MANAonline
Natural disasters have impacted on development progress
By Gomezgani Msiska
Lilongwe, July 10, Mana: Government has revealed that the country’s development progress has been severely impacted by natural disasters and war, and it was struggling to recover from the setbacks.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo said this Tuesday at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe during the launch of Human Development Report (HDR) 2023/24 whose title is "Breaking the Gridlock, Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World".
She noted that many countries' development was progressing well until 2018, but since then, things have taken a downward turn.
Tembo cited the 2018 Cyclones and the ongoing Ukrainian war as major setbacks, with COVID-19 further exacerbating the challenges.
She stressed the need for collective action to address the challenges by urging all Malawians to work together to transform the country into a digitalized country with improved education and health facilities.
"It's not about one person, one government, or one political party; it's about all of us working together to leave a well-developed country for future generations," the Minister hinted.
Tembo noted that developed countries have managed to recover from the challenges, but developing countries like Malawi are still struggling to get back on track.
She urged all stakeholders to work together to address the challenges and ensure a brighter future for Malawi.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Fenella Frost said the report was significant in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and polarization.
"The World is at a critical turning point, we appear stuck with a lack of collective action to address these challenges. How do we get unstuck? This question has motivated UNDP to support the 2023/24 Human Development Report," she said
Frost pointed out that, "We must urgently take action together, both as countries and regions, to address the challenges identified, including inequality and escalating political polarization."
She noted that despite global progress, the world was experiencing a "gridlock" in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with many countries, including Malawi, struggling to regain momentum after the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The SDGs are there to pull men and women across the globe to achieve their full potential and benefit equally from social and economic services," UNDP Representative added.
Frost singled out natural disasters, debt, and slow progress in achieving the SDGs as major challenges facing the country.
She noted areas of progress, including digital transformation, with 98 percent of Malawians registered for a unique ID.
"The government has made huge progress and this will help to unlock a whole range of savings for the government and best access to services for the population," Frost said.
She urged government to prioritize areas such as agriculture, tourism, mining, and manufacturing to drive growth and achieve the SDGs.
"We need to work together to address these challenges and get back on track to achieving the SDGs," Frost stressed.
The Report provides a comprehensive analysis of global challenges and human development trends, offering critical insights into progress and challenges in achieving the SDGs.
Government geared to improve health service delivery
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, July 9, Mana: Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, has assured people in Nsanje of government’s commitment to improving health service delivery in the country.
Chiponda was speaking after commissioning the state-of-the-art multi-drug resistance Tuberculosis (TB) Ward at Nsanje District Hospital.
“This facility will mainly help those that have developed resistance to Tuberculosis treatment,” she said.
Chiponda advised people to seek early TB treatment once they experience signs and symptoms of the disease saying TB is curable if detected early.
Chiponda also advised district health officials and people in the district to look after the new structures.
She, therefore, expressed gratitude to the World Bank for complementing government’s efforts in promoting health service delivery in the country.
Chiponda noted a number of challenges the district hospital is facing and assured the district’s health management team that government will address the shortfalls.
“I have noted that the cold room is not working effectively and also the maternity wing is not up to standard,” she admitted.
Chiponda disclosed that government has allocated K500 million for rehabilitation of health facilities in Nsanje.
She encouraged health workers to work hard and refrain from drug theft, noting: “Anyone found in the malpractice, will face the law.”
During the event, the minister also launched motorbikes that will be used to deliver supplies in health Centre’s in the district under the Direct Delivery of Routine Immunization Vaccines and Interventions for Equity (Drive) health project.
Nsanje District Council Vice Chairperson, Felix Round, commended government for putting efforts in promoting health service in the country saying the new structure at the district will facelift Nsanje District hospital.
Construction of the TB Ward has costed K240 million.
Mercha Set for The City Splash Show
By Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe, July 9, Mana: Rising northern region music sensation, Mercha, is geared up for his debut headlining show, The City Splash, on August 3, 2024 at Mjolo Village, near Matayifa market in Mzuzu.
The acoustic show, scheduled for the evening hours, marks a significant milestone in Mercha's career, and he is eager to share the experience with his fans.
"Headlining my own show has always been a dream, and I am excited to finally make it a reality with The City Splash.
"I'm grateful for the support I have received throughout my musical journey, and I hope fans will continue supporting me on this new chapter," he said.
