MANAonline
Chakwera touts 44th SADC Summit as a success for Malawi
By; Tiyanjane Nandie Mambucha, Harare, Zimbabwe
August 18, MANA: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has underscored the need for Malawi to keep engaging with SADC Member saying Malawi cannot stand alone.
President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera made these remarks on Sunday, at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Zimbabwe, on his departure to Rome, Italy after attending the 44th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government.
President Chakwera said his attendance to the Summit enabled him to interact with other member states, who have committed to assist Malawi.
“This trip was worth it. I had a bilateral meeting with the United Nations and the Executive of Economic Commission for Africa. He is coming to Malawi and we will be engaging in order for us to make sure our economic trajectory is taking off. “
“I also touched base with various Presidents like the president of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, we have made arrangements to purchase maize at a subsidized price because she understands that we need each other, as brothers and sisters in the same region,” Said Chakwera.
Taking his turn, Major General Elias Mpaso, Deputy Ambassador for Malawi to Zimbabwe, said he was glad that the SADC Summit went well, and crucially, that President Chakwera managed to successfully undertake all his assignments.
Regional leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) gathered in Harare, Zimbabwe, for the 44th Ordinary Summit, which was hosted by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was also elected as the new SADC Chairperson.
Among many activities that took place at the 44th Ordinally SADC Summit, the member states discussed pressing issues like peace and security, regional cooperation, and economic growth. The summit also elected Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina as the Incoming Chairperson.
President Chakwera and the First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera, were seen off at the airport by Major General Elias Mpaso and other officials from Malawi and Zimbabwe.
Mwanza District Council welcomes HSSP III
By Brian Wasili
Mwanza, August 17, Mana: Mwanza District Council considers introduction of Health Sector Strategic Plan III (HSSP III) for 2023 to 2030 a right direction to address communities’ challenges when accessing health services in the district.
Mwanza District Council Chairperson, Bellon Kasambwe said this on Saturday in an interview with Malawi News Agency at a district stakeholders meeting which Ministry of Health with support from Last Mile Health held to sensitize participants on HSSP III.
“The plan has come on time because it is strategically focusing on ways to address real issues which communities in the district are facing,” said Kasambwe, citing long distance to access services at health facilities, shortage of medicines, inadequate health workers and staff houses as some of the key issues affecting health service delivery in the district.
The HSSP III is meant to ensure improved health status of all Malawians and increased client satisfaction and financial risk protection towards attainment of Universal Health Coverage aligned to the national development plan of Malawi Vision 2063 agenda.
The Council Chairperson therefore called for coordination and collaboration between Mwanza District Council and stakeholders to ensure progress and successful implementation of the HSSP III in the district by 2030.
The HSSP III outlined nine guiding principles such as; community empowerment, decentralization, transparency and accountability, client centeredness, integration of health service delivery.
In his remarks Director of Health and Social Services in the district, Dr. Anthony Chafunya applauded the HSSPIII saying it will also help to measure and improve performance of service delivery in health facilities in the district.
“It is expected that there will be increased equitable access to and improved quality of health care services as expected by communities in the district,” he added.
In another interview, Kanduku Area Development Committee (ADC) Chairperson, Davis Chimate commended government for coming up with the HSSP III but asked relevant authorities to work jointly to mobilize necessary resources to ensure successful implementation of the plan.
“We are excited with the plan but there is need to ensure that we all work in collaboration in the implementation of the plan to avoid demotivating the communities,” he said.
Mwanza District Council officials, elected members, chiefs, clergy, ADCs and youth representatives were some of the participants at the meeting.
EGENCO begins first phase of 50MW Solar power plant in Salima
By Golden Kang'oma
Salima, August 17, Mana: The Electricity Generation Company of Malawi (EGENCO) has launched the first phase of a 50-megawatt (MW) solar power plant installation at Nanjoka, in Salima district.
Speaking during a stakeholders' engagement meeting, on Friday, Salima District Commissioner James Mwenda emphasized the significance of the project for the country and the district, pointing out that it will help to maximize accessibility of electricity.
"This project is crucial for addressing the persistent electricity issues in Malawi, and Salima in particular. As a district commissioner, I am excited about the job creation and development opportunities this project brings to Salima," said Mwenda.
He assured stakeholders that the District Council would work closely with EGENCO to ensure the project is completed on schedule and also addresses the issue of land encroachment, which has affected the project's progress.
