By Salome Gangire

Neno, March 17, Mana: For years, residents of Mlauli, Leketa, Chitimba and Benelita Villages in the area of Traditional Authority Dambe in Neno District faced daily struggles crossing the Namapanga River. Their only link to essential services such as hospitals, schools and markets was a fragile wooden bridge—barely wide enough for pedestrians, let alone motorcycles or vehicles.

55-years old Idesi Saidi, from Chikalema Village, vividly recalls a terrifying experience in September 2024 when she nearly fell into the river while crossing the old bridge.

“I didn’t see the motorcycle coming until it was too late. The bridge was too narrow for both of us, and I was nearly knocked into the river. Though I sustained injuries, I was lucky to survive,” she says.

She adds that accidents were common, especially during the rainy season when the bridge became even more dangerous.

Relief has come following the construction of a new concrete bridge, funded through the District Development Fund (DDF) and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) at a cost of K53.2 million.

Before the new bridge, business people and farmers struggled to transport their goods to market, as vehicles could not pass, forcing traders to take longer and more expensive routes.

“Now, with a wider and stronger bridge, vehicles can cross easily, making it more convenient for farmers to sell their produce and access essential services. The improved road network has also made healthcare more accessible,” Saidi says.

For many residents, particularly parents, the greatest relief has been the safety of their children.

Lekeleni Ndaule from Namandwa Village recalls how parents used to worry every time their children crossed the old bridge, especially during the rainy season when it became slippery and unstable.

“With the new bridge, they can cross without fear. Many children from Chitimbe, Binje, and Kachere Primary Schools rely on this bridge to get to school, and their journey is now much safer,” she says.

She adds that in the past, patients often arrived late at hospitals because they had to take a long detour. Today, they can reach health facilities much faster, potentially saving lives.

Matthew Shonga, 28, from Chikalema Village, is among those who have welcomed the development.

“Motorcycle accidents were frequent on the old bridge due to its narrowness, but with the wider structure, such incidents have significantly reduced,” he says.

He believes the bridge has not only improved safety but has also enhanced access to social and economic opportunities.

Councilor for Chilimbondo Ward, Councilor Montfort Bwanali says the bridge now links communities under Sub-Traditional Authority Chikalema and Group Village Head Soka, making travel between villages much easier.

“People from Soka Village cross the bridge to get to the Boma or the hospital at Mission, and those from Chikalema also use it to reach Mwanza. Previously, when the government distributed relief maize or other aid, people from Soka had to struggle to reach the distribution center at Mission. Now, this challenge has been eased,” Bwanali, says.

Senior Chief Dambe acknowledges the bridge’s life-saving role, saying many people had previously been swept away while attempting to cross the river.

“The new bridge has prevented numerous tragedies. In the past, lives were lost as people tried to wade through the river during the rainy season. Now, mobility has greatly improved, linking different communities and enabling safer travel,” he said.

According to Neno District Council Director of Public Works, Pemphero Chikuse, the Namapanga Bridge was funded through DDF (K46.5 million) and CDF (K6.6 million), totaling K53.2 million.

“In the 2024/25 fiscal year, the council has constructed three bridges—Mkulumadzi and Kaphudza, funded through CDF, and Namapanga Bridge, funded through DDF,” Chikuse elaborates.

The investment has already made a significant impact, improving transport, trade, education, and healthcare access for thousands of people in the area.

For the communities that rely on it, the new bridge is more than just an infrastructure project-it is a lifeline, a symbol of safety and a step toward progress.

By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, March 17, Mana: Across Malawi, education remains a crucial pillar for national development. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of teachers, poor sanitation, and limited incentives for educators in remote areas have hindered progress.

The Malawi Education Reform Programme is addressing these issues through various initiatives, bringing a transformation that is felt across districts like Mzimba, Nkhatabay, Chitipa, and Mchinji.

From constructing new classroom blocks to providing hardship allowances for teachers in rural areas, these reforms are reshaping the education landscape, improving learning conditions, and uplifting communities.

One of the most visible transformations in Malawi’s schools is the construction of additional classroom blocks. Overcrowded classrooms, where students used to learn under trees or squeeze into poorly ventilated rooms, are gradually becoming a thing of the past.

At Lwambo primary School in Mzimba, Headteacher for the Estone Ng’ambi expresses his excitement about the new classroom blocks.

