MANAonline
Road construction excites Ntcheu communities
By Maston Kaiya & Bazilio Chingoli
Ntcheu, 1 July, Mana: The plans by the Government of Malawi to upgrade the 79 kilometres Chamtulo (off Monkey Bay Mangochi) road to Mkutumula near Balaka market in Ntcheu has brought much excitement among communities in the area.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) Monday in Ntcheu, Inkosi Makwangwala said the road project would help in different sectors in his area.
"We are very grateful; our area will benefit a lot to this project. Our farm produce will have easy access to good markets because of this road network, and even access to the health facilities will be easier than before," he said.
Makwangwala has since ensured good collaboration between his subjects and those who would be responsible for the construction of the road.
“We will jealously guard the construction materials to ensure that there are no malpractices that can lead to substandard project delivery,” he added.
Ntcheu District Council Director of Finance, Musandide Misinjo said the road project was useful as it would improve service delivery and enhance local revenue.
"The Construction works for the road project is timely considering the modern markets at Banda, Pengapenga and Bwanje. With this easy access, we believe our revenue collection will increase and the district’s developmental activities will improve," he said.
Misinjo added that plans are on the shelves for the upgrading of Chikande Trading Centre, which was along Nacala Corridor.
On his part, A Motorbike Operator at Chikande Trading Centre, Harry Chabwera alluded that the road project would ease their business as most customers are farmers, as they ferry farm produce to the nearby markets.
"This road is impassable during rainy season, this hinders our business operations, I believe that this project will address all the challenges we face when using this road," he said.
Chairperson for the Lower Makwangwala Area Development Committee (ADC), James Konzaufe said that the upgrading of the road from earth surface to bitumen was a blessing for the community of the area who have been facing mobility challenges for decades.
President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera announced the construction of Mkutumula-Chamtulo road, which is among other four roads that the government will construct under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact 2, known as Malawi Transport and Land Compact.
TikTok blogger nabbed over theft
By Gomezgani Msiska
Lilongwe, July 1, Mana: Lilongwe Police Unit has arrested a well-known TikTok content creator, known as iPhone Daddy, whose real name is Innocent Sengimana, 23.
Sengimana is allegedly accused of duping K5 million from people on the pretext that he would supply them with iPhone 13 gadgets, and for misusing cars he rented for his social media activities.
Lilongwe Police Spokesperson, Inspector, Hastings Chigalu said iPhone Daddy, was arrested on June 27, 2024 at Airwing location in the City.
“The suspect, whose TikTok page name is 'innocent jumajayi', is said to have collected the cash as upfront payments from his TikTok followers.
He is being accused of taking two iPhones valued at K3.5 million, from a certain client to sell on his behalf, but disappeared with the proceeds,” he said.
“It is reported that the suspect failed to pay fees for the cars he hired for his social media business. And instead of returning the cars to the owners after expiry of the agreed period, he used them as collateral to his debtors,” Chigalu added.
Police have since recovered the cars.
On the day of his arrest, the suspect, who was on the run for several days after winds of his arrest blew on him, had to be rescued by police from angry community members who bayed for his blood after a lengthy cat and mouse chase following his escape from the cops.
He is expected to appear in court soon to answer theft charges.
Alumni donates K 5 million to Seminary
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Lilongwe, July 1 Mana: Alumni Association of Saint Paul's Minor Seminary which is under Lilongwe Arch Diocese Sunday donated text books worth K5 million to the school.
Chairperson for the Alumni, Fredrick Kamwani said the donation was made in response to some of the challenges seminarians face at the school.
"We thought of buying the books as an immediate need for the school. We know that the school has a lot of challenges affecting boarding facilities and academics but we cannot address them all at once," he said.
According to Kamwani the books which are of languages, sciences and humanities were bought using money which was contributed by members of the alumni through 'Buy a Book Project ' and that alumni would continue striving to assist the institution.
"We wish to continue helping our mother institution Saint Paul's Minor Seminary with in her needs for it to continue being productive to the nation," he added.
Rector for the Seminary Fr. Benedict Kamdabweni commended the Alumni for the donation for it has bailed the institution out of some of the academic challenges.
