MANAonline
Mwanza One Stop Border Post to fast track international trade
By Brian Wasili
Mwanza, July 18, Mana: Government has renewed its commitment to ensuring that international traders do not spend much time to transact trade and process travelling documents at the country’s border posts to effectively grow the country’s economy through cross-border trade.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe was speaking in Mwanza on Wednesday during the handover of Mwanza One Stop Border Post (OSBP) from National Roads Authority (NRA) to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
“The main objective of constructing this facility is to facilitate speedy service delivery particularly clearance of goods and travellers entering or exiting the country through the border,” said Gwengwe.
he expressed optimism for quality service delivery and dedication of members of staff at the OSBP because of the state-of-the-art working environment furnished with modern equipment.
Six government departments and agencies such as the MRA, Immigration, Malawi Bureau of Standards, agriculture, police and health with Trade and Industry as lead ministry are housed under one modern structure to enhance coordination.
The K5.5 billion OSBP facility is a World Bank funded project facilitated by the government and construction work commenced by a Chinese - China Geo Engineering Company through the NRA in 2021.
In an interview, Mwanza District Council Chairperson, Bellon Kasambwe said the appearance of the district has been transformed because of the facility.
“Mwanza is a major entry point into the country; therefore, there is need for modern facilities like the one opened today,” said Kasambwe.
A seasonal cross-border business person from Mangochi, Ali M’bwana commended government for facilitating the construction of the facility, saying it matches with modern times requirement for better time management as this is crucial in trade.
“I am grateful because in the past I used to spend a lot of money on food and accommodation here waiting for clearance but now it is time saving as everything will be conducted under one roof as is the case in our neighbouring countries,” said M’bwana.
Earlier, Senior Chief Nthache hailed government, saying the construction of the facility created employment opportunity for community members in his area.
“Some people will be selling their commodities to those who will be working here that will promote economic empowerment among the community surrounding this area,” said Nthache, pledging to safeguard the facility through creating awareness to his subjects against vandalism.
NCD alliance calls for greater media coverage
By Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe, July 18 - The Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Alliance has called on the media to play a more significant role in raising awareness about NCDs in Malawi.
Speaking at a media workshop in Lilongwe, Dingaan Mithi, a representative of the alliance, emphasized the need for increased media coverage on NCDs, its causes, and dangers.
"There is a huge role that the media has to play in bridging the information gap on NCDs, causes, and dangers, by reaching a wider audience in the country," said Mithi.
He said the media has a critical role in advocating for effective policies and preventive measures.
"As the media, there is need to advocate for effective NCD policies and preventive measures amongst Malawians in the communities where we come from." Said Mithi.
Virinyu Dzimbiri, a journalist from Dzimwe Community Radio in Monkey Bay, said the workshop was enlightening and plans to incorporate NCD topics into her future programming. "
To most of us journalists present here, the issue about NCDs was new, but after this training, we will be able to put emphasis on NCDs since we now have an understanding of such.
"For example, apart from writing stories for radio, I also produce programs that feature women and the youth, and with this new information, it means I will be adding NCD topics to my future programming,” Dzimbiri said.
The NCD Alliance, is funded by the World Diabetes Foundation and other partners in health and works with the Ministry of Health to address the growing concern of NCDs in Malawi.
High price of fish feed, a challenge in fish farming
By Janet Mkonongo
Mzuzu, July 18, Mana: Fisheries Research Officer at Mzuzu Aquaculture Centre, one of the government’s flagship projects, Silvester Jambo, Monday said the centre’s target of 5 Million fingerlings annually is hampered by high cost of feed, and cold weather, among others
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, Jambo said the centre only manages to raise a million fingerlings due to the challenges.
“To overcome the weather related challenge, we raise some of the fish for breeding in green houses where the temperatures are warm for continuous breeding.
“Most people take it that green houses are meant for vegetable production, but here, we use them to cover ponds for warm temperature which is vital for fish breeding,” said Jambo.
He added that the centre has among other innovations fish feed milling machines and constructed large ponds to boost production.
“The centre has been a beacon of progress since its establishment in 1987 as a research centre in aquaculture, fingerling production and distribution to fish farmers.
“Mostly the research is done in fish breeding, feed formulation, quality and adaptability of fish in different water temperatures to suit effects of climate change and other fisheries scientific areas with results disseminated to fish farmers for adoption,” he said.
He added that the centres also offer training and advice to fish farmers and that students from various schools visit the place for education purposes whilst other people consider the site as a tourism centre.
