Lilongwe June 2, Mana: The World Bank has approved US$265 million (approximately K265 billion) to scale up agriculture commercialisation and improve the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) for Eastern and Southern Africa financing countries including Comoros, Kenya, Somalia, Madagascar, Tanzania and Malawi.

The program will scale up many of the successful interventions and approaches of Malawi’s Agricultural Commercialisation Project (AGCOM) as a means of enhancing national and regional food systems as well as support to the authorities to implement resilience enhancing policy reforms.

The FSRP for Eastern and Southern Africa has already committed close to US$1.7 billion in the first three phases of its program saying countries such as Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Somalia and Tanzania are being joined by the African Union Commission (AUC) with more countries expected to join.

In a statement released by World Bank in Lilongwe on Friday, World Bank Country Manager for Malawi, Hugh Riddel says AGCOM is delivering on Malawi 2063 core goal of agricultural transformation saying Malawi has an opportunity to scale this intervention nationally and collaborate and learn how to tackle food systems resilience with other participating countries in the region.

“Developing viable and sustainable value chains is key to national food security as well as boosting foreign exchange for the country’s broader economic needs,” he says.

Minister of Agriculture, Sam Dalitso Kawale said agriculture is the main stay of Malawi’s economy and any investments made, including strengthening food security, and with lessons learnt from AGCOM, Malawi is expected to scale up some interventions within the new project which will likely have a great impact on the overall economy.

Minister of Finance, Sosten Gwengwe said the new phase of the project gives Malawians confidence that they have the capacity and ability to deliver results that have potential to transform the lives.

Gwengwe assured World Bank that Malawi will continue to undertake actions and policy reforms so that it sustain the economic transformation efforts saying the major investment that the World Bank is making in agriculture transformation is for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) development, and export promotion and facilitation.

The World Bank project in Malawi will also prioritise building climate-resilient infrastructure that is designed and built in a way that anticipates, prepares for, and adapts to changing climate conditions since Malawi currently depends largely on rain-fed agriculture.

The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) established in 1960 helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives.

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Lilongwe, June 2, Mana: Some government officials including those from  city councils are participating in the workshop dubbed ‘Strong cities meeting’ which is underway in South Africa.

The meeting aims at analysing the role of cities in East and Southern Africa (ESA) in preventing and responding to hate- and extremist-motivated violence as part of wider city-led efforts to promote public safety, build resilience and enhance social cohesion.

The workshop is being hosted by the Strong Cities Network in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

Leading the Malawi delegation is the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity & Culture, Owen Chomanika as well as Malawi Local Government Association (Malga) Executive Director, Hadrod Zeru Mkandawire.

In an interview with the local media in South Africa, Chomanika said his ministry wishes to build strong cities in the country.

“It is the wish of the ministry that we should have strong cities and councils to be able to deal with extremism at that level. We are doing something but maybe not enough,” Chomanika said.

He further hailed the participation of Malawi at the strong cities conference saying that the meeting would enlighten officials from country’s councils and his ministry on how they would fulfill the dream of building up strong cities in the country.

Also commenting on the same Lilongwe City Council Chief Public Relations Officer who is also attending the meeting, Tamara Chafunya said that the meeting provides an opportunity for city-level and other relevant stakeholders in the East and Southern Africa region to engage with each other in order to better understand the hate- and extremist-related threats facing local communities in the region.

The workshop is being funded by the European Union as part of its STRIVE Cities initiative and is expected to close today.

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Nkhotakota, June 2, 2023 MANA. The National Initiative for Civic Education (NIC) has embarked on a mass awareness campaign on the national agenda 2063.

Speaking in Nkhotakota district during one of the campaigns, NICE District Civic Education Officer for Salima and Nkhotakota districts, Queen Mataya said the goal of this massive awareness campaign is to ensure that all Malawians are part of the process of attaining sustainable development by 2063.

Mataya said it is important that the local masses know the vision Malawi is working so that they are individually able to take part in bringing development in their areas and inorder to do so, there is need to use the Malawi 2063 first enabler of mindset change in order to achieve sustainable development.

During the exercise, NICE is targeting market days in the district to engage the people with mass media communication tools to educate and inform them about these ongoing national activities.

Media commentator in Nkhotakota, Innocent Chunga says communication at grassroots level is very important especially on important national development matters in a country.

He commended NICE for their inclusion of people in the districts on disseminating the awareness about Agenda 2063.

“For many people in the districts who attended the activity, they were hearing Agenda 2063, what it is and what it entails for the first time in their lives, this shows how important awareness is on this matter.” Said Chunga. 

