MANAonline
Mzuzu Police calls for more awareness against suicide
By Esther Ndhlozi and Grace Thesi
Mzuzu, July 12, Mana: Police in Mzuzu have appealed for partnership in raising public awareness on the need to seek counselling when one is stressed to prevent suicide cases.
In an interview on Tuesday, Public Relations Officer for Mzuzu Police, Augustus Nkhwazi said challenges which include among others, transport limit police to reach out to people with such messages in remote areas.
He therefore urged stakeholders operating in rural areas to mainstream issues of suicide in their programs aimed at reducing suicide cases.
“I urge various players who are working in these areas to have keen interest in the welfare of the people they work with by creating a supportive environment where people can openly share their concerns and assist them accordingly.
If there will be need for more assistance on psychological counselling, such cases should be reported to us because we work in collaboration with institutions such as St John of God Hospitaller Services Malawi,” said Nkhwazi
He said Mzuzu Police have registered a decrease in reported suicide cases by 67 percent from January to June 2024.
Nkhwazi however said the decrease does not necessarily translate to improvement in the cases because some happen in remote areas and go unreported.
“From January to June 2023, we recorded six suicide cases within Mzuzu City against this year`s two cases within the same period.
The numbers have declined but this does not mean there is improvement because some cases happen in remote areas and they are not reported to the police,” said Nkhwazi.
Secretary for M’mbelwa Chief’s Council, Inkosi Jalavikuwa, expressed concern over the increase in suicide cases especially amongst young people across the country.
He said he has advised his subordinates to raise awareness on the problem and the importance of promoting safe space and good mental health during public gatherings such as funeral ceremonies.
According to a post on Malawi Police Service Facebook Page on July 11,2024, Deputy National Police Public Relations Officer, Harry Namwanza said police have recorded 281 suicide cases out of which 35 involved females across the country from January to June 2024.
It said the figures represents an increase in suicide cases compared to the same period last year in which 220 cases were recorded.
The statement cited broken relationships, debts, family conflicts, drug and substance abuse as some of the reasons fuelling an increase in suicide cases among people.
Piggery, Msope’s lucrative side hustle
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe, July 11, Mana: Andrew Msope, 35, from Chimbalanga village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kadewere in Chiradzulu district, thought of investing capital he earned from his salary into livestock farming such as raising rabbits, ducks and pigs after facing a lot of challenges for several years.
Married with two children, Msope struggled to meet the demands of his family’s basic needs, despite being employed as an Accountant at Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET),
He realized that salary was too little for him to buy what his family needed, and to pay school fees for his children.
“Starting pig farming was a means of increasing income. So when I recognized that salary alone was not enough to pay school fees and to meet other needs, pig farming became a side hustle to increase my income,” he explained.
As Msope invested more capital in piggery, he observed that the venture was a game changer and profitable as one pig could produce more than 10 piglets.
Since he started pig farming business in 2019, Msope has got a lot to show for his lucrative business: he managed to buy 3 cars, a motorbike, and he built shops in various places within Lilongwe city.
He also built a house; and opened a big farm which is known as Msope Farm Stead.
From the pig farming, Msope has also employed 10 permanent workers and hires other causal workers to work in his fields where he grows maize, cabbage, and soya bean within Lilongwe district.
The accountant-cum-farmer disclosed that the farming has also seen him build a good relationship with buyers, and identify good markets.
“We sell piglets to upcoming farmers and organizations and also do value addition. We sell pork to hotels, Chinese and Nigerian restaurants” Msope said.
Despite the strides taken in the piggery, Msope targets to raise 1000 pigs at different stages and increase capacity to meet the demand by customers.
Jimmy Simfukwe, an employee of Msope Farmstead who is the Marketing Officer, lauds the job opportunity, which has seen him improve the livelihood of his family.
Simfukwe recalls to have struggled to get employment since he completed his studies at Mzuzu University in 2022.
The job opportunity has not only brought solutions to Simfukwe's economic needs, it has also equipped him with exceptional skills.
“I have learnt marketing skills, and how to design good pig kraals for improved yield, " he explains, adding: "I have also learnt veterinary services from veterinary officers who attend to the pigs’ medical needs."
Msope’s venture is in line with governments effort in promoting animal husbandry in the country through various interventions.
Director for Animal Health and Livestock Development Dr. Julius Chiwanga Chulu said in a questionnaire that besides conducting regular farmer trainings, government has livestock multiplication Centre’s as one way for improving livestock husbandry including pigs.
“Government has livestock and multiplication Centre’s where farmers can buy breeding stock including pigs at an affordable price. The livestock and multiplication Centre’s also act as demonstration Centre’s where farmers can learn good animal husbandry practices,” Chulu said.