According to head of the centre, David Mbamba, aquaculture industry faces challenges due to high cost of feed which he said reduces profit margin for fish farmers.
“Aquaculture requires huge capital investment in construction of the ponds, among others. however, it’s difficult for farmers to access loans from lending institutions because banks are not sure of the returns and feel it’s risky for them to invest their money in fish farming business,” said Mbamba.
He observed that aquaculture contributes 70 percent of animal proteins consumed for balanced nutrition across the country.
“This industry provides opportunity for income generation for communities and individuals,” he said,” he said.
One of the fish farmers from Gesha in Mzuzu City, Evergrace Kachali said buying fingerlings for fishing production from the centre is beneficial since through its extension workers, farmers are visited and advised on fisheries and how to develop into business.
The centre raises assorted types of fish such as, Coptodon redalli(Chilunguni), Oreochromis shiranus (Makumba), Oreochromis karongae (Chambo/Chejumo) and Clarias geriepinus (Mlamba)
Ministry calls for consumption of animal source foods to fight malnutrition
By Priscilla Phiri
Lilongwe, July 18, Mana: Deputy Director for the Department of Nutrition in the Ministry of Health, Kondwani Mpeniuwawa, says about 34 percent of children in Malawi are malnourished, hence called for consumption of animal source foods.
He said this on Thursday, during a learning event on Animal Source Food, organised by GIZ that took place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Mpeniuwawa said most households in Malawi have normalised consuming plant based foods as a primary source of nutrients.
“As a country we promote eating from the six food groups and most of the food consumed in this country is not animal source foods, so through this event Malawians will learn the relevance of having animal source food in their diet as well as what we can do to have enough animal source foods,” he said.
He urged farmers and households in rural areas to continue rearing livestock that can be used for consumption at household level at any point of time to balance their diet.
“We are urging all households to rear chickens and rabbits as that will make animal source foods available, more especially to children, pregnant women and lactating mothers to prevent malnutrition,” he said.
Mpeniuwawa, also revealed that 34% of the children in Malawi are experiencing malnutrition related problems, according to research, and that as a Ministry efforts to promote nutrition are being put in place to manage the situation.
“As a Ministry we are promoting good feeding practices especially for the under two children as stunting happens in the first two years of life, and we are also promoting adequate nutrition for lactating mothers, and pregnant women,” he said.
He further commended GIZ for organising the learning event as well as implementing the Food and Nutrition Security Programme (FNSP) in the country as it is in line with the country’s health agenda for Malawi’s 2063 vision.
Team leader for FNSP, Dr Martina Kress emphasised on the need to attain the programme objectives which has been under implementation for about 10 years in the country with support from GIZ.
He hailed the cordial working relationship that has existed with different government agencies and institutions over the years of the project implementation.
GIZ has been implementing the Food and Nutrition Security Programme in Dedza and Salima with funding from the German Development Cooperation.
Chakwera hailed for Good Governance
By Gift Chiponde
Mangochi, July 17, Mana: Some social and governance experts in the country have hailed President Dr Lazarus Chakwera for demonstrating good leadership in making sure that all regions across the country benefit from the transformative projects that the government is currently implementing.
In an interview with a Malawi news agency (Mana), Undule Mwakasungula, a renowned governance expert, commended President Chakwera for initiating various developmental projects across the country aiming at enhancing people's lives.
He emphasized the need for Malawians to embrace and appreciate the developments that the Chakwera administration has initiated, such as the revitalization of the railway system, road infrastructure, the transformation of agriculture through the mega farms, and other noteworthy projects.
"We have seen that the railway line is now operational, which will facilitate the transportation of goods and the mobility of people,"
This railway line was abandoned by previous administrations, but President Chakwera has made it possible to resurrect it" Mwakasungula said.
He also expressed satisfaction with the President's vision of economic recovery through the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining Strategy and the implementation of the mega farm, claiming that these are game changers.
Mwakasungula pointed out that some individuals may not appreciate these projects due to politics, and emphasized the need to give credit to the current administration.
In a separate interview, Humphreys Mvula, a social and economic expert, expressed admiration for the President's persistence and his commitment to his promises.
"President Chakwera has performed tremendously well when it comes to developmental projects. He is one of the presidents who has done his best in terms of developing the country." Said Mvula
He also commended President Chakwera for incorporating former presidents and vice presidents in various initiatives, a practice which he said had been lacking in the past.
Mvula said the country has witnessed various development initiatives under President Chakwera and that these developments would benefit all Malawians despite political differences.
"We must learn to appreciate the developments that the Chakwera-led government has initiated; these projects will benefit all Malawians," he said.