The exercise which has been running in all districts since August 2022, is funded by the Malawi government through the National Planning Commission. This exercise started with sensitization of traditional leaders, religious leaders’ community structures such as Village Development Committee (VDC), area development committees (ADC), youth clubs, radio listening clubs and other community groupings and has now extended to the market days.

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Karonga, June 4 Mana: Chitipa United Football Club made history on Saturday following their 1-0 TNM Super League victory against  the defending champions,FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in a match which was played at Karonga Stadium.

This is the first time for Chitipa to beat Bullets in  TNM Super League and the first defeat of the season for the defending champions who are leading on the log table with 17 points from eight games.

Chitipa who are fresh from another huge 1-0 victory against Bullets’s archrival Mukuru Mighty Wanderers, went into the game with the odds against them as they had never beaten Bullets in the previous six super league encounters before Saturday’s win.

 Chitipa only managed to salvage a point from a 2-2 draw with Bullets in the 2019 season.

On top of that Chitipa United have only two players with super league experience as the rest are from the lower league.

The lone goal of the match came in the 53rd minute from Rajab Nyirenda’s high free kick near the corner kick spot, which Bullets’ goalie, Richard Chimbamba failed to clear. To some extent, it looked like an own goal through the Bullets defender's header.

The goal was enough to disorient the defending champions completely who never recovered.

Played in front of a full-to-capacity stadium under fine weather, from the on set it was hard to tell who the defending champions were, save for the uniform colours and the faces. Chitipa United FC dominated making more goal attempts than Bullets. The first half ended in a 0-0 draw.

In the second half, the defending champions started with playing quick football but the tactic got resistance from Chitipa United FC defense. Led by Chris Lwemba who was named man of the match for the third time in a row, the trio including Blessings Joseph and Peter Mughogho proved impossible to penetrate.

Bullets tried in extra time to push for a draw with Macfarene Ngwira, who was introduced in the second half replacing Patrick Mwaungulu, making dangerous passes and crosses up front but his effort was not good enough to register anything on the score sheet. Under pressure, Chitipa United FC goalie, George Chikooka and Stain Patrick were served with yellow cards in the dying minutes of the game for displaying perceptible delaying tactics and rough play respectively.

Coach for Bullets, Callisto Pasuwa admitted that Chitipa United’s zeal was no match for his team.

“We could see the zeal from our counterparts trying as much as they could to get to the ball. Our opponents planned well and did well in terms of approach. We will go back and re-assess ourselves,” Pasuwa said.

However, he said all is not lost as the team have 21 more games ahead of them. Chitipa United Coach, Mac Donald Ntetemera on the other hand said all he is doing is to instill the spirit of hard work in his charges adding that each fixture has its game plan. “I am a teacher and not a coach. I am teaching the players to play modern football as you can see. Expect more surprises. I can't say what my target is for now,” said Ntetemera. Karonga Stadium is  today hosting another thriller as Karonga United FC takes on Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Chitipa are now on position four on the log table with four points behind Bullets which is leading on the table.

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Lilongwe May 15, Mana: Malawi Aquatic Union (MAU) has expressed satisfaction with the tremendous improvements junior swimmers have displayed when tasked to represent the country at international competitions.

The sentiments were shared by MAU Spokesperson, Beatrice Makwenda following the stint nine swimmers had at the recent 2023 African Swimming Confederation (CANA) Zone IV Championship, in Luanda, Angola.

Makwenda hailed 14 year-old Luka Smith who carted home two gold medals in the 50 metres and 100 metres freestyle events while six new Malawian national records were broken during the championship.

“Luka has done Malawi proud and has demonstrated that the golden podium appearance is possible for our athletes. He has inspired his colleagues to reach greater heights.

“MAU is very proud of the young and upcoming team who are already making a mark in breaking 10-year old records. They have shown growth in the sport and also made a mark towards improving the swimming records,” she said.

Makwenda was grateful that the 2023/2024 national budget included funds for the completion of the Aquatic Complex but highlighted that the Ministry of Sports is better placed to provide the timeline for the completion.

Meanwhile Coach of the Swimmers, Sharon Malrose said it was an honor to coach the young swimmers who are relatively new to the competition setting at international level as they showed potential besides challenges faced in preparations.

“Almost all the swimmers achieved personal best times in their events in Angola.  Swimming in a 50 metre pool takes some getting used to and for some of them it was their first time in the longer pool having trained almost exclusively in 25 metre pools.

“It is not easy for swimmers who train in Malawi as it is seasonal.  From now (May) until September, the water is cold hence swimmers are unable to train for any length of time, therefore, it is pleasing to see them achieving great results,” Malrose said.

