MANAonline
Police women network cheers patients
By Lyte Ali
Mangochi, August 11, Mana: Mangochi Police Women Network Friday donated assorted food and non-food items to patients in the Tuberculosis(TB), Nutrition and Pediatric ward at Mangochi District Hospital in a bid to ease the burden patients admitted to hospitals face.
The food and non-food items included 2 Kilogrammes (Kgs) of maize flour packets, tablets of soap, 2Kgs of packets of sugar, rice, cooking, soya pieces and peanut worthy K400, 000.
Speaking after handing over the items to hospital authorities, Chairperson for the Network, Inspector, Susan Musongole said the women decided to cheer the patients to demonstrate Police women’s responsibility over people in need.
“We have reached out to 20 patients with items such as maize flour, soya, rice, sugar and cooking oil among others,” she narrated.
Musongole observed that most people think that Police officers on duty are only to do with providing security and arresting criminals.
“We are doing this to show people that although we are law enforcers but as human beings we also feel sorry when someone is sick that it is our duty to cheer patients at the hospital so that they know that they are not alone,” she added.
The Network Chairperson urged other well-wishers to do the same, saying that the donation would only last few months hence the need for collective efforts people in need of support.
In-charge for Nutrition and Psychiatric Ward at the hospital, Nurse Midwife, Florence Chidyaonga said the donation was timely, adding that the food and non-food items would assist the patients to meet their daily needs.
She commended the Police women network for reaching out to the patients with the items saying the hospital only provide food to patients twice a day other than four times a day
“The hospital struggles to provide balanced meals to patients, For example, patients only receive two meals a day which is not a balanced diet especially for those taking medication that need speech diet. Due to constraints, the hospital is unable to meet their nutritional needs,” Chidyaonga said.
She appealed to all well-wishers, organization and individuals to emulate what the Police women have done citing that any assistance would make the patients recover faster.
Mangochi Police Women Network was established in 2014 with an aim to promoting women's empowerment and gender equality within the Malawi Police Service.
In addition to their primary goal, the Network has made a significant impact through various charitable initiatives, organizing activities and events as a team to support the community.
Two fishermen missing in Lake Malawi
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, August 11, Mana: Two of three fishers missing on Thursday after they were swept away by strong water currents whilst fishing in Lake Malawi in Likoma District.
Assistant Public Relations Officer for Likoma Police, Chisomo Thomson said the missing fishers, Patrick Chilachila and Emmanuel Kapanga both of Chamba Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Mkumpha in the district.
He disclosed that the trio went fishing on Wednesday and after casting their nets, they started they journey back to Likoma, engine of their boat developed a fault and the water currents forced them to seek refuge at Chizumulu Island.
Thomson said after fixing the problem, they went back for their nets but found them completely damaged by the strong water currents hence started heading back to Likoma.
" The engine failed again and as they were trying to fix it Chilachila lost balance and fell into the water, his brother-in-law Kapanga tried to rescue him but he fell in and both were swept away by strong waves. Yamikani Sitenilamu, 24 tried to call for help but no one came to their rescue," he said.
Thomson said the matter was reported at Likoma Police where a search party which included Police and other stakeholders was instituted to help in searching for those missing and currently the searching exercise is still underway.
Meanwhile, Police in the district are appealing to the fishermen to pay attention to weather forecast and refrain from going into the waters against the warning by the Department of Meteorology Services.
Over 1,000 households to benefit from CDF
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, August 11, Mana: Over 1000 households in Nkhata Bay South East Constituency are expected to have access to potable water once Constituency Development Fund (CDF) sponsored Chaulandi Water Supply Project is completed.
The K27 million worth project will supply piped water to Chaulandi Primary School and surrounding communities.
In an interview on Saturday, after launching the project at Chikhumbi Village, Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency, Noah Chimpeni said the project was a response to communities’ request to have access to potable water.
"Community members mobilized themselves and demanded piped water which is safe for consumption so that they are not at risk of water borne diseases such as Cholera,” he said.
Acting Director of Public Works for Nkhata Bay District Council, George Gopani said the project was crucial as it would improve access to safe and clean water to people as aligned in Sustainable Development Goal number six.