"We are thankful for the donation. As an institution we benefit a lot from your continuous support and we pledge to make sure that the books taken care of to benefit even the future generation," he said.
Fr. Kamdabweni urged well-wishers who may wish to help the institution with any valuables that the institution would highly value such initiatives.
The School which is based at Mitundu was opened in 1963 as a preparatory seminary and was upgraded to Minor Seminary in 1994.
Malawians mourn the death of legend musician
By Gomezgani Msiska and Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe, July 1, Mana: Malawians express their sorrows following the death of an iconic singer, song writer, and social commentator, Lucius Banda, on June 30, 2024 after a long time of suffering from kidney failure in South Africa.
The death of Lucius has left behind a legacy of inspiring music and a nation in grief.
As tributes pour in from fans and fellow artists, Malawians will remember the life and impact of a true Malawian treasure.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), some Malawians have shared their grief by expressing how Banda’s music has been an inspiration to them.
Kenneth Jimmy who does A Phone Repair at Post Office Premises in Lilongwe, Kenneth Jimmy said the death of Lucius has touched him deeply.
“The death of Lucius is unforgettable and it has touched me a lot. We were expecting that he was going to come back home healthy from South Africa.
His songs have been uniting and inspiring us as Malawians, most of his songs have been comforting to the soul in times pain and trouble,” he said.
Another fan of Lucius, Estelle Tambala said that his death has left a huge gap to the country’s music industry.
“Malawians have lost an important person in the country whose music was inspiring us such as “Dzirimbikirire wekha” which tells the one listening to it to depend on oneself,” she said.
Meanwhile, the government through the Ministry of Information and Digitalization says it was saddened with the death of the music legend through a Press release.
“The Nation will live to remember Hon. Lucius Banda, fondly referred to as ‘Soldier’ as a dedicated and selfless son of Malawi who gallantry and courageously fought all his life for the betterment of lives of ordinary people,” the Press release reads in part.
Chitipa admits contributing flooding in Karonga
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, July 1, Mana: Chitipa District Council has conceded that due to human activities along river banks in the district, it has contributed a lot to disasters especially floods that occurs in Karonga.
Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Chitipa District Council, Jossen Tembo said that most people cultivate along River banks which results in running of surface water downstream up to Karonga, resulting into floods.
He was speaking on Monday to Karonga District Disaster Risk Management Committee (DRMC) which visited the council on a learning visit to enhance collaboration between the two districts.
Tembo said that human activities which are mostly environmentally unfriendly have done more harm than good to the two districts and even to the country.
“As a district, we have a hand to reduce severity and impact of the disasters by intensifying awareness campaigns on the dangers of cultivating along the river banks for the safety of our friends in Karonga,” he said.
District Risk Disaster Management Officer for Karonga, Humphrey Magalasi said the objective of the learning visit was to learn and share experiences in risk and disaster management.
He echoed that floods in Karonga originate from rivers in Chitipa hence the visit to exchange notes on how best the two parties can coordinate in addressing the risk of flooding.
“As one way of strengthening local structures we intend to revamp Village and Area Risk Disaster Management Committees,” Tembo suggested.
MCGs playing critical role in vaccination
By Moses Nyirenda
Lilongwe, June 30, Mana: District Environmental Health Officer (DEHO) for Lilongwe, Paul Chunga said community based Mother Care Groups (MCGs) are playing a critical role in assisting the work of providing vaccination to children in the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing refresher trainings for MCGs which Malawi Equity Health Network (MEHN) is conducting in nine districts in the country, he said the MCGs are supporting health workers to successfully provide immunization to the children.
“The MCGs are assisting the community based health workers to reach each and every child as they live within the communities and are always in contact with the mothers that have children that are eligible for immunization.
“Additionally, it is easy for them to identify a child that did not receive immunization or has missed under-five scheduled static outreach clinic and they make a follow up as well as reminding the mothers to take their children for immunization,” he noted.
Chunga added that vaccine uptake for children has improved with 95 percent in all the areas in Lilongwe District where the MCGs are supporting the vaccination work after being empowered by MEHN.
Secretary for one of the Lilongwe based MCGs known as Kakoma, Elinati Chikumbutso said with the skills and knowledge which they have gained they are able to make door to door visits in their community to encourage mothers to get their children vaccinated.