Kingston Chibwazi, a fan of Mercha, hailed the development as exciting news.
"This is a good development coming from an artist I love the most. The show will be an exciting experience for someone like me who loves listening to his music," said Chibwazi.
Gwamba, a well-established name in Malawi's music industry, has commended Mercha for taking the initiative to organize his own show.
"It is important for upcoming artists to have their own events as it helps improve their brand. The more you master the art of doing events, the more you grow your brand," said Gwamba.
He further advised upcoming artists not to wait for promoters but to take charge of their careers.
The City Splash show will feature a lineup of talented artists, including Prince Chitz and Wakisa James, with more names to be announced soon.
Mercha has also revealed plans for a college tour from September to November and several upcoming shows and festivals.
Fresh from the success of his latest single, "Obhebha," featuring Namadingo, Mercha is set to release another exciting collaboration, "Zamawa," featuring Prince Chitz.
The artist and his management are inviting potential sponsors to come on board and support the show.
Writer Davie Mchinga out with debut novelette ‘The Fallout’
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, July 9, Mana: After publishing a plethora of short stories, poems and other general articles in the country’s various publications, United States of America (USA) based media studies scholar, Davie Danford Mchinga, has taken a giant step in his writing career by publishing his first novelette christened The Fallout: Nyamsengechi’s Odyssey of Turmoil.
In an interview from North Carolina, USA, Mchinga said it has taken him one year to author the 105 paged book.
“It has taken me a good 12 months to complete writing the book. The project started in Malawi but I have completed it here in the USA. I hope and believe that readers will fall in love with what I have written as I tried to put much effort in it,” said Mchinga.
He said his creative writings always originate from his surroundings.
“I pay keen attention to the things that happen in society and this book is mirror to what is happening in our communities,” he said.
The Fallout: Nyamsengechi’s Odyssey of Turmoil delves into the complex interplay of climate change, poverty and cultural practices in rural Malawi.
Through the harrowing journey of one young girl Nyamsengechi who is married off at a tender age, Mchinga sheds light on the devastating impact of environmental changes on vulnerable communities.
“In a nutshell the novelette brings out the consequences on marriage that Nyamsengechi encountered after her husband left for greener pastures in South Africa as a result of climate change which resulted in inability to harvest enough yields to pay back debt and sustain his family,” said Mchinga.
One of the people who have read the book, Eliza Elias, described the novelette as a masterpiece.
“I have read short stories written by Mchinga before and this book is just superb. Mchinga is a writer who takes a reader from one page to the end without the reader getting tired of reading. So, having read the 105 paged novelette, I feel the author is on a right track in terms of his writing ability,” said Elias.
According to Mchinga, who is pursuing his studies at Fayetteville State University, the book is currently on the market only on soft copies.
“We are selling soft copy at K10,000. However, we have engaged government print and by the end of this month more than 200 copies will be out. So, those who love hard copies should not feel hard done. Hard copies are coming,” said the 31-year-old author who admires the writings of Chinua Achebe, Steve Chimombo, Ngugi wa Thiongo, Jack Mapanje and Wole Soyika.
Mia commends Chikwawa District Council for effective project management
By Willy Kadewere & Leah Malimbasa
Chikwawa, July 9, Mana: Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia, has commended Chikwawa District Council for being exemplary in management and implementation of Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) projects, which supplements the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) financing arrangement.
She was speaking on Tuesday at the launch of the district’s 2023-2024 GESD projects at Matsukambiya Village in Traditional Authority (TA) Ngabu in Chikwawa.
Mia, who is also Member of Parliament for Chikwawa Nkombezi, commended the District Commissioner and council staff for their prudent use of GESD funds.
“I’m pleased with the council’s collective achievements; our teamwork has significantly contributed to the district’s positive outcomes in the recent Local Authority Performance Assessment (LAPA),” she said.
During the event, Mia also officially launched construction of a new health post under GESD project at Matsukambiya Village which is expected to serve over 15,000 residents from surrounding communities.
District Commissioner for Chikwawa, Nardin Kamba, expressed satisfaction with the district’s performance as reflected in the LAPA results, which secured funds for the 2023-2024 GESD projects.
Kamba emphasized the importance of integrity in project execution, urging building contractors to refrain from corrupt practices that compromise the quality of infrastructure.
“I would like to urge contractors to uphold integrity, our community deserves quality projects, free from corruption,” Kamba said.