"Apart from connecting piped water to the school, there will be a communal water point at every kilometer so that the project benefits a wider audience for improved public health in the district," he said,’
Gopani pledged that the Council would ensure that the project was completed within stipulated timeframe of 40 days.
A community member, Rhoda Chirwa, 60 from Group Village Head Chikhumbi applauded government through the legislature for the project.
"We are happy with this project because it is the solution to our health and water related problems," she added.
New boreholes excite communities in Ntchisi
By Moses Nyirenda
Ntchisi, August 11, Mana: Community members from the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Nthondo and Sub Traditional Authority M’ndinda in Ntchisi district have expressed their excitement with the installation of new boreholes in their communities by WaterAid Malawi.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Saturday Village Head Chimanda one, under Sub-Traditional Authority M’ndinda said for a long time in his village they have been drinking unsafe water and now they are happy with the installation of the borehole in their village.
“Many years have passed since we have been drinking unclean water from the wells where we were drinking together with animals and during rainy season we were being hit by cholera and other waterborne diseases.
“But now with the coming of the borehole in our community everyone is excited as we will now have easy access to potable water,” Village Head Chimanda one said.
He disclosed that about 100 families from his village are expected to benefit from the borehole that has been installed in his village and he thanked WaterAid Malawi for the installation of the borehole.
One of the women from Kawiya village in the area of TA Nthondo, Rose Levison also applauded the installation of the borehole in her village saying that for over a decade they have been facing challenges in accessing potable water.
“For over 15 years we have been drinking bad water and because of this we were facing many problems including diseases like diarrhea and we were going frequently to the hospital for treatment.
“Now with the coming of the borehole we will no longer be facing the problems that we have been facing and as women from Kawiya village we are happy for the development that has come in our village,” she said.
She further appreciated WaterAid Malawi for the installation of the borehole in her village and she appealed to the organization to extend its support to other communities in Ntchisi district that have no access to potable water.
In his comment, WaterAid Malawi Programme Officer, Laston Zungu said that his organization remains committed to improving Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions in the country.
“As WaterAid we are committed to improving the WASH situations in the country especially in healthcare facilities, communities, institutions and many other places,” Zungu said.
He also said that the installation of the boreholes in Ntchisi is part of fulfilling their commitment as an organization in improving WASH interventions in the communities through provision of potable water access.
Currently WaterAid Malawi has drilled six boreholes in six communities in Ntchisi district, which include; Chipondo, Kawiya and Chimanda village with funding from Giorgio Arman.
Mkonda terminates contract with Wanderers
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, August 10, Mana: Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC midfielder, Francis Mkonda has terminated his contract with the club after reaching a mutual agreement.
The midfielder has spent five years with the Lali Lubani Road outfit and his contract was due to expire in 2025.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Mkonda confirmed about his separation with the Blantyre giants. saying the two parties agreed to mutually end their relationship.
“I have decided to terminate the contract because of personal reasons,” he said.
The former Masters Security FC player explained that he is assessing his options before making a decision of moving to another team.
“Several teams have approached me but I need time to make a decision about my future in football,” he added.
Mkonda, therefore, appreciated the team’s management, his team mates and supporters for the love showed to him throughout his stay at the club.
“Thanks to my fellow players, technical staff, management as well as special thank you should go to supporters because without them I could have not reached this far,” Mkonda said.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC announced about the departure of the player through a club statement released on Friday, August 9.
“Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC announced the termination of contract with its midfielder, Francis Mkonda. This decision has been arrived at after lengthy discussions and mutual consent, highlighting a shared understanding between the club and the player,” part of the statement read.
Mkonda has been instrumental in the team’s success in previous years but he struggled to find game time this season with the coach opting for other players on his position.
The versatile midfielder made a name in 2018 when he captained Masters Security FC to their Carlsberg Cup victory defeating Wanderers in the final and after having a successful tournament, he was voted the discovery of the season courting the Nomads to sign him the following season.
My-Hub donates bins to Council
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, August 11, Mana: A local youth- led organization Mayoka Youth Hub (My- Hub) which is based in Nkhata Bay Friday, through its ‘No waste in Nkhata Bay’ initiative donated 10 waste collecting bins worth K1.3 million to Nkhata Bay District Council.