She said as MCG they are able to lobby for resources needed for vaccination from relevant authorities in order to enhance the vaccination work.
MEHN Assistant Project Officer, Tumpale Kalobo said that with their initiative among other things they want to support government in reducing child mortality rate in the country.
“We want the MCGs to assist in the immunization of children as we understand that community based health workers cannon manage to reach out each and every child on their own for vaccination.
“By the end of everything we want to make sure that the death rate of children under the age of five is reduced in the country,” she said.
With financial support from Global Alliance for vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), MEHN is supporting and empowering the MCGs with knowledge and skills in order for them to take part in the vaccination of under five children as well as other children that are eligible for vaccination.
Currently, the organization is working with 281 MCGs in nine districts in the country which include; Lilongwe, Karonga, Chitipa, Mzimba North and South, Kasungu, Mchinji and Ntchisi just to mention some.
NCIC for improved construction industry
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, June 30, Mana: National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) has committed to continue engaging contractors on project management as one way of addressing poor service delivery in the construction industry in the country.
Speaking on Saturday during a project management workshop in Salima, NCIC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Eng. Gerald Khonje expressed concern over increased reports on poor and substandard infrastructures in some parts of the country, highlighting that the engagement was crucial as it would enhance standards.
He said they are mandated to promote construction industry in the country by collaborating with different stakeholders such as universities and colleges to provide trainings tailored to address needs and shortfalls in the construction industry.
The CEO said targeting stakeholders in the construction industry was one way of ensuring quality control and that engaging them was one of the interventions employed to instill good practice with professionally designed topics such as contract management, quality control and project management.
"Coming up with a successful project in the infrastructure industry involves so many things, such as budgeting, procuring to actual project implementation, therefore if all these processes are not followed the end product is compromised," Khonje added.
He warned that NCIC would not hesitate to penalize any contractor for poor workmanship, misconduct and none compliance to construction regulations.
"We have a code of conduct that needs to be followed by all registered contractors and we expect adherence to it, that is why we frequently engage stakeholders to raise awareness of all emerging issues, so that we should be on the same page," Khonje viewed.
On a positive note, he said the country was making strides in ensuring quality infrastructures are being developed across all sectors in the country.
Chief Energy Officer in the Ministry of Energy, Austin Theu expressed satisfaction with the training delivered, saying it would help his Ministry to implement successful projects.
He said he would try to incorporate what he has learnt in planning for future projects in accordance to the set standards.
Silver claims derby bragging rights …….as stretch the lead 29 points
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, June 30, Mana: TNM Super League leaders, Silver Strikers Sunday claimed bragging rights over their traditional rival, Civil Service United when they hammered them 0-2 at their own backyard in a Capital City derby at Civo Stadium in Area 9, Lilongwe to increase their points tally to 29.
The Central Bankers have consolidated their intent to claim the title after 11 years of absence when they used the second tactical change to break resilience of Civil’s play of tight marking as displayed in the first half.
Coming om 1-1 draw against Mighty Waka Waka Tigers last Monday, Silver has to be careful with their rivals, Civil who got beaten 3-0 at the hands of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
However, the Servants should blame themselves for not utilizing two chances they had in the first when Silver appeared to be playing second fiddle to them in terms of attacking football.
The Coming of Silver’s Chinsinsi Maonga and Charles Chapala for Duncan Nyoni and Atusaye Nyondo at the start of the interval make a huge difference and it paid handsomely through their central defender, Innocent Shema header from a corner kick after 48 minutes.
Chapala planted home a cross from the left hand side to increase the lead to 2-0 after 66 minutes.
Civil kept their goal scoring machine, Emmanuel Savieli on the bench to the surprise to many but when he was introduced into the game the damaged was done because the Servants were failing to put their acts together.
The Bwandilo Boys are eight points adrift of second placed, Wanderers who are now with 21 points after beating Tigers 1-2 at Kamuzu Stadium.
Wanderers went into the lead through Isaac Kaliati’s goal after eight minute but Tigers cancelled the lead after 37 minutes through Messiah Kachingwe.
The Lali Lubani Boys got the winner in the 83rd minute through Fransisco Madinga to make their Care Taker Coach, Meke Mwase have a 100 percent winning since taking of the reign.
