MANAonline
Malawi, Mozambique sign trade MOU
By Fostina Mkandawire
Maputo, August 14, Mana: Malawi and Mozambique on Wednesday signed crucial Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) aimed at improving the energy sector and boosting trade of the two countries.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, which took place at the office of the President of Mozambique in Maputo, Chakwera said the signing of the trade agreements between Malawi and Mozambique is key in enhancing the economic relationship between Malawi and Mozambique.
"I am optimistic that the opening up of the Nacala Port to transport fuel and petroleum products from Mozambique to Malawi will reduce transportation costs of petroleum products and also the energy agreement will reduce black outs," Chakwera said.
Chakwera together with his counterpart President Filipe Nyusi witnessed the signing ceremony of the Memorandums of Understanding on energy being formalized by Energy Ministers of Malawi and Mozambique.
Under the agreements, Malawi seeks to negotiate for a convenient border post, simplified trade regimes, equal treatment of transporters, and tightened security to reduce the crossing of boarders using uncharted roots.
President Chakwera said it was pleasing to note that Malawi and Mozambique bilateral ties are now stronger than ever, a development that is beneficial to the people of Mozambique and Malawi.
In his remarks, President Nyusi said the two countries will collaborate to ensure these agreements become practical so that the people of the two countries benefit.
"Key sectors that are crucial to the development of our two countries have been thoroughly scrutinized such as agriculture, energy and transport, much focus has been given to the transport and energy sector," he said.
Nyusi mentioned that the Government of Mozambique will continue supporting the joint project of construction of the 218-kilometre Malawi-Mozambique Interconnector Project and Matambo Substation as part of the Mozambique-Malawi Interconnection Project (MOMA).
The Mozambican President expressed dismay at the current trade volumes between Malawi and Mozambique which are relatively low despite the proximity of major commercial and industrial hubs of the two countries.
“I can confidently say that we have allocated a space at Nacala Port for Malawi to be spearheading transportation of products to minimize traffic and cargo taking too long to reach Malawi," he said.
On this point Nyusi revealed that a one stop boarder post will be operationalized at Mwanza boarder in Malawi to further boost trading activities between the two countries.
While in Mozambique President Chakwera was taken on a learning visit to Boane district to appreciate industrial activities at Beluluane Industrial Park.
People at Kwilasya hail Machinga District Council for new market project
By Martin Chiwanda and Charlie Ligomeka
Machinga, August 14: Ward Councilor for Nkoola Ward, Margret Uladi and traders at Kwilasya market at Traditional Authority Nkoola have hailed Machinga District Council for deciding to construct a new market shelter which will cost MK42, 600, 000 through District Development Fund (DDF).
On Tuesday, Machinga District Council handed over a contractor, Ganizani Likhomo Building Contractors and Civil Engineering to the project site at Kwilasya market to start construction of the market shelter.
Uladi said was delighted with construction of the market shelter and expressed hope that the structure will provide good business environment for traders.
“I am happy with this project. I am sure this will really motivate people in this area to do more business in the market,” she said.
The Nkoola Ward Councilor added that the market shelter has come at a right time as an answer to complaints among traders that have been complaining of poor trade environment at Kwilasya market.
“Most of the people here have not been doing business though they wished to do it. This has been the case because the market has not been a better place for business. Construction of the new market shelter has come at a right time and is an answer to the challenges they have been facing,” said Uladi.
One of the traders at the market, Joyce Salani said was delighted with the market shelter construction, saying the structure will help traders to do business in a more conducive environment.
She added that a new market shelter was ideal considering that traders have been doing business in the open, in the scorching sun, windy conditions and sometimes business being disturbed by rains, adding that this becomes unhygienic thereby creating unconducive business environment.
“I am very happy with plans to construct a market shelter. We will be able to sale our commodities under a shelter that will protect us from bad weather conditions which has been our biggest problem,” Salani added.