CANA Zone IV Swimming Championships games were held from 3-6 May, with swimmers, Asher Banda (17), Jessie Chirwa (12), Ian Chongwe (12). Danielle Kandjaza (12), Jeremiah Makwenda (13), Tasunje Mkavea (13), Rhinniah Nzengo (14), Zoe Rebello (15).

The swimmers were accompanied by team manager Taymamike Chang’anamuno and Technical Official, Beatrice Makwenda.

At the tournament, Smith broke the record in the 100 metre freestyle, Makwenda in the 800 metre freestyle as well as in the 400 metre freestyle, whereas Mkavea had records in 50 metre breaststroke, 100m breaststroke and 400 metre freestyle

Additionally, Chongwe, Smith, Makwenda and Mkavea also had a record in the 4 x 50 metre freestyle relay competition.

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Mzimba, May 30, Mana: Construction of the 12,500 seater M’mbelwa Stadium in Mzimba is expected to be completed by end of September,2023 contractor for the project has said.

In an interview on Tuesday, Manobec Construction Company Project Manager, Victor Msowoya said the stadium would have been completed by 2022 but the devaluation of the local currency delayed the completion time.

‘‘We are hoping that all things being equal, we should be completing construction works on the stadium September this year’’, he said.

According to Msowoya, although the work remaining could be completed by September, it largely depends on addendum submitted to the Public Procurements and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA).

‘‘We encountered some challenges when erecting the roof of the VIP covered section hence we had to redesign the roof of the VIP section. And redesigning took our time. We also suffered the consequences of the devaluation. It meant reworking the whole budget to factor in the devaluation.  All these factors have worked to delay the completion of the stadium,” he said.

Malawi News Agency visited the project site on Wednesday and observed that construction of terraces was completed and what remained unfinished were VIP rooms as well as the turf.  

‘‘We completed all the terraces. We are now doing finishing touches to the VIP section where several rooms remain to be completed such as what would be bars, dressing rooms and others. The main work remaining is plastering,’’ Site Supervisor and Foreman, Justin Magalasi said.

A Football fan, Mayeso Banda from Chanthomba location at Mzimba Boma said he wished the stadium was completed quickly to start hosting games.

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Likoma, May 17, Mana: Airport Development Limited (ADL) says it has partnered with Malawi Gaming Board and Ministry of Tourism to enhance tourism in Likoma District.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) for ADL, Wezzie Gondwe made the remarks Tuesday when ADL board members visited Likoma to explore opportunities on how Likoma can be developed in terms of tourism.

“As managers of Likoma Island Aerodrome, we want to explore opportunities on how we can turn Likoma Island into the biggest tourism hub in Malawi to attract more traffic to the airport, and maximise our revenue base as a company. We have seen that Likoma has a lot of potential to help us develop as a company.

"One of the key things that we want to do is to expand the existing runaway so that it can accommodate bigger aircrafts. We also need to build a 100 roomed hotel that can accommodate tourists that will be coming to Likoma," She said.

Gondwe said the project is on concept phase, saying all feedback from stakeholders will be incorporated.

District Commissioner (DC) for Likoma, Abubakar Nkhoma welcomed the project saying it was going to boost the Council’s revenue.

"It is also going to bring revenue to the district which will be used for various infrastructure developments. It will also create job opportunities to the residents and change the outlook of the island," he said Nkhoma.

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Mangochi, April 21, Mana: Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Liana Kakhobwe Chapota has refuted rumours circulating where some people are linking rising water levels in Shire River and Lake Malawi to the closure of Kamuzu Barrage at Liwonde in Machinga District.

Reports indicate that for the past  weeks, water in Lake Malawi and in its tributaries such as Shire River have increased above the sea level, a development which has created fear of flooding to some residents surrounding the lake in Mangochi.

Speaking during her tour to appreciate the levels of water in Lake Malawi at Nkope and Mapira in Mangochi on Friday, Chapota said Kamuzu Barrage has never been closed, adding that the rising water levels in Lake Malawi is as a result of heavy rainfall that was experienced in the neighbouring Tanzania and other eastern countries.

Chapota added that the level of water which is currently flowing at Kamuzu Barrage downstream is more than the volume that was passing through within the same period last year.

‘‘Let me emphasise that we have not closed and never shall we close the Kamuzu Barrage at Liwonde in Machinga. In fact, if the barrage was closed, the country would not have been able to generate electricity.’’

‘‘What has happened is that due to the increased rainfall in Tanzania and other eastern countries, the level of water in Lake Malawi has risen above the sea by 66 centimetres, as of April last year, water increased by 475.3 meters and this year it has risen by 475.89 meters,’’ said Chapota.