He said: "The 100 hectares of land for this project were properly purchased, but there have been encroachments. My office will ensure that the encroached land is returned to EGENCO so that the project can proceed without further delays."
Harry Msosa, EGENCO’s Project Development and Contracts Manager, outlined the project’s timeline and phases.
"We are currently in the test phase, with the first phase involving the construction and commissioning of 10MW. The second and third phases will add another 10MW and 30MW, respectively, bringing the total capacity to 50MW," Msosa explained.
Msosa acknowledged the land encroachment issue but noted that it had not yet significantly impacted the project’s progress.
"While the encroached land will be needed in later phases, it is crucial that this issue is resolved promptly," he said.
The initial 10MW phase is expected to be completed within 18 months, with an estimated cost of 23 Billion Malawi Kwacha. The first phase of the project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025, assuming all goes according to plan.
Chimwendo preaches peace at MWATO
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, August 17, Mana: Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda has urged citizens in the country to always strive in promoting peace for the country to continue developing.
Chimwendo Banda was speaking, Saturday at Nsani Village in the area of Senior Chief Mkumbira in Nkhata Bay during 2024 Mdauku wa a Tonga (MWATO) celebration where he was guest of honor.
“I am impressed today that in this celebration we also have chiefs from surrounding districts who are not from the Tonga tribe. Chiefs being custodians of culture, it shows that they are tolerant to each other and there is peace among themselves, a thing that we must all cherish,” Chimwendo said.
According to Chimwendo Banda, his ministry will always make sure that people coexist and relate to each other despite their differences so that the country must move forward in terms of development.
The minister went further to commend MWATO executive committee for being innovative by inaugurating their own cultural heritage site for the Tonga called MWATO Village as this will be the center for learning to the youths.
“I am told that at MWATO village there will be a school and museum among others. This is so encouraging and as government we will give you all the support you need to develop this palace as it is in line with government agenda of promoting education and preserving culture”, he said.
He urged chiefs in the country to continue putting a theme of environment in such cultural celebrations as one way to combat the impacts of climate change the country is facing.
In his remarks, Mdauku wa a Tonga Chairperson Prof. John D. Kalenga Saka said this year’s celebration has been unique and a success for they have achieved their dream of inaugurating MWATO village site.
“We have been holding this function in various places which proved to be not cost effective and inefficient. Therefore, with support from Tonga chiefs’ council we agreed to have one site and this place at Nsani was chosen to be appropriate,” Saka said.
According to Saka they will be able to establish a set of facilities at this center like a library, museum, small houses depicting the culture of the Tonga people.
He commended President Dr. Lazarus McCathy Chakwera, for supporting the 2024 MWATO celebrations with K5million.
This years MWATO celebration was held under the theme; ‘Our environment, our future.’
Likoma District Council has new chairperson
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, August 17, Mana: Former Chairperson for Likoma District Council on Friday handed over his Chairmanship to Barnabus Sambomo who is expected to run the office for the next one year in Likoma District.
Speaking during the elective council meeting, District Commissioner (DC) for Likoma, Abubakar Nkhoma said according to the Local Government Act, 1998 which was revised in 2010, each council needs to elect new chairperson and their vice.
"Likoma District Council is however different from other councils as it only has two councilors; one from Chizumulu Island and another one from Likoma Island hence the two just exchange their positions annually," said Nkhoma.
In his remarks, Samboma said he will continue working from where former chairperson stopped to ensure continuity of developmental activities in the district.
"We expect to continue with what we have already started. We have some plans which are underway, so my expectation is to have these plans implemented on the ground with the help of my friends and the secretariat," said Sambamo.
Former Council Chairperson for Likoma, Ernest Gulu said he will continue working hand in hand with Sambamo in order to lead the people in a positive way as far as development is concerned.
Lilongwe District Council elects new Chairperson
By Rennie Tembo
Lilongwe, August 16, Mana: Lilongwe District Council has elected Matias Chiopsanjati of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) from Chiputu ward as the new Chairperson for the council and Councillor Hardwell Jami of the same party from Chiwamba ward as his vice.
The council held its elective full council meeting on Friday, where Chiopsanjati won the seat after defeating Dominic Banda with 23 votes to 17 votes.
In his acceptance speech, Chiopsanjati said he is delighted to attain the Chairmanship and is ready to engage with stakeholders to promote development and ensure that the council is delivering to the people.