Group Village head Kwilasya also commended Machinga District Council for deciding to embark on the market project and he pledged to put necessary measures that will ensure successful completion of the project.
“We have been struggling to do business due to poor conditions of the market. We have been given an opportunity to have a market shelter; we will make sure that project equipment is protected during the construction period. We will provide full assistance (if needed) to help our contractor to finish his work in time,” said Group Village head Kwilasya.
Machinga Council’s Environmental District Officer, Andrew Kaitano Hamza called on local leaders and their subjects to collaborate with the contractor to ensure success and timely completion of the project.
Hamza observed that land disputes were some of the issues that affect implementation of development projects.
He therefore expressed hope that chiefs will ensure all issues to do with land are dealt with to ensure dispute-free implementation of the market project.
He encouraged traders in the area to do business under the market shelter once completed, observing that some traders in some parts of the district shun doing business under such market structures at the expense of council’s revenue mobilization.
The contractor is expected to build the market shelter within 90 days.
Thamani Aviation pledges to support girls
By Moses Nyirenda
Lilongwe, August 14, Mana: A company responsible for providing flight support in Africa, Thamani Aviation has pledged to provide different support to girls in schools in the country including providing them with sanitary pads in order for them to remain in school and complete their education.
This follows the recent donation of reusable sanitary pads worth MK1.5 million to girls at Yepa Primary School in Lilongwe, which the aviation company made through a local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) known as Girl Power for Change (GPC).
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday, Thamani Aviation Country Representative, Franklin Simbeye said that with their drive the gesture is part of fulfilling their corporate social responsibility in the country.
“We have air craft that pass through Malawi and because they pass through Malawi we make money through the Kamuzu International Airport, since we do business in Malawi our support towards girls is part of complementing our corporate social responsibility,” Simbeye said.
He added that with their move as a company they will make sure that girls in the country are always going to school.
“We will make sure that no school in Malawi should have girls who are failing to go to school whilst we are here.
“We will work with teachers and chiefs in supporting these girls, the more we do our business in Malawi we will ensure that we support these girls based on their need,” he said.
In a separate interview, GPC Vice Board Chairperson, Maryrose Ikumi commended Thamani Aviation for its gesture saying that it would motivate and encourage girls to remain in school and complete their education.
She also called upon other well-wishers including companies and organization to emulate Thamani Aviation’s drive especially on the distribution of sanitary pads to the girls in schools so that girls should not miss classes when they are doing their menstrual period.
“If many well-wishers can come together to donate sanitary pads to the girls then all the girls in Malawi will have sanitary pads and we will not have a problem of a girls not going to school because they are on period,” Ikumi said.
Also commenting on the same, Yepa Primary School Deputy Head Teacher, Gladys Mpoya also hailed Thamani Aviation for their commitment to support girls in schools saying that the gesture would alleviate some of the challenges that hinder girls’ education in the country.
Scaling up nutrition from the backyard
By Lisa Lamya
Blantyre, August 14, Mana: A 30-year-old Mwayi Nalitsiro is a mother of two who hails from Masinde 2 village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chigaru in Blantyre. Nalistiro recalls that before the German KFW funded project which has an Integrated Homestead Farming (IHF) component, her children were malnourished.
The IHF is a type of household farming that comprises different enterprises that are dependent on each other solely for food security at household level.
Together with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM), the KFW project is transforming lives of people in the area and complementing government in the fight against malnutrition.
Nalitsiro has a backyard garden now and she is able to produce fruits and vegetables for her family.
“This project has assisted my family since our nutrition intake has improved because we are able to eat fruits and vegetables fresh from our garden,” Nalitsiro said.
Apart from the backyard garden, Nalitsiro also has livestock and with expertise from FUM, she uses manure from the livestock to apply to her garden; thereby, increasing yields.
“This project has been transformative, now I know the benefits of having livestock such as chickens from where we get meat, eggs and of course manure,” she added.