He also disclosed that government is reviewing legislation to take on board emerging and re-emerging issues.
According to the Director, government has organized numerous investment programs which have, and will continue to support livestock development, including piggery.
“Agriculture Commercialization Project (AGCOM 1) provides matching grants to Producer Organization to venture into various enterprises, including piggery,” he said.
“Sustainable Agriculture Production Project (SAPP 1) through the Village Challenge Fund (VCF), SAPP1 also provided grants to farmers for them to venture into various enterprises including piggery, and we have a number of programs to improve the same,” he said.
Chulu recommended pig farming as being more profitable and urged people to venture into the business, or to seek loans from the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) for those who cannot afford on their own.
Agriculture expert, Tamani Nkhono Mvula, hailed government for coming up with good livestock policies but it to put urged it to put much effort in supporting pig farmers.
Mvula said: “What we may need is capital investment that one may put in to start the program and once the program starts, its highly profitable business that is able to sustain itself in the long run.
“There has to be more effort from the policy makers to support pig production including giving them information on the enterprise.
According to National Livestock Development Policy for 2021-2026, by 2026 the country’s contribution of livestock sector to overall agricultural production will increase by 50 percent through effective animal production, health and value chains interventions.
The policy also indicates that the government targets to increase the value of livestock exports by 10 percent, and increase by 60 percent the number of new livestock technologies.
It also discloses that the growing demand for livestock and livestock products on both the domestic and export markets can best be met if strategies that achieve growth in numbers and productivity are implemented.
Ministry asked to speed up construction of houses for PWA's
By George Mponda
Karonga, July 12, Mana: Minister of Gender Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza has asked the Ministry of Lands to fast track the construction of houses for persons with albinism by cutting out some processes that are causing delays.
The Minister said this, Thursday at Kwiyala Village, in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu in Karonga where she together with the Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba were handing over a house which government has constructed for a family which has children with albinism.
"These houses are supposed to be constructed in all districts in Malawi and as we speak, 67 have been completed. However, there are alot of persons with albinism who need these houses so there is need to expedite the construction process by cutting out some of the procurement processes which are slowing down the work," Sendeza said.
On his part, Minister of Lands Deus Gumba said government is committed to ensuring that persons with albinism are protected.
"Although we were facing problems at the beginning of this project, we have sorted those out and in this year’s national budget, K600 million has been allocated which will be used to construct 15 houses for people with albinism," Gumba said.
He reiterated governments commitment towards protecting persons with albinism.
"Years ago, our collegueas were being hunted for their body parts and some of them could not even find the body lotion which they use. But the adminstration of Lazarus Chakwera has ensured that persons with albinism are protected and enjoying the same rights as other citizens in Malawi," Gumba said.
President for the Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM), Young Muhamba described the house which has been constructed at Kwiyala Village in Karonga as the best under the project.
"We have handed over several houses under this project but this one has been well constructed and I would like to encourage other builders to emulate this design and come up with safe, beautiful houses," Muhamba said.
Muhamba called on local authorities in districts to include persons with albinism in various social protection programs like the social cash transfer for them to be self sufficient.
He also asked for a review the national action plan on the protection of persons with albinism to ensure that gaps which exist are rectified.
Chiefs in Kasungu vows to prevent elephant’s poaching
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe, July 12, Mana: Chiefs in Kasungu have vowed to use civic education as a measure against poaching of elephants in protected forest and game reserves.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, Senior Chief Lukwa of Kasungu said chiefs are on the ground to sensitize communities to take full ownership of the reserves and protect the wild animals and natural resources.
“As Chiefs in Kasungu, we thought to join the fight against such practices. Currently, we are carrying out civic education in the surrounding communities including traditional leaders to ensure they take full control of protecting the wildlife.
“In this fight, we are working jointly with National Parks and community committees to discourage the malpractice,” he said.
Lukwa said they are also distributing goats to communities, to ensure they start businesses as one way of preventing them from poaching.
Concurring with Lukwa, Traditional Authority Chisinga urged the communities surrounding Kasungu National Park to prevent poaching, saying the act endangers their lives as they can be gun-shot by rangers.
“People should avoid entering parks for poaching because they may end up losing their lives,” said Chisinga.
He also urged communities to prioritize the significance of having elephants and other wildl animals in the country since they attract tourists who contribute to the country`s economy.
Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Tourism, Joseph Nkosi said the government is employing several measures to counter poaching in the country.
“Government is relentlessly working hard to stop the act of elephant poaching. It is employing more rangers, strengthening laws, improving infrastructure and also embarking on community and public awareness.
According to Nkosi, prior to 2014 elephant poaching was high but the problem has decreased, observing that from January 2023 to date, only two elephants have been killed by poachers and none poached in Majete Game Reserve for 19 years.