The construction of Matsukambiya Health Post, with an estimated budget of K1.6 million commenced on Tuesday and is scheduled for completion by September this year.
Apart from Matsukambiya Health Post, the district will also build Bereu and complete Tizola maternity wings, Mapelera Primary Education Advisor’s house, two staff houses for Nsangwe Health Centre, Gola CDSS classroom block, renovation of Nambesa Primary School classroom block, Nkhate and Kanzimbi health posts, Nkhwangwa and Ndakwera CDSS classroom blocks, among other projects.
Private security companies, catalyst for peace and order – Kabisala
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe, July 9, Mana: Security Expert, Aubrey Kabisala, has appealed to private security institutions in the country to offer support that would supplement government’s efforts aimed at creating safe haven destination for investors.
Kabisala told Malawi News Agency (MANA) amidst the escalation of private security institutions and companies in the country saying private security agencies play a significant role in security.
Kabisala said Malawi 2063 goal under sustainable peace and security highlights that sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace and national security.
"The main state actors in the security arena may not sufficiently provide safety and security required to attract investors and retain human resources as the state security sector, such as police, is limited. As such, not every Malawian or an investor who would love to have security personnel cannot access them from police hence private security agencies fill the gap," he has said.
Kabisala, therefore, appealed to human resource managers from various private security institutions to embrace professionalism in their conduct.
The appeal follows public concerns of some security companies who have been transferring and deploying security officers involved in theft to work for other security agencies and companies instead of holding them accountable of their offenses which perpetuate the vice.
"Transferring staff from one institution to another with the intention of hiding criminal offense is not an acceptable Human Resources Management practice," he said.
However, Kabisala commended the growth of private security institutions in the country saying it supports government's interventions in reducing unemployment and enhancing safety and security.
National Police Spokesperson, Peter Kalaya, echoed the significance of collaborative efforts by Malawi Police and private security institutions in enforcing and maintaining peace and order in the country.
Kalaya, however, criticized the act of transferring and deploying security officers to clear justifications emphasizing that such practices compromise police investigations.
Kalindo acquitted of inciting violence
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, July 9, Mana: Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate court on Tuesday acquitted Bon Elias Kalindo on a case of inciting violence during the November 30, 2023 anti-government demonstrations which took place in the district on grounds that the state failed to provide strong evidence on the matter.
The human rights activist was arrested a few days after the demonstrations following complaints that people suspected of being part of the demonstrations turned violent and destroyed property after presenting the petition.
Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Maxwell Chande said it was on record that Kalindo organized the demonstration and that some property, including government's property, were damaged.
However, Chande said the court failed to link between what happened during the demonstrations to have been caused by the accused person.
“The court finds that the state has failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. What the accused did was to exercise his human right,” said Chande.
Speaking to media after the acquittal, Kalindo commended the judiciary in the country for being independent, transparent and for ensuring justice during his trial.
The 48-year-old activist was accused of inciting violence that led to destruction of 11 vehicles, belonging to government and public servants, which were parked at the District Education Management Office.
Kalindo pleaded not guilty to the allegation which forced the state to parade four witnesses to prove the case.
Kalindo, through his legal representation, Smart Khalifa, made bail application but the state objected claiming if the accused was given bail he would tamper with evidence. He was, however, granted bail.
Women prayer group donates to Kasungu prison
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, July 9, Mana: Christian women under World Women's Day of Prayers on Monday donated assorted items to Kasungu Prison to cheer up inmates as the country celebrated 60 years of independence.
Chairlady for the group, Eness Chilipapa, said they decided to donate the items to the prison because the bible tells them to be generous and cheerful to those that are going through trying times.
“The bible says if we do not carry out charitable works, the Lord will rebuke us on judgement day for not having done enough as Christians.
“The bible is clear that the Lord will remind us that He was hungry but we did not feed Him; He was naked but we did not give Him clothes to wear and that He was a prisoner and we did not cheer Him up and that is exactly why we decided to do this,” Chilipapa said.
She appealed to the public to spare some time to visit prisons and at least donate whatever they can afford to.
“One does not need to be a millionaire for him or her to donate to inmates. Sometimes we waste foodstuffs while inmates are starving and we throw away clothes that could be donated and be used by the inmates,” she said.
Officer in-Charge for Kasungu Prison, Risted Mabeti, expressed gratitude to the World Women's Day of Prayer for what he dubbed as a timely donation.