With the loss at home, the Kanjedza Boys have dropped to position 11 from 10 last weekend.
Creck Sporting came from behind to force a 1-1 draw against Chitipa United at Karonga Stadium.
Chitipa United have six points from the 11 games, they still anchoring the log table while the visitors have 16 points from the same number of games and still on sixth place.
Chitipa’s, Rajab Nyirenda scored the opener after five minutes and Creck’s, Gift kadawti got level after 38 minutes.
Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos edged Karonga United 1-0 at Dedza Stadium through Promise Kamwendo’s goal after four minutes.
They have moved to position seven with 15 points while Karonga has dropped to position 12 from 11 and have 12 points.
With a 0-0 against Kamuzu Barracks at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday, TNM Defending Champions, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have a mountain to climb as they have a 13-point gap to close in order to catch run away leaders, Silver Strikers.
NAC decries dwindling financial support from donors
By Golden Kang'oma
Salima, June 30, Mana: National Aids Commission (NAC) Friday decried dwindling financial support from donors which was affecting its operations.
Speaking in Salima district during a Malawi Partnership Forum for HIV and AIDS, NAC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Beatrice Matanje said the forum's objectives was to take stock of the national response from various angles and ensure that there is a well-directed, coordinated strategy.
She said 80 percent of NAC's funding come from donors therefore without adequate funding, efforts to reduce HIV and AIDS related deaths by 2030 remain challenged.
"We need to find sustainable solutions to maintain our progress, and am stressing that without adequate funding, critical prevention and treatment efforts could falter, risking a resurgence of the epidemic," the CEO added.
She said that, "The National Strategic Pan targets prevention, treatment, and care with a focus on high-risk populations. By 2030, we aim to see a population where HIV and AIDS no longer claim lives. This means reducing new infections and ensuring those living with HIV remain healthy and productive."
Executive Director for Pakachere Institute for Health and Development Communication, Simon Sikwese underscored the forum's role in accountability, as it reviews progress and ensures commitments are being met and that it is essential for making adjustments to keep the country on track.
He said that addressing male participation in prevention efforts is quite challenging.
"Many men avoid testing due to fear of positive results and logistical barriers. We need to make services more accessible, perhaps through technologies like HIV self-testing, and am sure that reaching men and adolescent boys with tailored interventions is crucial,” the Executive Director observed.
Despite these challenges, Sikwese acknowledged that the country was significant strides in finding the pandemic pointing out that we are doing very okay.
"We've nearly reached epidemic control. Now, we must sustain these efforts and ensure high-risk populations are adequately supported," he said.
The Forum's discussions highlighted the urgent need for innovative funding solutions and more inclusive outreach strategies to ensure the continued success of the country’s HIV and AIDS response.
Lilongwe communities empowered through CSEPWP
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, June 30, Mana: Communities in Lilongwe have commended government for its commitment in continuing with the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) which was accelerating economic opportunities for the district’s households.
The Communities expressed the sentiments on Saturday during a monitoring exercise organized by the Council aimed at assessing the implementation of activities in the fourth cycle which started some few weeks ago.
One of the beneficiaries of Chaola Catchment area, Esmey Balatumeyo of Traditional Authority (TA) Kalumba said the programme transformed her from her economic woes.
She said that, “We dig swales in our gardens in order to control running water speed and we plant trees in gullies which control running water and these have assisted us to have bumper yield and at the same time get paid for the work we do.”
Mkuwazi Catchment Area beneficiary, Benedicto Sambo of TA Mazengera said the programme has tremendously transformed their lives as they are no longer struggling to pay school fees for their children as they earn income after working for 24 days.
He said the programme has assisted the beneficiaries to manage to buy fertilizer and other farm inputs through the wages paid.
Lilongwe District Council Project Facilitator, Peter Chiumbuzo expressed satisfaction on how the fourth cycle has stated in all catchments areas across the district.
“We want the structures they are coming up with on the ground to be of higher quality that can last for some years ahead. We don’t want a structure, for example, a swale that can only be used only for one season,” he said.
The Lilongwe programme has about 29,440 beneficiaries in 22 catchment areas.
The Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme is funded by World Bank and is being implemented by National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC)