Nutritional facilitator for T/A Chigalu, Victor Kanjuchi who works for FUM, indicated that the IHF component has proved to be successful in the area.
“There was a knowledge gap on issues of nutrition before we started implementing this project, people did not know the importance of having a backyard garden and livestock farming but now the story has changed because we have equipped them with skills,” said Kanjuchi.
According to Kanjuchi, the status of nutrition for most children in the area has improved because mothers are taught how to prepare porridge that contains the six food groups.
“We have been helping lactating mothers and those with under five children to make nutritious meals, more women have healthy babies now,” he said.
Agriculture Extension Development Coordinator, Precious Kalua said that government is impressed with the impact the project has made in T/A Chigaru.
“The role of this project in eradicating malnutrition cannot be overemphasized, farmers are able to sell their produce but also reserve some food for their families and that is commendable,” Kaluwa noted.
Kaluwa, however, disclosed that government provides technical know-how and coordinate activities to ensure they are being implemented according to standard guidelines, adding that the area is prone to dry spells but the knowledge that FUM is imparting to farmers will still help in realising bumper yields.
The KFW project started in 2021, aside the IHF, the project also promotes water, sanitation and hygiene practices as well as early childhood development activities.
Minister calls on political parties to create enabling environment
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, August 14, Mana: Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza has urged political party secretary generals to ensure that female aspiring councilors and parliamentarians are provided with timely and right information in pursuance of their political careers.
Sendeza said this on Tuesday during the 2024 - 2030 National Strategy on Political Empowerment of Women launch in Dedza district.
The document succeeds the 2019 - 2023 strategy which failed to address the issue of political parties sidelining and underutilizing the potential of women in their parties, contributing to the low participation of women in politics.
The minister said while other players such as government and the Civil Society promote women in attaining political positions, political parties take a contrary approach.
She cited an example where a woman aspirant would be directed to a wrong venue for primary elections to ensure that she does not participate in the contest.
Delegation of the European Union to Malawi Team Leader for Social Sectors and Infrastructure Section, Michele Crimera said the European Union has a broader programme supporting the democratic process in Malawi.
“The launch today is part of a programme called Boma Lathu which has broader components that include supporting Civil Society to improve the participation of women and marginalized groups. There is also support for Civic education through the National Initiative for Civic Education and Ministry of Local Government,” he said.
Oxfam Malawi Country Director, Lingalireni Mihowa said the organization with other stakeholders invested in information gathering on what needed to be done differently to get women viable as candidates, aspirants and voters.
“The strategy gives a clue as to what is our narrative as we campaign for women and address political parties. Our database indicates that there are 400 women that are vying for parliamentary seat and also there are hundreds women vying for position of councilor,” she said.
The strategy’s specific goals are to promote successful participation of women in Presidential and Vice President elections and increase the proportion of women in Parliament and Local Government Elections to at least 35 percent in 2025 and 50 percent in 2030 Malawi General Elections.
Woman dies in Dedza road accident
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, August 14, Mana: A woman has died while seven other people have sustained injuries following a collision of four cars near Linthipe in Dedza District.
Dedza Police Station Publicist, Beatrice Jefita said the accident happened on Tuesday and identified the deceased as Thoko Chambwinga, 23, from Chanthunya village in Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka district.
Jefita said the accident occurred after a driver of a motor vehicle registration number MH 6983 Nissan UD, driving from Dedza Roadblock direction to Lilongwe, lost control of his motor vehicle due to over-speeding.
“Upon arrival at Pinji village near Linthipe 3, he lost control of his motor vehicle due to speeding, as a result, he hit the front motor vehicle registration number BZ 11647 Nissan Extrail and it went further and hit other two motor vehicles,” she said.
Dedza District Hospital Publicist, Mwayi Liabunya, said the deceased was pronounced dead upon arrival at the facility.
He said five of the injured passengers are receiving treatment while two were treated as outpatients.