Chief warns community against theft of project materials
By Chisomo Kambandanga
NKhata Bay, July 12, Mana: Senior Chief Nyaliwanga in Nkhata Bay has warned communities around K23 million gravity fed Chikwina-Mpamba Water Supply Project against stealing the project’s construction materials.
Nyaliwanga was speaking, Thursday when Nkhata Bay District Council handed over the project site to a contractor, Bwalo Civils for commencement of the project which has been supported with Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) Programme.
He said that he was grateful to government for the project which he said would be a solution to challenges in access to potable water in the area.
"A qualified company has been contracted to work on this project, therefore I warn community members surrounding this project against theft of construction materials. I will not tolerate that to happen to this project and anyone found indulging in the malpractice will be punished," he said.
He therefore urged community members to own the project for its successful implementation.
Project Manager for Bwalo Civils, Joel Lungu assured the community of high quality works and to complete the project within stipulated period.
In his remarks, Acting Director of Public Works for Nkhata Bay District Council, George Gopani said that construction works of the project will include rehabilitation of intake and water treatment structures among others.
Gopani urged the contractor to deliver quality work and complete the project within three months as guided by the contract agreement.
Upon completion the project is expected to serve a population of 18, 500 people from the areas of senior chiefs Nyaliwanga and Timbiri.
Daud opens K700m multi drug resistant TB Ward in Balaka
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, July 12, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud on Thursday opened a K700 million multi drug resistant Tuberculosis (TB) Ward at Balaka District Hospital, which among other things, will reduce the problems that patients have been facing in the district.
With a growing population of investors in the mining sector, Balaka is prone to having more people suffering from TB and the construction of the ward has been described as timely.
Speaking after touring and inaugurating the structure, Daud said a good health system is important to any nation and revealed that government is investing in constructing 9000 health posts in the country so that health services are brought closer to people.
She said the intervention is also meant to reduce congestion at the district and central hospitals.
Said Daud: “This multi-drug resistant TB ward will go a long way in alleviating the many challenges Balaka District Health Office has been facing to treat those suffering from TB.
“Let me urge you all and those working in places prone to TB to rush to the hospital before it is too late. Every person in this country is important to help in the development agenda. This can only happen if we have healthy people, together we can continue to make significant strides in our fight against TB and ensure a healthier future for all.”
Director of Health and Social Services for Balaka District Council, Dr. Chimwemwe Thambo admitted that for years, the hospital has been struggling to refer patients to Queen Elizabeth or Kamuzu central hospitals which has been draining a lot of resources.
He however said the construction of the facility will help the district office to reduce such expenditures.
“With a population of over 600,000, every year, our district hospital sees not more than 12 patients with multi drug resistant TB. The construction of the ward is timely and each time we do not have a patient, the structure will be used to house other patients,” he said.
Balaka District Council Chairperson, Osman Mapira thanked government for the timely intervention, noting that the district is fast growing with more potential investors coming in to invest in the mining sector.
“We have seen Portland Cement Company investing, we also have the Lindian Company which is mining rare earth and again, our district produces Lime which in one way or the other leaves the surrounding community as well as those working in such factories prone to TB,” he said.
Mapira called on government to consider Balaka by constructing a befitting district hospital as the current one was a leprosy center donated by the Catholic Church.
Construction of the multi-drug resistant TB Ward was financed by the World Bank.
Chomanika impressed with projects in Chikwawa District Council
By Leah Malimbasa
Chikwawa, July 12, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Owen Chomanika has praised ongoing development projects in Chikwawa District, emphasizing the importance of ensuring high-quality construction standards.
He made the remarks following the ministry’s inspection visit to some of the projects in Chikwawa.
“I can see potential for quality work once the rehabilitation of a maternity wing and surgical theatre at Chikwawa District Hospital as well as the construction of Mivunza Bridge are completed,” he said.
“The council is doing well and for the defects we observed at Chikwawa District Hospital Maternity Wing project, the contractor has committed to fix them,” he said.
The deputy minister observed that such visits are important since they enable them to give timely input on ongoing projects, ensures great workmanship and that no one is sleeping on their job.
“I would also like to encourage the people here to take good care of the infrastructure and avoid theft, misuse and abuse of construction materials,” he said.
District Commissioner for Chikwawa, Nardin Kamba said the council strives to at provide good service to the people in all sectors including health and education and the attainment of this starts with good infrastructure development.
“We are happy that the Deputy Minister and the team are impressed with the works here and that the patients are now being accommodated in a good environment,” said Kamba.
He attributed good coordination and teamwork to the council’s impressive projects implementation.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Richard Hara concurred with the Deputy Minister saying the work is very impressive and that there is need to start utilizing the infrastructure as soon as projects are completed.
