MANAonline
NLGFC challenges Councils to complete projects in time
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, June 30, Mana: National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) has reiterated the need for district councils to ensure that they finish projects are within agreed timeframe.
Senior Planning Officer for NLGFC, Charity Kaunda was speaking Saturday in Nkhata Bay after NLGFC delegation from NLGFC and Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs had toured some projects supported by World Bank through Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) and District Development Fund (DDF).
The delegation among others toured Chintheche and Mpamba market sheds which are now operational, the Council’s lodge and Chamber which are under rehabilitation.
Kaunda said project are implemented to answer some of the short and long term needs of the people, hence the need for Councils to meet desired projects’ timeframe so that people served on time.
“Our visit aimed at encouraging the Council to fast-track implementation of projects on time not only as a requirement for the Council to access grants from GESD and other funding windows but to ensure that communities start using development facilities on time,” she said.
The Planning Officer applauded Nkhata Bay District Council for well packaged development components of its projects to meet the required services of communities.
"Overall after visiting a number of projects, the Council is doing well in terms of projects as they meet the service delivery requirements of communities," Kaunda added.
Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Nkhata-Bay District Council, Edgar Chihana said the Council’s interaction within was crucial as it was a platform through which the two parties share knowledge for the Council to improve in projects’ management.
Chairperson for Mpanda Market, Losina Nyirenda, said the sheds contribute to viable market environment.
Men urged to seek mental health therapy
By Alex Kachingwe
Blantyre, June 30, Mana: Saint John of God Hospital Services urges men in the country to seek counselling services in health facilities whenever they are depressed other than deciding to commit suicide.
Saint John of God Hospital, Clinical Psychologist, Frank Magagula expressed concern over rising cases of suicide among men in the country and told Malawi News Agency (Mana) Saturday that the trend was worrisome as statistics shows a lot of men committing suicide.
He said economic hardships and broken relationships were some of the factors that compel men to commit suicide apart from beliefs and perception that men are strong and don’t cry.
“The perception that men are strong and never cry has a psychological bearing. A lot of men do not share their problems, the way women do, as a result they decide to commit suicide as an answer to their problems,” the Mental Health Specialist added.
Magagula said drugs and substance abuse plus excessive dependence on alcohol put a lot of men at risk of committing suicide, adding that drugs make most of the users lose self-control
He urged men to seek alternative ways of solving problems other than choosing to use drugs as means of taking away stress.
Therapist in Lilongwe, Beatrice Ndawala said June was a month that was put aside to discuss men’s mental health, adding that there were a lot of activities meant to inform the public about factors that lead to suicide and ways and means to manage stress to avoid suicide.
“Men usually feel it is a weakness to disclose challenges they face in life as a result, they commit suicide if they do not see the way out,” she disclosed, observing that most men who opt for drugs and alcohol as the way to forget their challenges are easily driven to commit suicide.
Ndawala said there should be adequate civic education to encourage men to share their worries whether relating to financial hardships or relationships.
“Government and NGOs should join hands to promote counselling and mental awareness centers in all districts so that people should know where to access services pertaining to mental health issues,” she added.
Malawi Police Service last year recorded more than 256 suicide cases, with more men committing suicide than women with suicide cases still rising in 2024.
PHIM graduates 18 front line workers
By Memory Chatonda
Blantyre, June 30, Mana: Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) under Ministry of Health has emphasized that the country should have well trained and adequate front line health workers to effectively respond and scientifically investigate various public and animal health outbreaks to avert future catastrophes.
PHIM Chief Epidemiology Officer, Grace Funsani said so far PHIM through Malawi Front Line Field Epidemiology Training, has trained 266 front line health workers across the country with funding from United States Centre for Disease Control since 2016.
She disclosed this Saturday during the graduation of 18 front line public health and animal health workers in Blantyre.
Funsani said the newly graduated front line workers have undergone three months training, acquiring skills to conduct scientific investigation on public health emergencies such as cholera outbreak, alcohol poisoning in Manase, suspected rabies, Typhoid fever, measles cases in under five children and high prevalence of scabies.
“Our aim is to ensure that all the districts across the country have such front line workers to respond, investigate and make recommendation to their studies for the country to ably prevent or manage any outbreak in case of its reoccurrence," she added.
Chief Preventive Health Officer for Blantyre District Council, Innocent Mvula said was optimistic that the front line workers such as Disease Surveillance Officers, Veterinary Officers and others who have undergone the training, will use the skills gained to respond to public health emergencies in a well-coordinated manner.
Coordinator for Integrated Disease Surveillance Response for Mulanje District Health Office, Masilina Msamanyata hailed PHIM for the training.
Msamanyata who was one of the graduates said her study which focused on 'Analysis of Surveillance Data of Cholera Outbreak at Mulanje District Hospital, Thuchira and Namphungo Health Centres recommends that the Director of Health and Social Services should lobby for support from partners to enable the health office respond rapidly to any public health emergencies.