Kasungu households receive relief maize
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, August 14, Mana: Kasungu based non-governmental organization, K2 Tigwiranemanja Aids Support Organization (K2 TASO) on Tuesday distributed maize and soybean to 210 families affected by hunger at Kapyanga in Traditional Authority Wimbe in the district.
Director for the organization Peter Minjale said people of Kapyanga have been heavily affected by hunger owing to erratic rainfall pattern experienced in the 2023/24 growing season.
"We are an organization that promotes livelihood security in communities ensuring that people have access to clean water, good nutrition, income, education and a general good environment.
"This nutritional support we have provided today is part of our wide range of social support that we provide to communities especially to vulnerable families," Minjale said.
He said the organization has so far secured about K50 million from Bridges To Malawi, a charity organization based in the United States of America, which will be used to purchase relief items for vulnerable families.
People living with HIV/Aids, the elderly, persons with disabilities, community based child care centres, care givers and groups involved in land conservation activities were some of the recipients of the 5.3 tonnes consignment valued at K7 million with each household receiving 25 kilogrammes.
Group Village Headman Kapyanga said his area is one of the most hit by hunger pointing out that most families have been without food since April.
"We have had a very bad rainfall season, one of the shortest in many years. Fields dried up before the crops were ready for harvesting, a development that left many of us without food.
"Rivers are dry such that we are not doing any irrigation farming meaning that we will remain without food until the next harvest in March or April," Kapyanga said.
While thanking K2 TASO for the donation, the traditional leader asked government to come in quickly with more relief maize in the area.
Kasungu is one of the 23 districts which President Lazarus Chakwera declared a state of disaster in March this year following the devastating effects of El Nino weather phenomenon which affected about 750 000 hectares of maize representing 44.3 per cent of crop area countrywide.
With an estimated two million farming households affected, at least 600 000 metric tonnes are required to plug food deficits this year.
President Chakwera arrives in Maputo, Mozambique
By Fostina Mkandawire
Maputo, August 14, Mana: President Lazarus Chakwera has arrived in Maputo, Republic of Mozambique where he is expected to hold bilateral talks and sign a Memorandum of Understanding to foster economic activities between the two countries.
President Chakwera landed on Wednesday at exactly 9AM, through Maputo International Airport and was welcomed by Mozambican Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Hermenigildo Caitano, Malawi High Commissioner to the Republic of Mozambique Wezi Moyo and High Commissioner of Mozambique to Malawi Alexander Manjati and other top Government officials.
The President who is in the company of First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera, was later accompanied to Polana Serene Hotel, before proceeding to the Office of the President of Mozambique where Presidential and Ministerial bilateral talks were held.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency earlier, in Maputo Mozambique, Moyo underscored the importance of the President's Official trip for the people of the two countries.
She said while in Mozambique, President Dr. Chakwera will hold several critical engagements aimed at fostering trade such as an improvement in movement of people and goods which will boost import and export activities.
"President Chakwera together with his counterpart, Filipe Nyusi, will hold bilateral talks and sign Memorandum Of Understandings (MOU) on several areas of cooperation," she said.
The High Commissioner said among important aspects of the MOU, will be strengthening the interconnection of the 41 megawatts of power that was commenced in 2022 between the two countries and also transportation of petroleum products will be formalized.
As one way of recognizing President Chakwera's efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, Joaquim Chissano University will confer an Honorary Doctorate Degree in international Relations and Leadership.
In 2022, President Chakwera facilitated the signing of MOU's between the Agency of Promotion and Investments and Appiex IP of Mozambique and the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre as well as the Mozambique Cereals Institute ICM and the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC).
Therefore, the renewed ties will among other things enable trade, the establishment of the Mozambique Malawi electricity interconnection deal, refurbishment of the Nacala railway line, as well as free movement of people between the two countries.
