of the concerns that participants of the programs have been raising and that negotiations with the Malawi government on the same are at advanced stage.
"We, absolutely, recognize the issues raised by everyone during the meetings and we've taken it on board; the discussions have been held at technical level and we expect an increase to happen; we're very supportive of that," said the World Bank Program Leader.
She described Malawi as a "very important partner" in the Bank's works, and that issues around climate shocks and economic shocks are really critical to the Bank's partnership with the government of Malawi.
Dr Arur also commended the impact of climate smart agriculture, social cash transfer, and village savings and loans interventions on the livelihoods of the participants, and pledged continued support of the programs.
"We're extremely committed to continuing to support the government of Malawi and the vulnerable people in Malawi by protecting them, building their resilience and human capital," she said.
Director of Social Protection and Poverty Reduction in the Ministry of Finance, Kate Langwe, said Malawi government, too, is aware that the wages that the people are getting through the climate smart enhanced public works program are low.
She said the cash transfer program was revised and that recommendations were made at technical level for wages for climate smart public works to be revised upwards, too.
