MANAonline
Chithumba Bridge connects communities to amenities
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, July 3, Mana: After years of facing the daunting challenge of crossing Chithumba River, a place that is wet throughout the year, a bridge has been constructed to ease mobility for surrounding communities.
The river stood as a barrier between the communities and essential services that are available in nearby Ludzi.
A resident of Chithumba, Steven Charles said the difficulties they faced on the stream forced them to travel long distance to Ludzi in search of services.
"Before the bridge, crossing the river was a struggle. We had to wade through the water, which was dangerous, especially during the rainy season but now with the bridge, we can easily reach church, schools, the hospital, the market, and the maize mill in Ludzi,” he said.
Councilor for Mkoma Ward where the bridge is, Martha Dzanja, said people suffered a lot because the place used to have a lot of water and cut communication for people from over five villages.
“The bridge is very important as it has connected the villages to some amenities. Ludzi is strategic as it provides essential services to the people, but also those from Ludzi have farming fields across the bridge,” she said.
The crucial infrastructure was made possible through the efforts of the Mchinji District Council and the support of the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) initiative, a World Bank-funded programme.
Director of Public Works, Ellis Tembo said the Council has worked hard to ensure most of the projects have been done.
“The Council has completed most of the GESD projects and handed them over to the public. The Chithumba Bridge is one of the key achievements and people are benefiting,” he said.
GESD, through its Performance-Based Grants (PBG), provides Councils with the necessary funds to embark on such transformative projects.
These grants are awarded after Councils meet certain Minimum Access Conditions (MACS), ensuring that the resources are used effectively and transparently.
The Bridge was constructed to a tune of K30 million.
Conflicts displace 41 households in Karonga
By George Mponda
Karonga, July 2, Mana: Secretary for Karonga District Peace and Unity Committee, Aaron Mwenelupembe has revealed that 41 households in Karonga have been displaced from their homes due to land disputes and witchcraft accusations.
He said this Tuesday in Chitipa during a four-day workshop on the development and implemantion of district and community advocacy strategies on Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) prevention, peace building and conflict resolution.
"Since May 2023 to April 2024, our office registered 41 cases whereby households have been chased from their homes. Their property and homes were also destroyed due to land disputes, chieftaincy wrangles and witchcraft accusations,” Mwenelupembe said.
Group Village Head Malema in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu conceded that some chiefs are to blame for fueling conflicts which end in violence.
"There are some Chiefs who fail to respect court judgements because they believe their traditional and cultural by-laws are more powerful. There is need to engage all chiefs in the districts without fear for them to know their role in ensuring there is peace in our district," he said.
Chairperson for Karonga Pastors Fraternal, Bishop, Cosmas Liwewe blamed lack of good leadership skills for fueling violence in Karonga.
"Everything falls and rises depending on the leadership. There is need to organise awareness meetings with Chiefs in Karonga to make them realise they have an important role to play in building peace in our district," he said.
The workshop was being conducted under Peace Building Project with support from the United Nation’s Secretary General’s Peace Building Fund through United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Pamoza Tingakwaniska, in partnership with Foundation for Civic Education and Social Empowerment (FOCESE), is implementing the project in Karonga
President expected to attend burial of legendary ‘Soldier’
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, July 2, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera is expected to lead Malawians in paying their last respects to legendary musician ‘Soldier’ Lucius Banda on Thursday who died Sunday in South Africa while receiving treatment.
According to the funeral programme that Malawi News Agency (Mana) has seen, officials from the Office of the President and Cabinet are scheduled to visit the late Banda’s residence to plan for the Presidential visit.
Meanwhile, the body of the fallen musician arrived in the country on Tuesday afternoon through Chileka International Airport in Blantyre.
On arrival, uncle to the deceased, Eliyasi Kamoto thanked government especially President Chakwera for what he described as love to their relative throughout the entire period that he has been in hospital.
“I have seen the Vice President Dr. Michael Usi amongst us, I have seen Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, please convey our heartfelt thanks to the State President, he has been there for our relations throughout the entire period, for this we are so thankful,” he said.
Upon arrival in Balaka, the body of late Lucius Banda will first be taken to St. Louis Montfort Catholic Parish where a mass will be said in his honour before proceeding to his official residence at Andiamo Campus where vigil will be held awaiting burial on Thursday.
Usi welcomes remains of Lucius Banda
By Vida Msiyo
Blantyre, July 2, Mana: It was a sombre afternoon at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre on Tuesday as Vice President Dr. Michael Usi and thousands of people came to receive remains of a famous musician and politician, Lucius Banda.
Musicians such as Hilco, Sangie, Wycliffe Chimwendo, Leslie, Nepman among others also came along to receive the body of their fellow musician who was like a parent to most of the rising musicians.
UTM party members and others from other political parties, youths who called themselves Friends of Lucius Banda were also present waiting for his remains to arrive from South Africa where he died.