"Previously, we had over 100 learners in a single classroom, making it difficult to teach effectively. With the new blocks, we now have manageable class sizes, and learners are more focused," he says.

Local contractors have played a key role in these developments, ensuring that job opportunities remain within the community. The Director of Infrastructure in Nkhatabay, George Gopani, emphasizes the economic benefits of awarding contracts to local builders.

"Engaging local contractors ensures money stays within the district, empowering small businesses and creating jobs. It also means quicker and more efficient construction since the contractors understand the local terrain and challenges," he explains.

The new classroom blocks have also boosted school enrollment, as more parents are now eager to send their children to school in an improved learning environment.

Lack of proper toilets has long been a barrier to girls’ education in rural Malawi. Many girls miss school during their menstrual periods due to inadequate sanitation facilities, which affects their academic performance.

The Sanitation and Hygiene Toilet for Girls initiative is changing that narrative. In Mchinji, new girls’ washrooms have been constructed, providing privacy, clean water, and a safe space for female students.

14-year-old Ruth Binwell, a learner at Chimteka1 full Primary School, shared how the new facilities have changed her school life.

"Before, I would stay home for several days each month because there were no proper toilets. Now, I no longer have to miss lessons. I feel comfortable and confident," she says.

Mother groups, led by community women, are playing a crucial role in maintaining these facilities and sensitizing girls on menstrual hygiene. Jessica Banda, a Mother Group Chairperson in Mchinji, explains their involvement on how the group work with school.

"We ensure the toilets are clean and stocked with necessary items like soap and sanitary pads. We also teach girls about personal hygiene and confidence-building," she says.

Through these efforts, dropout rates among girls are reducing, paving the way for a more inclusive education system.

A shortage of teachers has been a long-standing challenge, especially in remote areas. To address this, the government introduced the Auxiliary Teacher Programme, bringing in additional teachers to support existing staff.

Lusungu Chimaliro, an auxiliary teacher at Changasi Primary School in Nkhatabay, describes her experience on how the programme has proven to be of great significant.

"This programme gave me an opportunity to practice teaching while also addressing the teacher shortage. The workload has been reduced, and learners now get more attention," she says.

Similarly, the Mentor Teacher Programme is equipping teachers with better skills, improving the quality of education. John Kamanga, a mentor teacher in Mchinji, highlights the benefits.

"We undergo regular training to enhance our teaching methods, classroom management, and student engagement. This has significantly improved learners’ performance," he says.

With better-trained teachers, students are excelling, and schools are recording improved pass rates in national examinations.

Teaching in remote areas comes with its challenges—poor roads, lack of electricity, and limited resources. To retain teachers in these areas, the government introduced the Hardship Allowance, an additional financial incentive for teachers working in difficult conditions.

Memory Nkhata, a Head-teacher at Kamizala Primary School in Mzimba, shared how the allowance has helped teachers at the school stay in the profession and improve the teaching performance among teachers.

"At first, I wanted to transfer to a town school because life was tough here. But the hardship allowance helps me afford better housing and transportation, making it easier to continue teaching," she says.

District education directors also acknowledge the impact of this initiative. McGiven Chinyamula, Director of Education in Chitipa, emphasized how the allowance has reduced teacher turnover.

"Previously, rural schools faced constant teacher shortages as many requested transfers. With this allowance, more teachers are now willing to stay and teach in these areas," he explained.

Beyond education, the Malawi Education Reform Programme is also stimulating local economies by awarding school construction contracts to local contractors.

Bright Mvula, a contractor in Nkhatabay, expressed his gratitude for the initiative saying that the initiative has transformed lives and also boosted their business.

"Being awarded these contracts has allowed me to employ young people in our community. It has also improved my business and allowed me to invest in better equipment," he says.

School Management Committees have also been actively involved in monitoring construction projects to ensure quality work is delivered. Committee Chairperson in Mchinji at Chimteka 1 full primary school, Mr. Elias Kachale, said that the committee ensures that all construction procedures are followed.

"We ensure contractors follow guidelines and use quality materials. This transparency helps us get durable school blocks and toilets that will serve the community for years," he says.

Through strategic initiatives under the Malawi Education Reform Programme, schools in districts like Mzimba, Nkhatabay, Chitipa, and Mchinji are experiencing positive change.