“We have visited Nkhudzi Community Day Secondary School project which is completed. So, we will write the Ministry of Education to start selecting learners to the school in a bid to increase chances of more learners securing space in secondary schools and shorten the distance that learners from around Nkhudzi walk to access education,” he said.
“We commend the District Commissioner and his team as well as chiefs, councilors and members of parliament in the district for working together to deliver quality projects in the district,” he said.
MERP to Improve education standards
By Patience Longwe and Sellah Chunda
Dowa, July 11, Mana: Principal Secretary (PS) Responsible for Basic Education, Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri has lauded the positive impact of the Manondo Primary School project, calling it a significant milestone in their implementation efforts.
Speaking on Thursday at Manondo Primary School in Dowa, she emphasized the community's active involvement, noting the encouraging progress made.
She acknowledged the challenges faced by the project and assured that the government was addressing them.
"Indeed, the concerns raised regarding the disbursement period of funds have been considered and adjustments are already underway," Dr. Chimbwete Phiri added.
Deputy Head Teacher of Manondo School, Wishes Kambanizithe expressed optimism about the project's potential to transform service delivery.
"The MERP Project will make learning more engaging for our students, particularly those who previously studied outdoors. They will now benefit from proper classroom environments," he stated.
Kambanizithe added that the positive impact on female students, particularly those on their menstrual period, who would now have access to dedicated changing rooms.
"This will significantly help them stay in school, providing a private space to change or clean themselves as needed," he said.
MERP is constructing three blocks, consisting of six classrooms, at Manondo Primary School in Dowa.
Welfare office rescues a two-year stolen old baby
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay July 11, Mana: District Social Welfare Officer for Nkhata Bay, McSenscie Chagomerana has said their office has managed to rescue a two-year old girl who went missing in Ntcheu on June 11, 2024
He said Police were tipped by Sophie Mohammed a resident of the district who was left to take care of the child by a the mentally challenged woman who claimed the child was hers.
"We received a report about the child on June 18, 2024 from Nkhata Bay Police who were approached by Mohammed. Upon thorough investigation together with the Police, it was established that the woman who claimed to be mother to the child was once admitted at Zomba Mental Hospital, had no record of having a child and is a sex worker," Chagomerana said.
He said the office took custody of the child and was referred to Mzuzu Social Welfare Office as the search for her parents intensified.
The Officer disclosed that on July 5, 2024, they were contacted by Ntcheu Police who inquired about a missing child reported by some parents and they later confirmed she was the one.
Mohammed, the woman who was left with the child by the stranger, said the condition she saw the child in forced her to accept the responsibility of looking after her as the woman openly claimed she could not manage to provide good care.
"I reported the matter to police having noted some irregularities and inconsistent narration of events by the woman. I also thought it wise for the police to know in case anything had happened to the child while under my watch," Mohammed said.
A 31 year-old, Never Kambalame from Tsangano in Ntcheu District who is father to the child expressed relief upon being reunited with his daughter.
"Since our child went missing, the family had been traumatized leading to sleepless nights and loss of appetite. From now on, I will keep a close watch on my children to avoid such from happening again," he said.
According to Kambalame, the baby went missing on a market day as she was trying to follow her siblings who did not notice her coming leaving her mother sleeping in the house.
Nkhata Bay Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Sergeant Kondwani James hailed coordination among all stakeholders that led to the rescue of the child.
Construction of houses for people with albinism on track
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, July 11, Mana: Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba has said government would continue constructing houses for people with albinism for their enhanced safety and secure environment.
He was speaking on Wednesday in Mandala Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Muzikubola in Mzimba when he presided over handover ceremony of a house built to a family which was raising two kids with albinism.
Gumba said government was constructing 69 houses across the country with 49 of them fully completed and four handed over to the owners with the remaining ones at finishing levels.
‘‘When President Chakwera took over government four years ago, he pledged to ensure that people with albinism are provided with decent houses for their safety and this ceremony is a testament to fulfilment of that promise,’’ he said.
The Minister added that government has in the current budget provided more funding to cater for 15 additional houses for the same course.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Nertha Mgala called for enhanced collaboration amongst community members and organisations in protecting people with albinism.
‘‘We lobby Members of Parliament to consider constructing houses in their constituencies for people with albinism using Constituency Development Fund so more people with albinism have decent houses,’’ she said.
National Coordinator for Association for People Living with Albinism (APAM), Maynard Zakalia hailed government for embarking on the project and father of the children, John Mwale commended government for the project.
‘‘This house will provide conducive environment to my children and I ask government to continue constructing such houses to more people with albinism across the country,’’ Mwale added.