Mvula urged all politicians to accept that President Chakwera is the President of Malawi for the country to progress and transform through the various programs initiated by the current government.
Parliamentary Committee impressed with council on GESD funds
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, July 18, Mana: Parliamentary Committee on Local Authority and Rural Development has expressed satisfaction with Nkhotakota District Council's plans to turn Sitima Inn into a hotel as one way of generating income for the district.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday when the committee visited the project under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery GESD in the area of Traditional Authority Malengachanzi in Nkhotakota, Chairperson of the committee, Horace Chipuwa said the plans are crucial, observing this will increase locally generated income to boost service delivery for people in the district.
"Our committee will continue to support the council because they have well-packaged development projects like Sitima Inn that will assist people in the district as well as the country since the local council will generate income," he said.
Senior Planning Officer for the National Local Government Finance Committee-NLGFC, Charity Kaunda said the committee is committed to continue providing financial support so that the council should finish its outlined projects within the given timeframe.
District Commissioner for Nkhotakota, Ben Tonho, expressed gratitude to the committee for visiting the district and described the gesture as a motivating factor for the council.
"We have a philosophy aimed at developing he district because the council's priority is to improve people's social economic livelihoods and infrastructure development," said Tonho.
Nkhotakota District Council will use over K328 million from the World Bank through Governance to Enable Service Delivery GESD to turn the place into a hotel.
The Parliamentary committee was in Nkhotakota district to appreciate progress being made by the council on various performance-based grant projects being implemented.
Japanese Embassy hands over classroom block in Phalombe
By Linda Likomwa
Phalombe, July 18, Mana: The Japanese Government on Wednesday handed over a classroom block to Chitokolo Primary School in Phalombe, constructed out of a K120 million grant also meant for a construction of a toilet facility, procurement of desks and rehabilitation of classroom blocks.
Speaking during the handover cermony, Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Yoich Oya said in November 2023 his office and Chitokolo Primary School signed a K120 million grant for the construction of a classroom block and toilets, procurement of desks and rehabilitation of one classroom block which was damaged by Tropical Cyclone Freddy induced stormy rains.
Oya said Japan believes that primary school education is the foundation of humanity and essential for the growth and development of the nation, hence the assistance.
“The project also contributes to the recovery of the surrounding community and learners from the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy which occurred in March 2024. Let me also thank Japanese non-governmental organization, Can Do, which has been supporting the education sector in Phalombe since 2019 and also assisted Chitokolo Primary School during the construction period,” Oya said.
Phalombe District Commissioner, Douglas Mofati thanked the Japanese and Malawi government`s cooperation for supporting Phalombe District Council in the construction and rehabilitation of Chitokolo School block, saying this is in line with development aspiration of providing equal education for all.
He said the classroom blocks at Chitokolo Primary School will also provide a conducive learning environment in pursuit for quality education.
Chitokolo School, Head teacher, Patricia Makumbi thanked the Japanese government for the assistance which she described as timely.
She said the additional classroom block will accommodate Standard 8 learners in the next academic year to start in September this year.
“We only had learners in Standard 1 to 7 because of limited classrooms, but now that we have the additional two classrooms and well-furnished, we asked the office of the Director of Education, Youth and Sports (DEYS) to allow us to have Standard 8,” she said.
Makumbi said the Directorate of Education, Youth and Sports agreed that Chitokolo School should introduce Standard 8 and that it should also be an examination center.
Construction and rehabilitation works were funded by the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Project which was introduced in 1989 to respond to diverse development needs in least developed countries by providing financial assistance to non-profit development organizations to implement projects at grassroots level.
Chitokolo Primary School has 1,100 learners with nine class rooms blocks.
CSE-PWP, beacon of unity in public works
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, July 18, Mana: People in Dedza district have described the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSE-PWP) as a uniting factor among communities in finding solutions to address challenges affecting their lives.
The communities cited swale construction, ridge realignment, stone bands as well as the natural tree regeneration as some of the initiatives that have seen them joining hands to address issues like soil erosion, low crop production as well as deforestation among others.
They made the remarks on Wednesday during a media tour to the two catchments of Kakolo under Traditional Authority Kaphuka and Liwenga under Senior Chief Kachere in the district.
Group Village Head Chisangwi under Kaphuka Extension Planning Area (EPA) said in the past, farmers’ crops were being washed away but now the story is different.
“There is indeed power in unity. Our coming together to construct swales here has seen us blocking rain water, which used to wash away our crops. The programme has enhanced the collaborative efforts among us and it is our plea to see it continuing,” he said.