PHIM is a government research institute as well as national public health institute under Ministry of Health with the mandate to do health surveillance research and disease prevention.
Blantyre In-land Examination Centre to improve efficiency
By Tione Andsen
Blantyre, June 30, Mana: Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has said the renovation of Blantyre In-land Examination Centre would help to improve the capacity and efficiency in handling imports.
Deputy Commissioner for Customs, Moses Masina said this Friday in Blantyre during Media Tour on projects being implemented by Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP) under Ministry of Transport and Public Works with funding from World Bank as part of the Nacala Corridor development.
He said the modernization of the Centre would help to reduce number of days in clearing goods unlike what was happening the border posts where there were a lot of congestion.
Masina added that trucks would make minor formalities at the border posts but the actual examinations would be done at the Centre using modern equipment.
He said this was part of MRA reforms that recommended that all containers should directed to come to the Centre for examination by using modern technologies unlike the physical check which were being conducted.
“We are clearing goods coming from Mwanza, Muloza, Mchinji, Nsanje or Songwe border posts. With the SATCP funding will be installing a high tech scanner which will help as to determine the kind of goods which can be off loaded or not without even opening it,” the Deputy Commissioner General explained.
He said the Centre would have face light and a parking base would be constructed to enable the importers place their containers for inspection and examination.
“We need to have proper offices in order to enjoy good working environment. We will be installing CCTV cameras, air cons as part of the supporting the centre will be getting from SATCP,” Masina narrated.
A Blantyre based Truck owner, Jeremiah Amoni said the new arrangements of clearing the goods at the Centre has help to reduce number days spent at the border.
“We were spending a lot of time in clearing our goods at the border. They were doing physical checking of our goods which was time consuming most of the time. This initiative would help us significantly and border hassles will be a thing of the past,” he said.
Muloza Border operations affected by Cyclone Freddy
By Tione Andsen
Mulanje, June 29, Mana: Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), Station Manager In-Charge for Muloza Border Post, Adjison Maziwire has said effects of Cyclone Freddy has negative affected the operations of the border post.
He said this Friday at Muloza Border Post during Media Tour on projects being implemented by Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP) under Ministry of Transport and Public Works with funding from World Bank as part of the Nacala Corridor development.
Maziwire said Cyclones had damaged the road infrastructure and this forced business captain to opt for railway line in order to transport their goods and services.
“Before the Cyclone, we were handling huge volumes of goods from Mozambique in form of steel, bread flour, cooking oil, Molasses and we were exporting products like lime, eggs, chicks, plastics, paper sheeting’s and clothes. We are still recovering but most business entities they regard it as closed border due to the situation,” he added.
Maziwire said currently they are clearing 120 trucks and over 350 passenger service vehicles although the facility lacks proper parking space to handle large volumes of cargo.
Station Manager hoped that the construction of the new facility through SATCP funds would help to facilitate trade between the two country and enhance regional integration within the Nacala Corridor.
“We need to have a new facility which could handle the volumes of cargo unlike what we have now where trucks park along the M2 road waiting for clearance,” he observed.
Maziwire eluded to the fact that Muloza Border normally used as a transit route for goods from Tete to Nampula or vice versa.
He admitted that due to porous border, smuggling remains a challenge to them because the natural boundary between the two countries is a Muloza river.
“Muloza river is the natural boundary between the two and smugglers utilize the physical feature to smuggle goods during dry and rain seasons. We have a working partnership with communities who normally assist us to append them,” Maziwire added.
He said there would be a need to have a strong surveillance system in order to curb the malpractice because thus would turn into a conduit area for smugglers.
Road Authority (RA) Public Relations Manager, Portia Kajanga said with funds from SATCP, the border was earmarked for rehabilitation and expansion.
She said with the coming in of the Cyclone Freddy exposed that the site was disaster prone area and needs to be relocated to safe grounds.
“We have not come up with the plan for the new One Stop Border Post because we still doing some studies. The change in the initial plan will an implication on the original budget since there was no construction of road and bridge,” Kajanga explained.
She said an extra US$ 10 million would be needed to cover the shortfall in the implementation of the project at the site.
Chang’anamuno prepares for 2024 Olympics
Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe June 29, Mana: The country’s promising swimmer, Tayamika Chang’anamuno has expressed sheer excitement after securing her spot to represent Malawi at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, she described the opportunity as a profound honor and a culmination of years of dedication and resilience.
“I am excited to be competing in the Paris Olympics this summer, it’s always been my dream goal since I was a young athlete and over the years, I’ve remained dedicated and resilient and it’s finally paid off,” Chang’anamuno explained.
