MANAonline
Malawi needs USD1.4 billion to recover from effects of disasters
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, May 6, Mana: Director of Disaster Preparedness and Response in the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA), Reverend Moses Owen Chimphepo, says the country needs around $1.4 billion to recover from damages caused by disasters in the past four years.
He was speaking on Monday at Chikho Hotel in Mponela during the opening of a two-day Capacity Building training on Disaster Risk Management Communication which targeted journalists from various media houses.
He said the country's vulnerability to hazards has been worsening due to population growth, urbanization and environmental degradation, which has impacted various sectors like food, energy, health, water, infrastructure and others.
"As a country, over the years we have been experiencing frequent disasters, and cumulatively we have a loss of property of around $921 billion. But for us to recover and replace the losses, we need $1.4 billion. That is the situation we are in.
"For example you have seen how the road infrastructure has been damaged but we have not managed to recover because as we try to replace those infrastructure, another disaster comes and damages again. That is why accumulatively there are such huge numbers," he said.
He however said much as it will take time to fully recover, government in conjunction with development partners is replacing lost infrastructure like bridges, roads and school blocks.
He however said there is need to build a country that is resilient to disasters.
"This is where this training comes in because you are crucial in every step of disaster risk management cycle, from preparedness, response and recovery.
"You are our partner in raising awareness on potential disasters and what precautionary measures to take, helping the department know what is happening and affecting a community. But also helping raising the need on building resilient communities and nation," said Chimphepo.
One of the participants Chancy Namadzunda of The Atlas Malawi said the training was an eye opener.
"There are a lot of things we have learnt like our role in raising awareness on potential disasters, effective reporting during disasters, and also spreading important precautionary information like need for relocation from disaster prone areas.
"Also overview and legal frameworks in Disaster Risk Management in Malawi, and functions and responsibilities of various government agencies and other partners," said Namadzunda.
The training was sponsored by Concern Worldwide.
Linga Dam communities engaged in proactive emergency preparedness
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, May 6, Mana: Nkhata Bay District Council on Monday engaged communities surrounding Linga Dam in the district on emergency preparedness in the event that the dam breaches or overflows.
Senior Irrigation Officer for Nkhata Bay District Council, Stewart Chauluka, described the engagement as important saying some villages are prone to floods if the dam ruptures.
According to Chauluka, the council aimed at educating communities on identifying potential threats, such as cracks and water overflow and on life saving measures in emergencies.
"This dam holds about 15 million cubic metres of water which is a huge volume and a breach could lead to significant damage. That's why we've taken steps to prepare these communities,” said Chauluka.
Village Head Chakunda commended the Council for the initiative which, she said, will provide valuable tips on what to do in case of danger hence reducing potential damages.
"We're grateful for these safety drills. Considering the dam’s capacity, a breach could be catastrophic. I, therefore, urge people to abide by these drills to mitigate risks which emanate from the dam," said Chakunda.
Disaster Risk Management Officer for Nkhata Bay District Council, Rachael Kamanga, said the council will continue engaging stakeholders to enhance disaster preparedness and response in the district.
Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Raphael Mkisi, advised communities to protect the environment and avoid activities that could lead to dam siltation and reduced rainfall.
The dam was constructed under the Agriculture Infrastructure and Youth in Agribusiness Project (AIYAP) with the goal of increasing agricultural productivity and income for households in the project area through irrigation.
Mining industry a key to the country’s development - Usi
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, May 6, Mana: Vice President Dr Michael Usi says mining is the golden key that will unlock double-digit economic growth for Malawi come 2030.
Speaking during the official launch of the mining delivery lab at Bingu International Convection Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Usi emphasized that mining alone has the power to lift Malawi into the middle-income bracket inline with President Chakwera’s vision.
He eemphasized on the need for stakeholders to work together to utilise the availability of minerals in the country.
“I urge everyone to participate fully by bringing the best ideas because Malawi needs everyone now more than ever to ignite our economy and give our people the hope they deserve.
“Let us make mining the engine that powers our rise. Let us move with unity, with urgency, and with transparency. And above all, let us deliver—because our people are watching, and they are counting on us,” explained Usi.
Minister of Mining, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, explained that mining is a game changer to economic development as it plays a crucial role in various sectors of the government.
He said mining holds enormous potential as the sector is a game changer for Malawi’s economy, which can contribute 30 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the current one percent within the next two years.
“It is, therefore, a must to involve the strategic and meaningful participation of our youth and women in this robust mining sector where we anticipate serious job creation and the attraction of genuine investors who will make our economy move from the usual growth and sustainable economy to a robust money economy repositioning Malawi from a subsistence economy to a vibrant, industrialised, and middle income economy,” he explained.
British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fiona Ritchie, reaffirmed British commitment to supporting the mining industry in the country saying it is key in development.
“The future of energy across the world is free and we are interested in green energy solutions which means that securing of global supply of critical minerals that are available in Malawi.
“United Kingdom cares about Malawi’s future in economic growth, prosperity and development through mining,” she explained.