“I would like to applaud World Women's Day of Prayer for this donation which we did not expect. It is always our desire that inmates should go back home with a healthy life after completing their sentences.
“The number of inmates here is always rising and we feel good when people like these come to assist us,” Mabeti said.
The donated items included soap, maize, salt, soya pieces, beans, plates, cups and bibles, amounting to K1.5 million.
Kasungu prison is one of the most congested correctional facilities with at least 706 inmates against a capacity 200.
Public works programme brings significant environmental assets to Mchinji
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, July 9, Mana: The third cycle of the Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) has culminated in the creation of substantial environmental protection assets in Mchinji.
The cycle has seen participants engaged in the construction of check dams, swales, stone bunds, contour marker ridges and the protection of naturally regenerating forests from bushfires, among others.
Chairperson of Wi-Fi Catchment Management Committee, Innocent Mtema, expressed satisfaction with the progress in an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday.
"The implementation of the third cycle has gone on well, with participants producing durable assets to protect the environment. These structures have been done on time. We are hopeful that they will help reduce land degradation and soil loss due to water runoff during rainy season,” Mtema said.
The programme's success is echoed by a participant from Kamphoro catchment, Salani Mbewe, who praised the effective supervision by extension workers during implementation.
"The cycle implementation was well done as supervision from extension workers was thorough. Because of their guidance, we were able to come up with proper structures to conserve the environment," Mbewe said.
CSEPWP desk officer for Mchinji, Rhoda Njikho, expressed satisfaction with the implementation emphasising the participants' active involvement and commitment to the project's goals.
"This time, the job has been well implemented. We have good assets on the ground and of good quality. Almost 99 percent of the participants enrolled and worked in both paid and community contribution works," Njikho said.
The structures built, such as stone bunds, check dams and swales, are crucial in managing water flow, preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil fertility while the protection of naturally regenerating forests from bushfires is vital for preserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable land use.
By involving local communities in constructing and maintaining these assets, the programme not only addresses environmental challenges but also provides economic opportunities as they earn money through wages after a cycle.
CSEPWP is a Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Programme (SSRLP) component and is supported by the World Bank and Multi Donor Trust Fund.
Malawi still faces nutrition challenges
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, July 9, Mana: Associate Professor on Human Nutrition at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Prof. Alexander Kalimbira, said disclosed that the country is not doing well in terms of nutrition as indicators are worrisome.
He made the observation Tuesday at Capital Hotel in Lilongwe when he presented a paper on Malawi’s Food Systems Transformation in the content of Nutrition and diets during the stakeholders’ consultation meeting on Resilience of the Food Systems Transformation in Malawi.
Kalimbira said as a results the current stunting prevalence stands at above 30 percent which is high regarding World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.
He added that micronutrient deficiency is prevalent with lack of key minerals such as zinc, selenium, vitamins, growing problem of overweight and obesity.
The Associate Professor said the picture does not look good at the moment and key stakeholders need to focus to understand why the problem is still lingering in the country and what would be the possible solutions to it.
“We have wide range of stakeholders in the meeting which includes government, civil society organizations and research institutions which need to bang their heads in identifying the real problems, “Kalimbira said.
He noted that the country has made some strides in the past but nutrition problems are still bouncing back which calls for a thorough interrogation of the situation.
“We demonstrated before that if we put our acts together to reduce different forms of malnutrition, the issue of stunting levels was reduced over the years but we are not accelerating at the recommended rate,” Kalimbira noted.
He recalled that micronutrients deficiency was very high 24 years ago and reduction rate is worrying.
“We have faced a number of challenges since 2020/2021 like COVID-19, cholera, cyclones, economic challenges which have put a huge weight on resilience food systems to test,” the Professor said.
He said the country has demonstrated that it is capable to dealing with its own problems.
In 2001, Vitamin A deficiency prevalence rate was at 59 percent for under-five children, while in 2009 it was reduced to 22 percent and 2015/2016 it was reduced to four percent.
The reduction has been attributed to good working coordination
Kalimbira said depending on good will with partners, the country is looking at the problem and coming up with practical solutions.
Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition, Prof. Nafees Meah, said Irish Aid is funding a project on resilience of food systems transformation in Ethiopia, Sierra Leon and Malawi
He said the programme is holding meetings and seminars to find out what challenges the three countries are facing in implementing their food systems.