On her part, Alinafe Gumbo, one of the programme participants under Group Village Head Sefasi in Senior Chief Kachere, said the programme is benefitting them as they have managed to restore the degraded land and have greatly achieved on tree regeneration.
“I can assure you that we realized bumper harvests in the last harvest season because there are no soil erosions taking place and that trees have been restored making our area to experience good rains unlike in other parts of the district,” she said.
Dedza district council, CSE-PWP Project Facilitator, Jocaster Mnemba, commended participants for coming together to address some climate hazards.
“I am very impressed seeing how land has been retained thereby improving crop production. The natural trees regeneration will also go a long way in protecting soil from being washed away and also improve on rainfall,” she said.
Mnemba further said as one way of sustaining the interventions, communities are encouraged to participate in community contributions like manure making.
In Dedza, about 22,635 communities are participating under the CSE-PWP in eight Traditional Authorities under ten EPAs.
CSE-PWP is a Social Support for Resilient Programme being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) with support from World Bank and Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
Centre for innovators on cards
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe, July 18, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has disclosed its plan of establishing an acceleration centre for innovators in the country under the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development.
MACRA’s Muuni Fund Team Lead, Wezi Salima disclosed this on Wednesday at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe when MACRA engaged innovators on the idea of establishing the acceleration centre.
She said the aim of the acceleration centre was to build a biggest centre for all Malawians innovators and entrepreneurs to be able to be incubating and accelerating their ideas through the collaboration of the different ecosystem players under innovation.
“The aim of what MACRA is trying to do through the Muuni fund is that we push for innovation and entrepreneurship not only from the MACRA fund by involving other stakeholders that have interest of building an acceleration centre,” Salima said.
“What we have noted is that the innovation ecosystem is quite space whereby people are doing things individually, so there is need for collaboration for each stakeholder to be able to understand what other stakeholders are doing and how we can partner with each other,” she added.
According to Salima Malawi under MACRA has been selected as one of the 17 countries to host and establish an acceleration centre by the International Telecommunication Unit (ITU).
One of the innovators, Sarah Khuze said the acceleration centre would give the innovators in the country an opportunity, resources and support to accelerate their ideas to enable them sell their products locally and globally.
“As innovators, we have been crying for funding to scale up our ideas and we believe that the acceleration centre will give us funding and the networking opportunities to accelerate our ideas,
What we want is to have products that can stand on the international market. And we believe that the centre will give us a platform where we can sell our products locally and globally,” she said.
Khuze called upon policy makers who would be part of the acceleration centre to implement policies that would help innovators to scale up their ideas and grow.
Cholera outbreak declared over
By Naomi Langisi
Lilongwe, 17 July, Mana: Ministry of Health has announced the end of Cholera outbreak in the country effective July 10, 2024,
This declaration comes after four weeks of no confirmed Cholera cases, indicating that the transmission chains of the disease have been fully interrupted.
These efforts significantly reduced the number of Cholera cases, and the outbreak was eventually declared no longer a National Public Health Emergency on August 5, 2023.
However, rare cases continued to be reported in high-risk districts, prompting continued surveillance and control measures.
Secretary for Health, Dr. Samson Mndolo, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their efforts in fighting the outbreak
“We acknowledge the role played by all stakeholders, including the public, in the response efforts. We will continue to be vigilant and support multi-sectoral Cholera prevention and control interventions to ensure that any upsurges of diarrhea diseases are timely identified and controlled," he said.
Community Health Ambassador, Maziko Matemba urged the government to ensure that all health services are available and to sensitize the public about the deadly disease to avoid future recurrence.
"The intensive surveillance and control measures implemented by the government have been instrumental in halting the outbreak. However, it is crucial that the public continues to observe prevention measures to prevent future outbreaks," he added.
Malawian citizen, Judith Kabuluzi, expressed relief that the outbreak has ended and thanked all stakeholders who have been working hand in hand with the government to end the outbreak.
"I'm so grateful that the cholera outbreak has been declared over. It's been a challenging time for our community, but we're thankful for the government's efforts in controlling the outbreak," she said.
The Ministry of Health urges the public to continue observing prevention measures, including drinking safe water, practicing food hygiene, regular hand washing with soap, consistent use of toilets, and reporting any suspected cholera cases to the nearest health facilities.
Since the outbreak was declared on March 3, 2022, the country has reported a total of 59,376 cases and 1,772 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of three percent.
The President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, declared a National Public Health Emergency on December 5, 2022, which led to intensified implementation of preventive and control interventions.