Kamuzu Barrage was constructed to regulate the flow of water from Lake Malawi to Shire River, for proper generation of hydro power.

According to the Board Chairperson for National Water Resources Authority, Engineer James Mambulu, levels of water in Lake Malawi are likely to continue increasing in the next coming months.

Sub Traditional Authority Chiwalo of Mangochi urged his subordinates at Nkope, whose villages have currently been submerged in water, to relocate to upper land.

‘‘This is the right time for people to consider moving to the upper land before any disaster may occur,’’ said Chiwalo.

Some of the notable figures who accompanied the deputy minister on the tour included Member of Parliament for Mangochi Monkey Bay, Ralph Jooma, Traditional Authority Mapira and some government officials.

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Zomba, May 29, Mana: Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia has appealed to the cooperate world and well-wishers to support Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) with water bowsers and construction materials as it strives to fix the main transmission water pipe that was vandalised.

Speaking Friday after visiting the site where the pipe was vandalised and to appreciate construction works currently underway, Mia said with current situation the board is in, it would be proper if more assistance was available to support the people of Zomba.

The minister said with only eight water bowsers it would be difficult for SRWB to reach out to all its 600,000 customers in Zomba who have no water.

"The problem here is huge and I don't think the board is able to serve all its customers. Having looked at the extent of damage and how affected people of Zomba are, I would like to appeal to wellwishers to assist us with water bowsers so that people have access to clean and safe water,” Mia said.

She also asked for the support of air transport which could help in airlifting some construction materials which are manually being carried by engineering staff to the top of the mountain where the transmission pipe was vandalised. 

The minster feared about cholera outbreak due to water scarcity in the city as people are getting water from unprotected sources.

"I cannot imagine where people are getting water. People of Zomba are indeed in trouble," she said.

The minister condemned theft of public properties saying the conduct is retrogressive.

In an interview Chief Executive Officer for SRWB, Duncan Chambamba said the Board would need K500 million to fix the problem.

He said the Board will need to buy new anchor straps and also erect a concrete pillar which will help in holding the transmission pipe.

"We have already spent K150 million and we still need more funds to complete the construction works," said Chambamba.

Meanwhile, the CEO says the Board is working on revamping the old transmission line so that people have access to water throughout at a low pressure.

On May 12, 2023 thieves vandalised the main water transmission pipes forcing SRWB to completely shut down its water supply in Zomba.

Staff from SRWB and Malawi Defence Force are on the site working tirelessly to ensure water is restored.

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Lilongwe April 21 Mana: In response to President Lazarus Chakwera’s declaration of disaster and the United Nation’s flash appeal for funding for assistance to Malawians affected by flooding and cholera, the United States Government has announced a new grant to address immediate humanitarian needs.

US Ambassador to Malawi, David Young made the announcement on Thursday in Lilongwe indicating that the new $4 million (4.1 billion MWK)  grant is part of the U.S government’s ongoing assistance valued at approximately $5 million (more than 5.1 billion MWK) during the country’s recovery from the devastating impacts of Tropical Cyclone Freddy and the Cholera emergency.

The U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Government of Malawi through the grants given to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) will deliver urgently needed shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) suppliers.

“USAID will partner with WFP to provide life-saving food assistance and urgent helicopter support to airlift medical supplies, and other relief items to communities and medically evacuate patients still cut off by flood waters an exercise that targets 142,000 Malawians,” he said.

Young added that USAID’s partnership with UNICEF will bolster WASH services in both Southern Malawi and other areas affected by cholera and will also promote safe hygiene practices through radio and phone.

“UNICEF will rehabilitate broken water and sanitation facilities in health facilities and schools, giving approximately 90,000 people access to safe water and will also help learners return safely to school by providing soap, clean water, buckets and promoting hygiene in schools and in surrounding communities, “  he said.

According to Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) currently in the process of producing a post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report, the cyclone affected more than 2,514,910 people, displaced over 659,000, with 676 deaths, 537 missing and 2,286 injured.

According to a statement released by Minister of Health, Khumbize kandodo Chiponda, the cumulative cholera confirmed cases and deaths reported since the onset of the outbreak is 58,027 and 1,740 respectively with case fatality rate at 3.0 percent.

The statement also says a total of 56,206 people have recovered with 81 currently in the treatment centers.

The U.S government which is Malawi`s longtime partner has already been working in many of the communities affected by Cyclone Freddy responding to pressing humanitarian needs.

USAID has also been supporting the nation to recover through existing projects in health, education and economic growth.

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