Kasungu farmers hail K96 million irrigation equipment
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, May 6, Mana: Chairperson for Khamalathu Micro-irrigation Scheme in Traditional Authority Santhe in Kasungu District says the K96 million irrigation equipment received from the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) will help to avert hunger that threatens hundreds of households in the area.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Laston Mwale said changing climatic patterns have resulted in poor rains such that many households in the area have failed to harvest enough produce.
“This is why we thank government through NEEF for giving us a loan in form of irrigation equipment and inputs so that we get down to work this winter.
“We have a lot of water in the Bua River and alluvial soils on its beds but the challenge has been that we had no means to pump the water up to our gardens,” he said.
Mwale said the equipment will enable the 56-member group to cultivate the entire 46-hectare land along the Bua stretch in Group Village Head Chimbalame and produce at least 150, 000 metric tonnes of maize in the initial year.
Last week, NEEF handed over two pumps and 1,720-watt solar panels to the group in a loan package that also includes fertiliser, seed and chemicals.
Chief Executive Officer for NEEF, Humphrey Mdyetseni said crops to be produced under irrigation can help plug the 1 million ton food deficit the country is facing this year.
“Due to the insufficient production under the rain-fed season, government has commissioned a number of irrigation programmes and NEEF is one of those entities orchestrating the initiatives.
“We are targeting 200, 000 farmers in the eight months before the end of the year and with each cultivating a minimum of one acre, we can hit between 500 000 at worst to 1 million tons which resonates well with the gap that we have in the country,” Mdyetseni said.
He said the fund has already reached out to 500 farmers with micro-irrigation support, spending at least K300 million.
“To reach 200, 000 farmers, we will have to spend between K70 billion to K100 billion in loans. But that’s the most effective way of utilising our famers or they will remain idle until the next rains,” he said.
Senior Chief Santhe expressed gratitude to government saying she will ensure the equipment is put to good use and achieve food security for the communities.
Coffee farmers receive customary land certificates in Rumphi
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, May 5, Mana: On Monday, 1,228 coffee farmers from Phoka in Rumphi were issued customary land certificates to safeguard permanent ownership of their land.
According to District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu said the certificates will not only ensure legal ownership of the land but will also reduce land disputes in the area.
"The certificates will also be catalysts to enhancing sanity and peace in land administration in this area which experiences a lot of land wrangles,” said Bulukutu.
He added that land inheritance will also be easier as the certificates are legally binding, hence will be easily passed on from one generation to the next.
“This initiative additionally empowers people to invest in agricultural commercialization and industrialization to manage their land for agriculture productivity,” he said.
Deputy Director for Quality Assurance in the Ministry of Lands, Ruth Banda said that she was pleased to see women owning land legally in patrilineal systems across the country including Rumphi District.
One of the recipients of the certificates, Patricia Mwembe of Fwira Village under Senior Traditional Authority Kachulu said she was happy to own a piece of land legally.
"No one including my brother can take away this land from me," said Mwembe.
Kachulu said the certificates will act as evidence of land ownership hence reducing land ownership disputes in his area.
MEC Chair urges chiefs, religious leaders to promote peace ahead elections
By Bazilio Chingoli
Ntcheu, May 6, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, has appealed to traditional and religious leaders to be ambassadors of peace and unity as the country prepares for the September 16 general elections.
Mtalimanja made the call on Monday during a voter verification sensitization meeting with traditional and religious leaders in the area of Senior Chief Champiti in Ntcheu District.
The MEC Chair urged the leaders to encourage their subjects to verify their voter registration particulars when the voter verification and inspection exercise begins.
Mtalimanja also promoted the use of an SMS platform for voter verification, which can be accessed by dialing *2509# and entering the voter registration number starting with "G" or the National Identification number.
She emphasized the importance of promoting peace and stability in the country to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.
Senior Chief Champiti pledged his commitment to promoting peace and unity in his area, describing the call as timely.
"We plan to engage with all shadow MPs and Ward Councilors contesting in our area to advise them to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid provocation," he said.
The voter verification and inspection exercise in Ntcheu will take place from May 21 to 23, while the SMS platform will be available from May 5 to September 16.
Justice Water brings relief to William Village with new borehole
By Catherine Chikopa
Thyolo, May 2, Mana: A long-standing water crisis in William Village, Thyolo, has finally been addressed, thanks to Justice Water, a charitable organization working through Youth With A Mission (YWAM) which has drilled a borehole in the village.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony on Monday, Project Manager Robert Dogo, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to improving lives through clean water access.
“Clean water makes a huge difference. Children who drink safe water are less likely to suffer from waterborne diseases like diarrhea, which means they can focus on their education. Illness disrupts learning," said Dogo.
He further said that water scarcity also has social implications on women as they walk long distance looking for water.
“When women spend the entire day looking for water, it creates tension and frustration at home. It puts strain on relationships,” he added.
He also said that community engagement is important noting that Justice Water works closely with churches and traditional leaders to build local support before implementing any project.
Representing Group Village Head William 2, Sub-Group Village Head Chidamtere expressed gratitude to Justice Water, noting that the borehole came at a critical time.