Chakwera says bilateral relations with Mozambique critical for development
By Sarah Munthali
Lilongwe, August 14, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has said strengthening bilateral relations with Mozambique is critical in enhancing development between the two countries.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday at Kamuzu International Airport before his departure for Maputo, Mozambique for a two day official visit.
Chakwera said at the invitation of his Mozambican counterpart, President Fillipe Nyusi, the two will discuss how the two governments can cement existing bilateral relations in critical areas of human and economic development such as trade and investment.
"This week the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) will also hold a Heads of State Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe. The two events, demonstrate that we are part of the region and we have excellent ties with our neighbours," he stated.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is expected that the two governments of Malawi and Mozambique will also sign agreements in several areas of joint permanent cooperation.
After the Mozambique visit, President Chakwera will proceed to Harare, Zimbabwe where he will attend the 44th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government to be held on August 17, 2024.
BCC set to establish modern amusement parks
By Arnold Namanja
Blantyre, August 13, Mana: Blantyre City Council (BCC) will soon establish modern amusement parks and recreation centres within the central business district following a successful public private partnership agreement signed between the council and Jura Adventures.
The Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC) negotiated the K4 billion contract on behalf of BCC to have Jura Adventures develop two existing parks into modern amusement centres at Rangely along the Victoria Avenue and at the Catholic Institute popularly known as CI.
Among other amenities, the parks would have such facilities like restaurants, swimming pool, a music studio and other child friendly attractions in its pursuit to be an entertainment as well as an edutainment centre.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on the sidelines of the contract agreement ceremony in Blantyre on Monday, PPPC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Patrick Kabambe said he partnership between BCC and Jura Adventures was a manifestation of the influence of public-private collaboration in driving economic growth.
He emphasized that public-private agreements have the potential to bring huge economic benefits to both parties in the partnership as well as to beneficiary city residents.
He said the commission has the duty to facilitate and negotiate for viable and meaningful partnerships between public-private sector in Malawi to ensure transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
“This partnership is a great milestone for the commission as it would help BCC to develop economically by contributing to infrastructure development of the commercial city of Blantyre.
“When delivered, the parks will not only improve the social profile of the city but also offer international tourism experience to residents and visitors to the city,” the CEO added.
CEO for BCC, Denis Chinseu said the council was looking forward to realizing urbanization in alignment with the Malawi 2063 Agenda to have modern infrastructure, which corresponds to the agriculture, tourism and mining aspiration strategy.
“The parks will be tailor-made to take on board the expectations and demands of families and children in particular seeking luxury and leisure in a profitable manner. Blantyre is the easiest way to connect to other countries in the region like Mozambique, so we expect a huge traffic of tourists when this is completed.
“The facilities will have the potential to change the mindset of Malawians through its wide range of mental, physical and social activities that will be on offer once completed and open to the public,” Chinseu said.
The BCC chief said the recreation parks would also complement the green and beauty aspiration of the city council. He said the facilities would also lead to increased revenue generation through user fees and other paying services at the centre.
He, therefore, disclosed that the procurement process of the contract was very transparent which followed all public procurement and disposal of assets procedures with Jura Adventures, a local company winning the bid.
On his part, Board Chairperson of Jura Adventures, Charles Zimba, the company tasked to do the project, concurred with Chinseu, saying the procurement process of the contract was very transparent and rigorous, disclosing that it dates back to 2013 when initial negotiations were initiated.
Charles Zimba pledged to deliver a good quality facility, which would stand the taste of time; saying: “We will not disappoint; we are very family friendly in our approach to service delivery.”
He said the unit would provide family entertainment and edutainment so that children don’t only play but have some education programmes which would enhance their social skills and develop mentally.
Zimba added that the facilities would also contribute to the tourism sector in Malawi by attracting local and international tourists, noting that the project would, on one hand, create wealth and jobs in the course of its construction.
The construction of the facilities expected to begin in the next two months will be done in a period of 12 months before being delivered to the client (BCC).