Member of Parliament for Mulanje Bale, Victor Musowa, who was also a friend of late Banda described him as a courageous person he has ever known in Malawi.
“I knew the late Lucius Banda long time ago and since then we have been friends that anytime when I wanted advice, I could go to him. Lucius was a friend I could joke with and he was the one who gave me encouragement to join politics,” added Musowa.
Songs like Tsopano taupeza moyo, Anali alendo pansipano, Muwalandile, were being sang by Catholic women at the airport as the crowd waited for the remains to arrive.
At exactly 3:09pm the body of the late Lucius Banda arrived at the airport as family, relatives and all that were there got emotionally touched and some were seen in tears.
Apart from the Vice President, UTM Secretary General, Patricia Kaliati and other party members as well as Malawi Congress Party members were also present to receive the body of the fallen musician.
In their words family members, expressed sorrow over the death of Banda whom they described as family pillar and a humble person who loved the family, the poor and his country.
The family, therefore, asked for benefitting burial of their son saying Lucius did a lot to Malawi citing music development, youth empowerment and politics.
Wirima inspects kick-starting of MSCE exams
By Angella Salijeni
Mulanje, July 2, Mana: Minister of Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, says she is pleased with how the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations have started in different centres.
Wirima was speaking Tuesday when she inspected the beginning of this year’s MSCE examinations in some schools in Mulanje District.
“I am very pleased that examinations have started well. It is quiet and we have not heard anything unlike in the past when there were a lot of irregularities,” Wirima said.
Wirima, therefore, thanked various stakeholders including the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANAEB), Ministry of Education and security agents for the job well done which has contributed to the smooth running of the exams.
“I am also impressed that the number of students sitting for exams this year has increased with 19.5 percent from 13.2 percent last year implying that Malawians are showing interest in education,” she added.
During the visit, the minister also inspected EQUALS Project at Chambe Community Day Secondary School whose aim is to improve the teaching and learning of science in secondary schools.
Kambauwa Wirima visited two centres of Mulanje and Chambe Secondary Schools.
Karonga registers rise in non-communicable diseases
By Felix Katemula
Karonga, July 2, Mana: Karonga District is registering an increase in cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and high blood pressure due to lack of knowledge on prevention.
NCD Coordinator for Karonga District Hospital, Luckson Chiphiko made the revelation Monday on the sidelines of NCD screening and sports bonanza which was organized on Monday by NCD Alliance-Malawi in the district.
Chiphiko said 85% of NCD cases were recorded between 2022 and 2024.
"We have noted that lack of knowledge about NCDs is fueling the increase. People know more about Malaria, Cholera and others because there have been more campaigns as compared to NCDs,” he said.
He further said that most people visit the hospital only after developing complications such as heart failure and stroke.
Assistant Project Officer for NCD Alliance-Malawi Jonathan Munthali cited lifestyle and food as one of the main causes of NCDs in the district.
“People in Karonga consume a lot of meat in the form of soup. The food has high fat content which puts them at risk of developing non-communicable diseases. We therefore advise people to eat balanced diets to ensure they have a healthy life,” Munthali said.
Optimism on women participation in politics
By Golden Kang’oma
Salima, July 2, Mana: Oxfam Malawi has expressed optimism about increased participation of women and people living with disabilities in Salima district in the upcoming 2025 general elections.
Speaking during an engagement meeting with aspirants in Salima district, Oxfam Malawi’s Country Director, Lingalireni Mihowa said there is a surge in interest among the groups to contest for various positions.
Mihowa said through a project called Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy project which is being implemented in partnership with Women Legal Resource Centre (WOLREC), they are trying to address challenges that women and persons with disabilities are facing to hold political positions.
She said: “We are very optimistic that a lot of women and ppersons with disabilities will contest for different positions in the coming elections as many have shown interest and are able to speak out, currently we are calling upon the public to support these candidates in their political endeavours.”
Mihowa said putting women and persons with disabilities in law making positions is very important as they will easily influence decision making and mind-set change among their fellows.
However, chairperson of persons with physical disabilities in Salima district, Alexander Saidi pointed out that lack of resources and information gaps hinder many potential candidates from entering the political arena.
“Lack of resources and information gap is limiting a lot of people to contest in different political positions, there is also societal attitudes as the society still regards women as house helpers, not leaders,” he said.
An aspiring Member of Parliament, Sakina Chingomanje noted that there is lack of support for women from stakeholders and the community, which undermines their roles in decision-making.
“Mostly women do not receive support from stakeholders and the community hence are not treated as decision-makers in the communities,” She said.
As Malawi gears up for the 2025 tripartite elections, there is an outcry for inclusivity and support for marginalized groups to ensure an equitable political landscape.
All set for MSCE examinations -MANEB
By Emily M’mangisa
Zomba, July 2, Mana: Malawi Nation Examinations Board (MANEB) says all is set for this year’s Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations.