“My people were suffering, walking long distances just to fetch water. This development is a major transformation for our village,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Beatrice Kazombe, shared how the new water source has improved their daily lives.
“We used to wake up at 2 a.m. almost every day to search for water. Now, we can focus on our businesses, knowing there’s water at home. Our families will be more united. Before this borehole, our husbands didn’t trust us because we would spend the whole day looking for water,” she said.
Justice Water operates in Malawi, Togo, and Cambodia, targeting remote and underserved communities. In addition to drilling boreholes, the organization trains families and village leaders on water system management to ensure sustainability.
So far, it has drilled 22 boreholes across Thyolo, including in villages such as Juma, Tayali, Namalu, and William.
DIO Martin Chiwanda laid to rest
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, May 5, Mana: Martin Chiwanda, who until his death was District lnformation Officer for Machinga has been laid to rest at Karonga Village, Traditional Authority Ntonda in Mangochi on Monday, April 5, 2025.
Chiwanda who also served as Public Relations Officer for Machinga District Council died on Friday, April 2, at Machinga District Hospital where he was admitted on April 1, for pnumonia.
Speaking during the funeral ceremony, Deputy Director of Information, Lisa Malango described Chiwanda’s passing as a loss to the ministry, saying he will be remembered for his hard working spirit.
According to Malango, late Chiwanda was dedicated to duties, saying the ministry will greatly miss his contributions.
“It is very heart-breaking that our friend and workmate who was selfless and dedicated to his job has departed from us,” said Malango.
A representative of Machinga District Council, Shepherd Jere expressed sadness over the death of Chiwanda, saying that the council has lost a person who had passion to transform the district.
“The council is saddened with the death of our brother, Martin Chiwanda. He was available anytime the council wanted him,” he added.
Lucius Msosa who spoke on behalf of the deceased family said the family was shocked with the death, saying that Martin was a strong family pillar that stood for everyone.
“The family has lost a pillar and we are going to miss him. He taught us a lot and for that we are thankful to him. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.
People from Mangochi, Machinga, Nsanje, Lilongwe and other parts of the country gathered at his home village to pay their last respect among them included officials from the Ministry of lnformation, journalists from various media organisations and Association of Catholic Journalists.
Senior Chief Chamba of Machinga and Traditional Authority Ntonda of Mangochi also paid their last respect to Chiwanda at Karonga Village saying his death has left a gap.
Chiwanda, who was born on March 3, 1981, joined Ministry of Information and Digitalization on April 18, 2012 and served as District lnformation Officer in Nsanje and Machinga.
He is survived by a wife and two children.
Former Director of Information Passes Away
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, May 5, Mana: Chikumbutso Mtumodzi, former Director at the Department of Information, has passed away after a short illness at Partners in Hope Hospital in Lilongwe.
The news was confirmed on Wednesday by the Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu.
Kunkuyu said he received the news of Mtumodzi’s passing earlier in the day, adding that further details will be shared in due course.
“Mtumodzi will be remembered as a hardworking and patriotic son of Malawi who dedicated his life to serving the country,” Kunkuyu said.
Family representative, Leria Mseka Likongwe, stated that the funeral program will be released following consultations with family members.
At the time of his passing, Mtumodzi was serving as Principal Secretary in the Department of Procurement and Supply Chain Services at Government Stores.
He previously served as Director of Information from 2020 to 2023, before transitioning to his most recent role.
Mtukula Pakhomo gives hope to beneficiaries
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, 5 May, Mana: Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP), commonly known as Mtukula Pakhomo beneficiaries in Lilongwe District have applauded government for introducing the safety net initiative that has assisted them to improve their livelihood.
Lydia Phiri an old woman from Malembo village in the area of Sub-Traditional Authority Malembo, said the wages she receives from the programme has assisted her to pay school fees for her children and find basic needs for the family.
She was speaking on Monday during a supervision exercise of E-payment which was organized by the council aimed at appreciating the achievements and the challenges the beneficiaries are encountering with the new system of receiving their payment.
“I don’t receive much, but I manage to pay school fees for my children, I used to struggle with my family members, but now I am able to support them with basic needs,” she said.
Phiri then urged other beneficiaries to be using the money they get from SCTP for intended purpose so that they become self-reliant financially.
Another beneficiary, James Chikafa from Kasiya village who became a beneficiary of the SCTP in 2018, said she uses most of her money, to keep livestock such as pigs, goats and chicken which later she sales and find money for her family’s needs.
She said very soon she will be venturing into a small business so that it keeps her going as she waits to sell her livestock.
Lilongwe District Social Welfare Officer, Responsible for Social Cash Transfer Programme, Sarah Chimodzi, said it is encouraging that many beneficiaries are able to invest in livestock, such as chicken, goats and pigs.
Chimodzi further said the programme has also assisted in reducing negative risks such as withdrawal of children from school and absenteeism, among others.
The programme in Lilongwe District (SCTP) is being managed by Malawi Government with support from World Bank and targets ultra-poor and labour-constrained households by providing them support in form of cash.
The programme covers 23 Traditional Leaders and has a total number of 29, 512
beneficiaries.
