MANAonline
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.
Diaspora engagement in mining sector
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, July 11, Mana: Minister of Mining, Monica Chang'anamuno has stressed the importance of engaging Malawians in the diaspora to support the growth of the country's mining industry.
During a Press briefing on Thursday in Lilongwe, she disclosed that the upcoming virtual Malawi Mining Investment Forum (MMIF) scheduled for July 13, 2024, at 2:00 pm Malawi time.
The Minister said the forum aims to provide opportunities for Malawians living abroad to offer technical assistance and explore investment prospects in the mining sector.
Chang'anamuno pointed out that the forum aligns with the Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining (ATM) Strategy, which is part of Malawi's efforts to achieve the Malawi 2063.
She said the forum would offer avenues for investment in mining infrastructure, the upcoming government mining company including the State of the Art Mineral Laboratory, and urged active participation from Malawians in the diaspora.
The Minister emphasized need for government's objective to create an enabling environment in the mining sector to attract both foreign and local investment.
President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has consistently underscored the revitalisation of the country through agriculture, tourism, and mining, with the aim of growing the mining sector to contribute at least 15 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Theme of the forum is "GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, LOCAL IMPACT: INVESTING IN MALAWI'S MINERALS," and it is expected to provide insights into legislations, frameworks, and investment opportunities in Malawi's mining sector.
Government committed to provide quality health services
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, July 11, Mana: Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has pledged government’s commitment to continue providing quality health services to Malawians.
Speaking in Zomba on Thursday when she commissioned four facilities at the Zomba Central Hospital, Chiponda said health care is one of the essential services that the government prioritizes in its plans and budgets.
Chiponda said increasing the number of health workers and improving infrastructure in all the health facilities are among the key drivers in achieving the goal.
She described the Infectious Diseases Unit, the CT scanner, Incinerator and the Multi-Drug Tuberculosis (TB) Ward as a giant step towards improving quality delivery of health services.
“We want our facilities to have everything at one place. When patients come for help, they should be able to get the assistance without being referred to another facility within the district,” Chiponda said.
She said: “From now onwards no-one will travel to Blantyre for CT scanning and the Infectious Diseases Unit whose main function is to accommodate emergency diseases will heavily support the district in times of disease out breaks since infectious diseases would be isolated than was the case in the past.”
Chiponda thanked the Germany government and the Global Fund for supporting the country's health sector.
“We are proud of this achievement but many thanks to the Germany government and the Global Fund for supporting us with resources to construct these facilities and also provide all the necessary equipment,” she said.
Germany Ambassador to Malawi, Ute Konig said Germany has keen interest in improving Malawi's health system by improving its infrastructure and equipping health facilities with the necessary equipment.
Konig pledged continued support in all health related areas, adding: “Germany has been a steadfast partner in improving quality and expanding coverage of health care provision for Malawians.
“Our current Germany portfolio to the health sector is as high as EUR 110 million (equivalent of MK205 billion) for both technical and financial cooperation.
“We would like to see Malawi’s health system transformed and we commit to supporting the country improve the quality of services to the people,” he said.
A resident of Zomba, Herbert Banda said the opening of the four facilities was a major step and dream come true to the people of the old capital city.
“A facility such as Zomba Central Hospital is supposed to be fully fledged and no need for patients to be referred for further treatment elsewhere. Today, we are happy to see that our hospital has been equipped with more advanced machines and have new structures,” said Banda.
Lands Ministry says police key stakeholder in new Land Act
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, July 11, Mana: Director of Planning in the Ministry of Lands, Pamela Kandonga has said the Malawi Police Service in the country is crucial in the effective implementation of new enacted and amended landlLaws.
Kandonga made the sentiments on Thursday in Liwonde during the sensitization of police officers from the eastern region on the amended land laws and land information management systems.
She said the police is a key stakeholder in the implementation of the amended laws; hence, the need for the men and women in uniform to understand the provisions to ably enforce the pieces of legislation.
“It is no secret that police are a crucial stakeholder in the implementation of new amended land laws as they assist in enforcing the laws. They are mandated to making sure that the laws are being implemented and people are complying with the laws,” she said.
Kandonga, therefore, said the ministry decided to engage the police officers to acquaint them with the new land laws.
“Therefore, it is important for the police to know the provisions of the new land laws and enable them to deliver on their mandate in their respective work places efficiently,” Kandonga said.
Commissioner of Police responsible for the Eastern Region, Barbra Mchengatsika said the orientation has come at a right time, as land issues have always been sensitive.
Mchengatsika concurred with Kandonga that police officers need to know the laws considering that it is very difficult to enforce a law, which one is not familiar with.
“We are very grateful to the Ministry of Lands for the orientation. The police officers had more knowledge on old land laws despite the fact that the law was amended which was dangerous.
“We had a risk of not enforcing the law as it is supposed to be. But now with the orientation, we will be able to enforce the land laws properly,” she said.