The donation was made during a joint clean up exercise by Nkhata Bay District Council, Go-Green and My-Hub at Nkhata Bay Market.
Project Manager for My-Hub, Innocent Phiri said the donation aims at promoting sanitation and hygiene in the Council’s markets so that businesses are conducted in clean environment.
" We thought of making the donation to complement the council’s efforts in enhancing proper waste management so that we prevent outbreak of diseases such as cholera which the country faced last year and Nkhata Bay was greatly affected," he said.
Principal Administration Officer for Nkhata Bay District Council, Moses Jere commended the organization for donating to the Council.
" We are grateful for the support. This will help sustain our efforts in making Nkhata Bay a clean district and we promise to take care of them," he said.
Jere appealed to other organization and individuals to emulate the organization’s gesture by assist various structure in promoting hygiene and sanitation across the district.
Chairperson for Nkhata Bay Market, Patrick Longwe said the donation was timely as the market has few bin and urged all vendors to make good use of them in the strategic places where the bins would be placed.
Communities worried with increased school dropout rate in estates
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, August 10, Mana: People in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Mpherembe in Mzimba North have expressed concern over increased cases of school dropout amongst children whose parents own or work in estates.
The concern was raised by Chairperson for Mpherembe Area Development Committee, Edison Mwira during commemoration of Day of African Child at Mpherembe Community Day Secondary School.
Mwira said most children whose parents work in estates abscond from school and completely dropout especially during farming seasons.
"It is sad that I stand here to request government and stakeholders to help us resolve this challenge. We cannot achieve education for all in such a situation.
“As a committee, we have embarked on sensitization campaigns on importance of children to remain in school however there is still a lot that needs to be done because parents who work in estates are migrant in nature, hence affecting their children’s education," said Mwira.
Director for Education and Sports Services for Mzimba North, Mercy Mayuni said that her office has also noted that most learners in estates do not sit for examinations especially when examination coincide with harvesting period.
"We have since started working with structures such as school management committees, mother groups, area and village development committees in sensitizing communities against perpetrating the vice," said Mayuni.
District Social Welfare Officer for Mzimba North, Hellen Simwaka warned that hindering children from going to school is a violation of the children’s rights and is an offense.
"Let me remind everyone that making children to work in the farms is against the law and we are not going to sit down and allow the malpractice continue, every child has a right to education regardless of their social status and wherever they live," Simwaka said.
The day was commemorated under the theme ’Education for all children in Africa: The time is now".
Minority groups challenged to take lead in development
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, August 10, Mana: Senior Chief Chimombo of Nsanje district has challenged women and persons with disabilities to take a leading role in development as one way of enhancing socio-economic development in the country.
Chimombo was speaking during a training for Area Development Committee (ADC) members in Nsanje, aimed at mobilizing communities to give support to women and people with disabilities to assume key positions in development.
The senior chief said most women and persons with disabilities don’t take part in development due to lack of opportunities.
“Most women and people with disabilities are capable of contributing to socio-economic development of the country, but communities do not give them a chance to showcase their capabilities,” said the chief.
He therefore, called upon people in the country to trust women and people with disabilities to take positions in politics as the country is fast approaching to the September 2025 general elections.
“I am glad that Women Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC) has come to encourage communities to put their trust in minority groups. This training is an eye opener to the chiefs and the communities especially on the importance of ushering minority groups in key political positions.
“As a traditional leader, I would like to encourage the communities to give a chance to women and people with disabilities in the coming elections,” he added.
Chairperson for Nsanje District Council, Mike Kafalachi said for a long time, women and people with disabilities have been victimised in developmental initiatives.
“We are very delighted with this initiative as it will help communities to change their mindset towards women and people with disabilities on their contribution in development,” Kafalachi added.
One of the participants, Juliet Mzava from Makoko ADC, said the training has been an eye opener as women and people with disabilities are treated as incapable in communities.
“Some people have interest to take lead in development but they end up looking down upon themselves because of their gender or disability. We will go and enlighten the communities to trust women and people with disabilities with key positions in development structures,” she added.