With better classrooms, improved sanitation, well-supported teachers, and stronger community involvement, the future of education in Malawi looks promising.

Education directors across these districts remain hopeful that continued investment in these programs will further strengthen the country’s education system.

"The impact is visible. If we maintain this momentum, every child in Malawi will have access to quality education, regardless of where they live," says Joyce Hamsin, Director of Education and sports in Mchinji.

With learners eager to attend school, teachers more motivated than ever, and communities actively engaged, the vision of accessible and high-quality education for all is steadily turning into reality.

By Lesnat Kenan

Lilongwe, March 18, Mana: Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, has highlighted that restricting some imported and exported goods will foster the country's sustainable economy, as this will encourage local business and farmers to produce quality products.

Speaking at Capital Hotel in Lilongwe Monday evening, Mumba emphasized that the restriction order of some essential goods such as fresh milk, peanut butter, matches and bottled water among others is necessary for the nation's development.

He said selection of the items was done after thorough assessment of the supply capacity of local industries.

"By incentivizing local production, we are not only ensuring the availability of commodities but also creating jobs across the agricultural and manufacturing sectors,” he said.

He stated that the ministry will be engaging supermarkets such as Chipiku, Sana, Shoprite, Game Stores and KFC among other on corporate social responsibility to invest in the local agribusiness value chain by empowering existing indigenous farmers to produce to required standards.

Mumba assured Malawians that the Ministry will continue safeguarding the hard-earned foreign exchange by encouraging locally produced goods thereby building resilience of the country's economy as it aligns with the Malawi 2063.

The implementation of the order will be done through an administrative note, which will be issued by the Ministry as soon as possible. The order will expire in March, 2027.

By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, March 16, Mana: Police in Dowa district Sunday arrested two people at Dzaleka Refugee Camp for illegal possession of cannabis sativa locally known as chamba.

Dowa police station Public Relations Officer, Alice Sitima, identified the two as Remasi Mziiki, 22, a female Congolese refugee, and Gosta Mvula, 52, a male resident of Jeputala village under Traditional Authority Msakambewa in the district.

She said acting on a tip from an anonymous source, officers from Dzaleka police unit conducted a search at Mziiki’s residence in the camp, in a section called Lisungwi.

"The operation uncovered cannabis sativa concealed in food containers, a sack, and in a plastic bag. Mvula was also arrested near Mziiki's house, while in possession of cannabis sativa packed in a sack and concealed in laptop bag, which was meant for sale. 

"When questioned, the suspects failed to produce valid licenses for possession or sale of cannabis and were immediately arrested. The substance was confiscated and taken for assessment," she said. 

Sitima has since disclosed that Mziiki has a prior conviction for a similar offense.

The suspects are expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to their offences.

By Richard Kagunda

Kasungu, March 17, Mana: Member of Parliament for Kasungu South Constituency, Simplex Chithyola Banda, on Sunday donated 3,000 bags of maize, each weighing 25 kilogrammes, worth K21 million to communities in the constituency.

Making the donation at his Namuleri Farm at Linyangwa, Chithyola Banda said the donation is in response to the hunger crisis created by dry spells during last year's growing season.

El Nino weather phenomenon created prolonged dry spells resulting in poor harvest, a development that forced President Dr Lazarus Chakwera to declare a State of Disaster in 23 districts including Kasungu.

"This is the second time for us to distribute our proceeds from Namuleri Farm. We did the same on January 1 this year when we donated to 3,000 people," he said.

Chithyola Banda, who is also Minister of Finance, encouraged communities to adopt modern and sustainable methods of farming to counter the effects of climate change and become food secure.

"As leaders we need to lead by example that is why we have invested a lot in farming as a business.

"It is my plea to Malawians to embrace irrigation to ensure food security in the country," he said.

Senior Chiefs Santhe and Chizuma commended the Parliamentarian for the donation stating it will ease family pressures created by hunger among the area's households.

"We are grateful to our MP for timely responding to the hunger crisis affecting our people.

"On the other hand, I urge all the beneficiaries to use their presence here as a learning visit to appreciate modern agriculture," Santhe said.

One of the beneficiaries Patuma James from Chaima Village in the area of Senior Chief Santhe hailed the donation as timely.

Namuleri Farm produced at least 500 metric tonnes of maize in the last growing season.