Land laws were enacted in 2016 and were amended in 2022.
Revolutionizing Lilongwe's markets: The innovative sugarcane cutter boosting economy and hygiene
By Chisomo Sumani
Lilongwe, July 11, Mana: Recently, a new addition in technology has caught the attention of both vendors and consumers, an innovative sugarcane cutter that allows customers to buy and enjoy freshly cut sugarcane right on the spot. This new development is not only enhancing the market experience but also ensuring high standards of environmental hygiene and boosting Malawi's economy.
Traditionally, customers in Lilongwe purchase whole stalks of sugarcane to take home and cut themselves, often consuming it along the way and discarding trash wherever they see fit. This demanding process deterred many from regularly purchasing sugarcane for consumption.
This stood as a barrier to the economic stand, such an inconvenience has been eliminated with the presence of the sugarcane cutter, an equipment that enable sellers to swiftly cut the sugarcane into ready-to-eat pieces, providing an immediate treat for customers.
Aside from boosting the economy, the cutter which also assures hygiene, stands equipped with stainless steel blades, designed to be easily cleaned and sanitized ensuring that customers receive a safe and clean product.
The convenience and improved hygiene have led to a significant boost in sugarcane sales. Vendors report increased customer satisfaction and higher sales volumes. The ability to offer ready-to-eat sugarcane has attracted more customers, including those who were previously reluctant to buy it.
One of the merchandisers, Isaac Lusiyano, who goes around with his sugarcane cutter cycle said: “Most customers enjoy our provision as it is very inclusive and can be consumed everywhere, be it in an office, in your car or anywhere else.”
Lusiyano emphasized on the need for many to utilize the provision of fleshly cut ready to consume sugarcane.
Most residents in Lilongwe are unaware of this new development and still tend to throw sugarcane remains anywhere.
The advent and embrace of the cutter sets environmental hygiene to a notable standard, it is expected to observe a hygiene environment as customers are provided with two plastic bags, one for sugarcane and one for the remains, which is later collected by the sellers and later on sold to pig farmers for food, to other farmers for manure and more, something which was not done before.
In an article published by Nyasa times in 2014, One from Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET) said: “I think it is high time Malawi started thinking of recycling as a way forward with regards to waste management.”
He stressed that all Malawians ought to practice proper waste management especially at household level and keep their surroundings clean.
“Let us develop a "clean culture" and the Ministry of Local Government should learn from Rwanda how their counterparts there successfully nurture and groom the clean culture.
“Their streets are clean from cities to rural towns and villages. We have a sorry state in Malawi where people would chew sugarcane anyhow and litter the roads all over the place and we all just watch. We have to get started by engaging tough gears,” he added.
The advent of the sugarcane cutter portrays a revolutionized Malawi in its goal to achieving a healthy and safe environment for all to dwell in.
One of the customers Joseph White commended the development saying, “Things have improved, the process is hygienic and waste is separated, only if a lot of Malawians would adopt this new development our towns would look a lot better and improved.”
The sugarcane cutter has become a popular feature in Lilongwe market catching the attention of many who see it there, well known shops have also adopted the selling of fleshly cut sugarcane drawing both regular and new customers who are curious about it.
The introduction of the sugarcane cutter in Lilongwe’s markets is a shining example of how innovation can enhance traditional practices. By providing quick service and maintaining high hygiene standards, this development is greatly improving the market experience for both vendors and customers.
As the community continues to embrace this new technology, it promises to make Lilongwe's markets even more dynamic and enjoyable.
Next time you visit the market, be sure to stop by a vendor with the sugarcane cutter. Enjoying a fresh, hygienic treat on the spot and experience firsthand how this innovation is transforming the market.
Nsanje’s under- five children still battling malaria
By Lisa Lamya
Blantyre, July 11, Mana: Malaria is said to be prevalent among under-five children at Chimombo Health Post in Nsanje district, a visit to the health post by the Ministry of Local Government Unity and Culture has established.
A Health Surveillance Assistant (HSA), Maganizo Gavi who oversees the health post said they serve at least 34 people per day since they started the operations in January this year.
“So far, children seeking medical care present with malaria symptoms and we have been able to assist them accordingly, apart from ante-natal and family planning services,” Gavi said.
Nsanje district has high malaria cases, which can be attributed to swamps that emanate from floods.
Gavi however, pleaded with authorities to ensure they address electricity issues at the post so that they continue to provide health care services to children without hurdles.
“In the long term, we would like to have electricity at this place so that the health post is secure, we also need an incinerator and bicycles to ensure we reach out to more people in hard-to- reach areas,” he added.
Reacting to the concerns, Director of Health and Social Services for Nsanje district council, Dr. Gilbert Chapweteka said they have already applied for electricity from the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi and that they are just waiting for response from the utility body.
Chapweteka, however, was quick to mention that the fridge that is available at the facility, which stores vaccines, runs on solar.