“It will be easier for my leadership to deliver if we hold hands and work together towards a common goal. I will not be competing with anyone, but I will be working with everyone, so I urge you to bring forward your ideas on how we can develop our district," he said.
He further emphasized the need to address issues amicably among councillors and asked them to deliver on their responsibilities as people from their wards look up to them.
Lilongwe District Commissioner, Lawford Palani welcomed the newly elected Chairperson and his Vice and assured them of the council’s support in discharging their duty.
“The council is ready to provide support and we are looking forward to a collaborative working relationship between the Chairperson and his Vice. Our goal is to work together to advance government’s agenda by implementing government’s projects,” he said.
Chiopsanjati is taking over the Council's Chairmanship from Councillor Dan Mtayamanja who served the council in the position for two terms.
The elections were managed by Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) where 33 councillors and 7 Members of Parliament(MPs) voted.
Malawi Prison Service calls for positive attitude towards inmates
By Joel Chirwa and Esther Ndhlozi
Mzuzu, August 17, Mana: Malawi Prison Service’s Acting Public Relations Officer for the northern region, Macbeth Wansambo has called for positive attitude from the public towards prison inmates by getting involved in supportive initiatives that are geared towards their reformation.
Wansambo made the sentiments, Saturday when a Mzuzu based charity organization, Azimayi Reachout and Touch cheered inmates and donated assorted groceries and food items to Mzuzu Prison.
He said currently the prison service is embarking on various programs in education and vocation activities that are aimed at effectively reforming individuals serving time at the correctional centre.
"As an institution we have moved away from punitive measures and are working on the concept of using correctional measures. We involve inmates in various vocational trades such as tailoring, carpentry, farming and fisheries.
He said the service is also providing school and vocation studies to inmates so that they become productive citizens after completing serving their jail terms.
He said the public needs to view prisons as correctional centres not punitive institutions and asked for assistance that would support the service achieve its goals.
"We appeal to stakeholders and well-wishers to help us improve our income-generating projects, ensuring a satisfying experience for inmates and efficient operations” said Wansambo.
Commenting on the matter, Chairperson of Azimayi Reach Out and Touch Group, Given Mushani said inmates require support.
“Our vision is to help the needy, and we visited Mzuzu Prison to fulfill that. We recognize that inmates, despite their status, are people in need of various support. They are people who the society oftentimes neglect,” said Mushani
Person with albinism gets house after surviving attack
By Leonard Masauli
Lilongwe, August 17, Mana: Government and Standing Voice, has handed over a K13 million house to a girl with albinism who survived an attack in Traditional Authority Chilikumwendo in Dedza district.
In 2019, six masked thugs abducted and killed a 14-year-old boy with albinism, Goodson Makanjira, while his parents and sister were sleeping. During the attack, the girl's parents and a relative who attempted to rescue the boy were injured while saving him.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on Friday, Director of Administration at the Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, Benson M'bwana, said the houses are being built to enhance security of people with albinism against such attacks.
He said many homes in the villages are not strong or secure enough, making it easier for attackers to target people with albinism.
“After the attack in 2019, the government strengthened the laws to ensure severe punishment for perpetrators. Additionally, we began constructing homes for people with albinism to enhance their security. Today, we are handing over a house to Faith, a girl who survived the attacks," M'bwana said.
"We are also raising awareness within communities to ensure the protection of people with albinism. As a ministry, we are pleased to see that, thanks to our awareness efforts, cases of attacks have decreased,” he added.
Executive Director of Standing Voice and Commissioner for the Malawi Human Rights Commission, Bonface Massa, expressed his satisfaction at finally handing over the house to one of the survivors of the attacks.
“Malawians will remember the tragic and unique case of Buleya Lule, where a brother with albinism was murdered, and Lule himself died in police custody. Since the surviving girl left home, this is her first return, and it is a success story," said Massa.
"In addition to building houses, we are also providing skin cancer screenings, supported by the European Union, Suncare, and Yoneco, along with dermatology services and psychosocial support for victims of torture,” Massa added.
He emphasized that Standing Voice is continuing to intensify awareness efforts, especially as the country approaches the general elections, noting that such cases tend to rise during this period.
The mother of the surviving girl, Misa Fanizo, thanked the government and Standing Voice for providing her daughter with a safer home.