Public Relations Officer for the board, Angela Kashitigu told Malawi News Agency on Monday that there are no challenges on the ground and that examination papers have been dispatched to all examination centers across the country.
“We can confirm that, as MANEB currently we do not have any issue. If there are any, then that should be between schools and their candidates but not us.
“This year, we have ensured that examination papers are transferred to all centers across the country in good time and as I speak all is set,” she added.
To control leakage and exams malpractice, the PRO said the board has tightened security in all schools by involving the Malawi Police Service as well as the Malawi Defense Force.
She warned that should anyone be found cheating during administration of exams, the law will be applied.
MSCE examinations are set to start Tuesday (July 2, 2024) and about 184, 978 students are sitting for this year’s examinations.
Out of the total, 97, 787 are males and 88,191 are girls
Natural tree regeneration, a way to go, says Machinga CS-EPWP participants
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, July 2, Mana: Machinga district Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works participants says they have realized that reforestation through planting of trees is expensive than natural regeneration which is affordable and can also bring back a forest, as it promotes the natural regrowth of trees and vegetation on degraded lands.
The participants made the observation known during an interview with Mana after visiting their micro catchment areas where among other things are doing natural trees regeneration.
Namad Chawanda who is chairperson of Nyenyezi catchment in the area of traditional authority Nyambi in the district said they have realized that it is easy to regenerate natural trees that planting the new ones.
Chawanda noted that more trees have been planted but the survival late has been a challenge as it has not been easy for them to survive with hard weather the district has always been facing.
“Reforestation through planting trees is expensive because of the cost of seedlings and how to take care of them. But we have realized through the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works that natural regeneration is affordable and can also bring back a forest, as it promotes the natural regrowth of trees and vegetation on degraded lands,” he said.
Chawanda also noted that natural tree regeneration is there to assist in rainfall patterns and purification of air which comes from the leaves.
“Natural trees are also important because they are climate resilient and act as windbreakers. Without trees, it does not rain much. And when it does, trees help to stop soil erosion. The leaves are important too as they fertilize the soil and keep it healthy. Therefore, we are doing everything possible as community through the initiative to regenerate more hectares,” added Chawanda.
Another participant, Emily Evance from Masanje micro catchment in the area of traditional authority Liwonde said the natural regeneration which is taking place in their area has already reduced soil erosion in their area.
Evance noted that the trees shade the soil and reduce soil evaporation, keeping the soil moist, which makes farms more resilient to extreme heat.
She adds: “The regenerated natural trees are helping us in many ways. Back then, we even had a firewood issue, but now that the forest is close by, we don’t have that challenge as we will most likely find firewood as we enter the woodland.
"Furthermore, we had cases of soil erosion before the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works was introduced in our area. Now, the soil erosion situation has drastically been controlled because of the trees we are regenerating as rain drops are not directly falling on the ground as tree leaves are shading the soil.”
Towens Gondwe, Extension Officer who is leading the natural tree regeneration said by regenerating forests, Machinga district can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat global warming.
"Apart from reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combat global warming, the regenerated natural trees roots help the soil to be compacted and make it harder for running water to wash it away. For the few years we have been regenerating the natural trees through the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works programme, things have changed for the better now.
“The participants are even encouraged to practice what they are doing here to their homes. They have started to regenerate their natural trees in their respective homes. This is a plus to the project but also to the district,” said Gondwe.
The Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme is funded by World Bank and is being implemented by National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC).
‘Sojah’s` burial, Thursday, as people continue pouring tribute
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, July 2, Mana: People around Balaka Town on Monday described the fallen musician Lucius Banda as a strong and patriotic son Balaka has ever produced.
Walking around Balaka Town, Monday, Malawi News Agency noted that most people plying business around the town, opted to playing the late Banda’s music with some singing along with the music.
“He was humble, and we loved him as through him we saw a lot of more musicians growing in Balaka, you cannot talk of development of the music industry in Balaka, without mentioning his name. We have really lost,” said one Moses Phekani a business person who owns a music selling outlet around town.
“He was one of the very first business tycoons in the district as he also contributed to the growth of the Balaka Town. He owned Zembani Lodge which accommodates prominent people when they come to Balaka,” said Wisdom Shaibu who claimed he interacted with the late Banda in various platforms.
Meanwhile the family of the late musician Lucius Banda has disclosed that the body of the departed music legend who died in South Africa while receiving treatment, will arrive Tuesday July 2 afternoon through Chileka Airport and be laid to rest on Thursday in Balaka.
Banda’s uncle Eliyasi Kamoto said, “Vigil will be at his Andiamo house and the funeral ceremony will be held at Balaka Stadium before departing to St. Louis Balaka Parish where a mass in honor of the departed soul will be conducted.”
Lucius Banda produced 20 albums during his music career.