“Plans are in the pipeline to steadily expand the health post to a health Centre. So, all of the problems that are being faced currently will be addressed as we progress,” said Chapweteka.
Environmental activist condemns continued production of thin plastic bags
By Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe, July 11, Mana: Renowned environmental activist in Malawi, Mathews Malata, has lambasted companies still producing thin plastic bags despite government efforts to ban their production. Malata singled out foreign-owned firms, accusing them of disregarding the country's laws and prioritizing profits over environmental and public health concerns.
On his Facebook page, Malata urged Malawians to shun plastic bags and opt for eco-friendly alternatives.
"We don't need irresponsible investors who pollute our environment and put our health at risk. Our wealth lies in our soil, and we must protect it," he emphasized.
Principal Secretary for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. Yusuf Mkungula, echoed Malata's sentiments, warning that thin plastic bags pose a significant threat to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. He reiterated that companies producing or using plastic bags with less than 60 microns are operating illegally and will face legal consequences.
“As per court ruling, we will start enforcement on July 8, 2024 to ensure that the initiative is properly and effectively implemented.
"This is aligned well with Malawi 2063 Vision, specifically Enabler 7 on environmental sustainability which provides that Malawi shall have a safe, clean, secure and sustainable environment,” Mkungula said.
As of July 8, 2024, the government will enforce a ban on thin plastic bags, aligning with Malawi's 2063 Vision for environmental sustainability.
Mkungula encouraged Malawians to embrace reusable and recycled materials for carrying groceries and other items.
Phokera police unit to drive down crime
By Lisa Lamya
Blantyre, July 11, Mana: Parliamentarian for Nsanje Lalanje, Gladys Ganda says the construction of Phokera police unit in her constituency will help curb theft and murder cases which are rampant in the area.
Ganda made the sentiments during a supervisory tour of various development projects funded by Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD), District Development Fund (DDF) and Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Nsanje.
Ganda disclosed that Phokera police unit project has been constructed to the tune of MK43 million using CDF and all works took six weeks to be completed.
“An area that has good security brings peace to the community members and this helps them to go out and carry out development activities freely. I am pleased that this police unit is here now so that people can focus on other important things,” said Ganda.
She however, urged community members to ensure they guard jealously against the police unit and develop a good working relationship with the police serving at the formation.
One of the community members, Joe Masauli said they are ready to work with the police so that the area is free from crime, adding that they requested for the project. He expressed pleasure that the project has been delivered.
“I believe that this police unit will enable us to do away with crime, mostly people steal livestock and this is a setback because some of us rely on livestock business to survive, we are hoping things will improve,” Masauli said.
Ministry of Health to establish more health posts
By Clarabella Chipolonga
Chiradzulu, July 11, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud has said government is focused on providing quality health care services to its citizens by building high standard health Centre’s across the country.
Speaking in a briefing on Wednesday after visiting Malaya Health Post in Chiradzulu district where the construction of a borehole is underway, Daud said health posts and safe water remain crucial in delivering quality health services to the community.
“When we have more health posts, it means we are reducing congestion and long distances which people have to endure to access health care services at district hospitals.
“If we go to these hospitals, we will find out that they are congested because the small clinics in the community are not completed and many of them are not working,” Daud said.
Daud advised Chiradzulu district council officials and community leaders to monitor the progress frequently during construction of the borehole.
“We have all heard the contractor giving excuses for not finishing construction of the borehole but he has given us four days to finish drilling the borehole and seven more days for the borehole to be ready for use.
“This will need a strict follow up on the contractor in making sure that they have honoured their promise and every progress should be reported to my office,” Daud added.
District Commissioner for Chiradzulu, Francis Matewere commended Daud for the visit, saying it is encouraging to the community and council because it will speed up the construction process.
“Your coming has shown how determined the ministry is on issues to do with health care services in this country which is good because you have appreciated the challenges that are here,” Matewere said.
Traditional Authority (T/A) Nkalo expressed gratitude to the Deputy Minister for visiting his area and for giving them mandate to supervise the borehole construction works.
“From tomorrow, I will be here just to make sure that work has commenced, as you already know water is life, without water it is very hard to practice hygiene and a certain survey showed that 50 percent of the patients in the hospital are sick due to lack of hygiene. We will take care of the borehole,” T/A Nkalo said.
He, therefore, asked the Ministry of Health to consider upgrading Thuchira Health Centre to a rural hospital, noting that apart from serving people from Chiradzulu, the facility also serves others from Mulanje.
“Thuchira Health Centre borders Chiradzulu and Mulanje districts; thereby, communities from the two districts receive their health care services there although it is small, therefore, it will be easier if it is elevated to a rural hospital,” added T/A Nkalo.
Government in collaboration with the Global Fund embarked on a mission of constructing health posts and boreholes in rural areas that do not have access to health care services and safe water.
