By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, August 23, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Owen Chomanika has called for collaboration amongst local assemblies, their staff and development partners to enhance service delivery.

Chomanika said at Chikho Hotel in Dowa during a two-day Quarterly Coordinating Meeting organized by the ministry.

He said people expect a lot from government through the local assemblies, but this cannot be achieved if there is lack of collaboration amongst service providers.

"If the Community Development Fund is not working somewhere, it means somewhere there is a problem, whether at the Secretariat or with the Member of Parliament (MP). If health, education, agriculture, and deceased estate services are not working, it means there is a problem to be dealt with.

"So after doing an analysis, we discovered that one of the challenges is coordination. That is why we conduct these quarterly meetings and bring together District Commissioners, MPs, councilors, and council directors to reflect on our work, learn from each other and improve our service delivery," he said.

Chomanika also spoke against the tendency of absenteeism amongst council staff saying this contributes to delay in service provision.

"You find sometimes directors are not in office for three days, they have been taken somewhere by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) which is not even doing anything tangible.

"That is why our NGO board is here to make sure that we at least discuss all these things and properly align issues," he added.

Chomanika then asked NGOs to align their activities with their respective councils' Social Economic Profiles (SEP) to ensure maximum project impact and avoid duplication of work.

On the issue of resources, Chomanika urged councils to use and allocate prudently and avoid underutilizing the resources.

In his remarks, Board Chairperson for Malawi Local Governance Finance Committee Commissioner Richard Chapweteka, said one of the challenges in local councils is the low rate of absorption of resources.

"We noted that usually councils wait until funds are in their accounts to start the procurement processes. But going forward, we have told them that they need to be starting procurement processes before the money is in because they already know their budgets.

"However we should commend councils because now, all have done well in audits. This means the abuses which were there are now being eradicated. This must continue," he said.

Hadrod Zeru Mkandawire, Executive Director for Malawi Local Government Association also urged councils to coordinate effectively with development partners at the local level.

He however acknowledged that sometimes development partners dictate on how and where resources are to be utilized, which sometimes render other areas with more interventions than others.

"For fear of losing resources or to be seen as putting spanners to development, councils submit to the demands of development partners through the NGOs, which in ideal situations is not supposed to be the case.

"Councils are supposed to stand their ground and guide according to their SEP, District Development Plans, mapping, that this is an area much concentrated with resources, and probably ask for an initiative to move to another area," he said.

However, he said they are working hand in hand with the Non-Governmental Organizations Regulatory Authority to see how best issues like these can be addressed.

By Martin Chiwanda

Machinga, August 23, Mana: Machinga District Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resource (DAENR) Thursday said Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) has enhanced both participants’ economic and social well-being while promoting sustainable practices that are crucial for long-term resilience.

Isaac Ali made the observation in an interview during the launch of the districts participants pay parade for third phase of the works in Likwenu micro-catchment in the area of traditional authority Nkula.

Ali said apart from the program generating employment opportunities, especially for vulnerable groups, including women and youth, and contributing to the local economic development, the participants’ household income has improved.

“By providing wages after working, it has improved household income, allowing for better access to food, healthcare, and education. For instance, this time around when most of the people have no food and cannot be able to find money to buy food for their families, participants of the programme will be able to buy food with what they have received. This will lessen their food and economic challenges,” explained Ali.

Fifty-two year old Chrissie Madona  acknowledged that their participation in CS-EPWP has brought about several positive impacts, including receiving wages that supplement their household income and food security.

Madona said with the current hunger situation which has hit hard most of them, the money they have received will caution the situation.

“I am happy that I participate in this work and be able to get money in the end. For your information, the money which I have received will assist me to buy food though the money is not that enough,” she said.

Another participant Elita Abasi of 41-years-old with six children who comes from Kaphuka Group Village Head said the money she has received has come at a right time.

“Although the money is not enough, it has come at a right time as part of it will be used to buy writing materials for my children as school is about to open,” she narrated.

Abasi however urged the authorities to think of adjusting the amount they receive as wages to make sure that they afford to buy a bag of maize which is now expensive.

“I want also to beg that if possible government should also be providing us with a bag of maize during the working period apart from the wages. I am asking this since working needs energy,” she urged.

The CS-EPWP is being implemented by National Local Government Finance Committee with funding from the World Bank and aims to provide social protection through labor-intensive public works.

By Rennie Tembo

Lilongwe, August 22, Mana; Lingadzi Police station has called on community leaders in Area 18 to be in the forefront by making sure that security is not compromised in their localities.

Speaking Thursday during a stakeholders meeting in Lilongwe, Lingadzi Police Assistant Commissioner Edwin Magalasi stressed the need to promote a strong relationship between the police and community leaders to effectively enhance security and safety.

''A secured community is not just the responsibility of law enforcement alone, it requires a collaborative effort from everyone by working together. We can share knowledge, resources, and expertise to prevent and address crimes,'' he said.

Magalasi further commended the role women are playing in supporting security initiatives by among other things giving tips to the women and men in uniform.

He then proposed the construction of a waiting shelter at the police station office to accommodate people who visit the police for different reasons.

"I would like to thank women who are playing an active role in supporting our security efforts, their commitment is greatly acknowledged and we are optimistic that their continued involvement and contributions will significantly enhance our ability to build a safer and more secure community for all,” said Magalasi

Block leader for area 18, Gogo Steven Sandram, thanked Lingadzi Police Station Management for working with members of the general public in tightening security in the area.

Sandram then pledged to work closely with police officers by among other things encouraging members of community policing to promote security.