Mzava, therefore, hailed WORLEC for drumming up support for women and people with disabilities.
Nsanje District Community Development Officer, Hope Mazuma said the meeting will help the ADC members to work professionally without infringing on minority groups.
Mazuma, therefore, hailed WOLREC for the support.
WOLREC with support from the European Union is working in seven districts in Malawi, addressing critical gaps in leadership exposure and preparation for political participation through provision of access to decision-making structures, such as ADCs by ensuring that women, the youth and persons with disabilities can actively participate in politics and governance.
VP meets Malawi community in Rwanda
By Roy Nkosi in Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali, August 11, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi has encouraged Malawians in the diaspora to prioritize investing in Malawi and not the countries they are currently based.
Usi told the Malawian community in Kigali, Rwanda that it is the responsibility of Malawians to develop their own country instead of just criticizing on what they deem is not right.
“You should be ambassadors for your country, speak positive of your country, make positive contribution and capitalize on the opportunities to develop the country.
“We need to utilize the expertise in the diaspora community that is back home to make improvement of different sectors in the economy. Your experiences here can help us formulate a blueprint to add value to Malawi’s development agenda,” he said.
The Vice President highlighted as an example the cleanliness of the city of Kigali as one thing Malawi can emulate.
He said Mayor of Lilongwe, Ester Sagawa is part of the delegation so that the Malawi capital learn a thing or two on how things are done in Kigali.
The Vice President also encouraged the Malawian community to form communication channels through which to advise the government on expertise as well as investment opportunities in Malawi.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Chairperson of the Malawian community, Atupele Zamba described the meeting as a success especially on how the diaspora community can work positively with the government.
Deputy Chief Secretary, Dr. Janet Banda, and Malawi’s Deputy High Commissioner to Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi Deborah Mitawa and Mayor of Lilongwe Ester Sagawa were some of the officials that joined the Vice President during the meeting.
Thyolo District Council launches construction of health post and bridge
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, August 10, Mana: Local leaders in Thyolo have called on their subjects to maintain dignity and integrity throughout construction of Chilengo Health Post and Limbe Bridge in Traditional Authorities Mphuka and Bvumbwe respectively observing that women and girls are mostly subjected to sexual exploitation by construction workers for labour opportunity and other favours.
Councilor Somanje Sayenda of Dzimbiri Ward made the call this week at the launch of construction of Chilengo Health Center at Traditional Authority Mphuka’s area where he expressed worry over tendencies by construction workers that engage in sex with women in the course of construction work.
He therefore cautioned women against being turned into sex objects and further urged them to stand their ground, never to give in to transactional sex in exchange of favours at the expense of their integrity and status in the society.
“Women should guard their dignity at all costs," Sayenda urged women emphasizing the need for self-respect and caution during project implantation period.
Thyolo District Council launched construction of Limbe Bridge at Traditional Authority Bvumbwe where Councilor, Idrissa Gausi of Makungwa Ward, echoed the call for responsible behavior, calling on his people to avoid stealing construction materials.
The ward councilor said success of the bridge project will depend on the integrity of the community in embracing ownership spirit of the project.
“For the contractor to do a quality job, we must resist the temptation to steal construction materials," he said and appealed to the contractor to priorities hiring people from surrounding villages to ensure community members benefit directly from the project to sustain their livelihood.
Group Village Head Kadzuwa under Traditional Authority Bvumbwe said anyone caught stealing building materials or vandalizing the bridge after completion will be brought before his tribunal and will face serious consequences.
He reminded community members that for 45 years the area did not have a bridge, saying the construction of the bridge finally came and it was the responsibility of the communities to ensure successful completion of the project for their own good.
“We will deal with anyone trying to steal project materials or vandalize the bridge materials once it is completed in October this year,” said Group Village head Kadzuwa.
Group Village Head Mkwata under Senior Chief Mphuka also appealed to the people to report to the local leaders and other relevant authorities if they see any suspicious activities relating to theft as well as selling of building materials meant for the health facility project.
Thyolo District Council is constructing the health post and bridge courtesy of the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) Project with funding from the World Bank.
GESD projects are being implemented by all qualifying local authorities through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC)