“I am grateful for the new house built for my daughter. Most importantly, I am overjoyed to be reunited with her after five years. Many people had negative things to say about my daughter, but today they are silent, seeing her return healthy and beautiful,” Fanizo said.
Traditional Authority Chilikumwendo affirmed that chiefs have strengthened security measures to ensure the protection of people with albinism in their communities.
LL-City Council commits to development projects
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe, August 17, Mana: Lilongwe City Council says it is committed to ensuring that development projects taking place within the city are completed on time by providing funds whenever needed.
Speaking after a media tour, on Friday in Lilongwe, Mayor for the city, Councilor Esther Sagawa said the commitment is in line with the need for delivery of quality works as they address challenges the contractors are facing.
"We all know that in every work there are challenges as presented by the contractors, but we will make sure that we provide the needed support so that they deliver a good job.
"We are committed to make sure that we finish the projects and therefore have funds to see the projects through” Sagawa said.
Sagawa said she was impressed with the status of projects from Msambachikho and Mphonongo bridge, among other projects.
"Today we were visiting some of projects that we have within Lilongwe City and we had a delegation comprising Mayor and deputy Mayor of Blantyre City, among other officials.
Mayor for Blantyre City, Councilor Joseph Makwinja said he learned a lot from the visit and hoped to replicate the lessons in Blantyre.
"I am impressed with what Lilongwe Mayor is doing. We have inspected more than seven projects which are almost complete” he said.
The one-day-media tour started from Area 38 at Msambachikho where Lilongwe City Council has constructed a school block, to area 2 where renovation of Bombe street is underway. before proceeding to area 12 where the council is renovating a street, among other places.
The development projects are being supported by the Malawi government, according to Sagawa.
Fresh registration for 2025 elections
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, August 17, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has disclosed that it would undertake a fresh registration of voters and would use new equipment and system which has been specially procured for the purpose.
MEC Chairperson for MEC, Justice, Annabel Mtalimanja disclosed this Friday during meeting with development partners, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Media held to demonstrate the voter registration process using election management device (EMD) at Bingu International Convention centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
She said fresh voter registration help the Commission have accurate figures of registered voters owing to that fact that it conducted constituency and ward boundary re-demarcation exercise as a result of the review of boundaries of the two.
Mtalimanja noted that the review of boundaries moved some voters and centres from one constituency or ward to another.
The Chairperson said this means that voters that registered in 2019 may need to be reallocated to their new wards and constituencies.
“This cannot be achieved effectively through voters’ transfers alone or the updating of the existing voters’ register. The other benefit of a fresh registration is that it will eliminate deceased voters in the voter register, thus ensuring accuracy and integrity of the register,” she explained.
Mtalimanja added the Commission has always involved political parties, CSOs and media in its processes regarding the procurement, delivery and functional capabilities of the voter registration equipment and system.
She said the Commission has taken delivery of the whole consignment of equipment including all the necessary accessories and consumables.
“Representatives of political parties and the media witnessed the arrival and the warehousing of the consignment. In terms of the actual EMDs, the Commission has purchased a total of 6,500 units,” the Chairperson remarked.
She pointed out that demonstrating the voter registration process and functionalities of the EMD was central in attaining better and credible elections.
“The technology underlying the EMDs represents a significant enhancement in our operations in terms of modernization of the electoral process, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. You will recall that in recent past elections, the Commission was using devices described as Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) Kits,” Mtalimanja said.
She said while these have served us well, the Commission has transitioned to the more advanced EMDs for the voter registration process for 2025 General Election.
“It is our sincere expectation that the use of the EMDs and its system will ensure that the Commission generates a credible voters’ register free from multiple registrants and registrations obtained without due verification of eligibility in terms of age and citizenship,” the Chairperson hoped.
She said the EMDs and the systems would play a crucial role in improving the voter registration process by automating various aspects of the process.
Mtalimanja observed that the adopted process would facilitate the collection of voter information, including personal details, biometrics, and photographs.
She said it would assist the Commission in coming up with modalities to enhance, planning, inclusivity and the packaging of civic and voter information.
MEC Chief Elections Officer, Andrew Mpesi said involvement of all stakeholders in the electoral process was vital because it help to eliminate some doubts and misunderstanding.
He said delivery of credible elections largely depend on the participation of all key stakeholders involved in the electoral processes.