''As leaders we must encourage our people on how important this partnership is. I am happy to know how men and women in uniform are committed to creating a safe environment,” he said

By Robert Nayeja

Nsanje, August 22, Mana: Councilor for Mlonda Ward, Cassim Ngwali has been voted as Chairperson for Nsanje District Council after defeating Councilor Robert Chavi of Matundu Ward.

Ngwali got eight votes against six votes during the elective council meeting held on Thursday.

In his acceptance speech, Ngwali said he wants to enhance oneness at the council for smooth acceleration of the development in the district.

"Let's forget put aside our political affiliation and prioritise development in the district," he said.

During the elections, Councilor Felix Round of Nyachilenda Ward was voted second Vice Chairperson for the council after defeating Councilor Bornface Chimpokosera of Dinde Ward with eight votes against six.

By: Golden Kang'oma

Salima, August 23, Mana:  In a significant move to safeguard Malawi's unique aquatic biodiversity, a four-day workshop focusing on freshwater ecosystem types and ecological condition mapping has commenced in Salima district.

The event, held under the Spatial Biodiversity Assessment, Prioritization, and Planning (SBAPP) regional project, gathers experts from four Southern African countries, such as Malawi, South Africa, Namibia, and Mozambique.

Speaking during the official opening of the workshop on Wednesday, Director of Fisheries in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. Hastings Zidana, said Lake Malawi stands as a global biodiversity hotspot.

He said, Lake Malawi is home to over 800 fish species and the workshop will help in finding means of protecting the species and putting the country on map.

He said: “Lake Malawi is not just a national or continental treasure; it’s a global one, so now our focus is now shifting from individual species to a holistic view of the entire ecosystem. This workshop is essential in helping us map out these ecosystems, identify biodiversity hotspots, and recognize areas that are under threat.”

Dr. Zidana emphasized the urgent need for a cooperative approach among neighboring countries that share the lake’s waters—Mozambique and Tanzania.

He said the region faces mounting threats from changing weather patterns, including cyclones and fluctuating water levels and underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration.

“Whatever happens in Tanzania’s uplands—whether it’s deforestation or erosion directly impacts Malawi’s side of the lake, so this shared responsibility necessitates joint scientific efforts to protect our shared water body.” he said.

SBAPP Project Steering Committee Chairperson and Director of Research and Outreach at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Professor Alfred Maluwa, said the project is very important and  noted that while terrestrial ecosystem mapping has been conducted, the focus now shifts to aquatic systems.

“The workshop marks a critical step in our efforts to conserve biodiversity and plan sustainable management of our ecosystems. Experts from SunBio, representing the South African government, are here to train us in aquatic assessment, equipping us to manage our lake and water systems more effectively with the resources we have,” said Maluwa.

The SBAPP project, is being funded by the French government and seeks to address the critical challenges facing biodiversity, particularly in freshwater systems.

The workshop is seen as a vital opportunity for Malawi to enhance its capacity in protecting ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of aquatic species in Lake Malawi, amidst growing environmental pressures.

By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, August 23, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has sent a message of condolence to the bereaved families following the tragic minibus accident that happened Thursday morning in Kasungu District. 

At least 26 people have been burnt to death when a minibus they were travelling in collided with a fuel tanker near Santhe in Kasungu District.

The minibus, registration number MZ 11670 going towards Lilongwe hit and killed a pedal cyclist before ramming into a Tanzanian fuel tanker coming the opposite direction before going up in flames.

“The First Lady and I are deeply saddened by the tragic road accident that occurred this morning at Katondo in Kasungu, claiming the lives of 26 people including two children.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and friends. May we find strength and comfort in God’s grace during this troubling time,” the President said in a statement.

Senior Chief Kaomba of Kasungu, speaking through a representative, said he is saddened by the tragic incident and described the deaths as a great loss not only for the families but also to the country as a whole.

Meanwhile, eight bodies, including that of a six-month old child, have been identified.

District Commissioner for Kasungu, James Kanyangalazi, said it is difficult to identify the others.

“I can confirm that we have so far managed to identify eight bodies and we feel we cannot identify any more.

“Sad to note that one of them is a six months old baby who has been burnt together with her mother and the two have been put in the same coffin,” Kanyangalazi told reporters at the mortuary on Thursday afternoon.

The mother of the baby has been identified as 28 year old Tiwonge Zimba from Luwelezi in Mzimba District.

The others include 26 year old Elvin Mzamo from Traditional Authority (TA) Chikulamayembe in Rumphi, Yohane Mwadzaangati, 32, from Chilazulu, Kondwani Masoko, 30, from TA M’mberwa, Wyson Williams from TA Mabulabo in Mzimba, Limbikani from Malivenji in TA Simlemba and Deliwe Chisi, 26, from TA Kaluluma in Kasungu.

Government through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has provided coffins, transport and money for food to all the bereaved families.

Kanyangalazi says government will provide any other assistance as need may arise until the remains are laid to rest.

He said the council is consulting the Ministry of Local Government, DoDMA and the bereaved families on how the rest of the bodies will be buried.

He said: “We haven’t reached that stage [on how we will bury those not yet identified]. Of course there are guidelines which are to be followed when such things happen and we are consulting.

“An alternative could be to bury them in mass grave, but then we still have to wait for proper advice.”

Kanyangalazi has since thanked the Malawi Defense Force, Police and health authorities who rushed to the accident scene to try to save lives.

“Unfortunately we did not manage to save anyone. It’s a sad time for us in Kasungu and we convey our sincere condolences to the bereaved families,” he said.