As the games draw closer, she emphasized her focus on training, anticipating intensified workouts with her dedicated team of coaches.
“I’m surrounded by the best coaches and team so I’m confident that I’ll be ready to compete at such a high level.”
“During the games, I hope to break my personal best times as well as to break the national record on 50 metres freestyle. My training regimen has intensified to include more endurance and power sets, with speed workouts intensifying as we approach the competition,” she said.
National Swim Coach, Yona Walesi confirmed Chang’anamuno and Filipe Gomez as Malawi’s representatives at the Olympics, expressing confidence in their abilities.
“Our swimmers will participate on solidarity as we did not meet the qualifying time. These two athletes, particularly in the 50-metre freestyle, have demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment.”
“I expect them to deliver good performances by reducing their entry times or achieving the qualifying time. They have trained rigorously for this opportunity, and I believe they will make Malawi proud,” he noted.
Walesi implored all others athletes to do the best they can to make Malawi proud.
While acknowledging potential changes in swimming events at the Olympics, Chang’anamuno and Gomez are expected to compete in the 50 metres freestyle.
Chang’anamuno, 22, is currently training in Budapest, Hungary on a four-year scholarship, while Filipe Gomez, 25 is preparing with his club in Portugal under a scholarship tailored for the Olympics.
The Olympics are scheduled from July 26 to August 1,2024 with swimming events starting on July 27 at the Paris La Defense Arena.
The men’s 50 metres freestyle heat will begin on August 1,2024 followed by the women’s heat on August 3,2024.
Local Basketball teams geared up for an International challenge
By Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe, June 29. Mana: Coach for Bravehearts Basketball Club, Griffin Kalua has emphasized the upcoming Bravehearts International Challenge as a crucial opportunity for Malawian basketball to showcase its talent and gain valuable experience.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday in Lilongwe, he explained the significance of the tournament for Malawi's teams in both men’s and women’s categories as they prepare to compete against teams from Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
“The main reason for this tournament is to showcase basketball talent and improve. This offers a platform for teams to network because when we only play against each other as Malawians, we don’t properly gauge our growth, but with the coming in of teams like Mozambique, who are among the finest in SADC, will help,” Kalua said.
He noted that his teams, Bravehearts, are ready for the challenge and acknowledged the fierce competition Malawian teams would bring to the table.
“Malawian teams have improved. For the ladies, we have Cobbie Ladies as well as Kukoma Eagles among others who will ensure the competition is fierce. For the men, CDHIB deserves to be here because of their good leadership,” the Coach added.
On his part Team Manager for CDHIB, Sungani Mkandawire said his team’s goal was to compete and become the first local team to win the international tournament while noting the need to embrace team discipline.
“We take each and every tournament seriously, we are now working on the weaknesses we had during the basketball National finals early this year and our chances of winning are very high because our team is equally talented,” he said.
Winners of the tournament will pocket K 2 million, runners-up K1 million, and third-placed teams will receive merchandise.
In the men’s Pool A, it has attracted Academia New Vision from Mozambique (MZ), Mbare Bulls from Zimbabwe (ZIM), CDHIB from Malawi (MW), and Matero Magic from Zambia (ZA).
In Pool B has Matero Warriors (ZA), Black Rhinos (ZIM), Munali Suns (ZA) and Bravehearts Men (MW).
Women’s Pool A features Lusaka B. Queens (ZA), Nozobal Buzzer Beaters (MW), Blades (ZM) and Cobbie Ladies (MW).
In Pool B, there is Academia New Vision (MZ), Kukoma Eagles (MW), Black Rhinos (ZIM), and Bravehearts Ladies (MW).
'Madala' pool has those aged above 40, includes Top City (MW), Senior Sages (MW), Craques Da Boca (MZ), and Amigos Do Basquetebol (MZ).
The Bravehearts International Challenge began in 2017, with Harare City Hornets from Zimbabwe winning the men’s section and NAPSA from Zambia winning the women’s section.
The Competition, set for July 5 to 8, 2024 at ABC Basketball Courts in Lilongwe, is in its fourth edition, having endured interruptions due to COVID-19 and national demonstrations in the country.
Three Mozambican nationals arrested
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, June 29, Mana. Police at Namwera in Mangochi District have arrested three Mozambican nationals for being found in possession of five pieces of elephant ivory at Namwera Trading Centre.
Mangochi Police Station Public Relations Officer (PRO), Inspector Amina Daudi, identified the suspects as Shoriano Juwao Bizwick, 31, Nelson Bala, 36, and Ziti Rajabu, 34, all from Nyerere Village, Mandimba District in Mozambique.
According to Daudi, Namwera Police detectives received a tip-off from community members that five Mozambicans were offering pieces of elephant ivory for sale at Namwera Trading Centre.
She said that the Police collaborated with Wildlife Crime Investigation Unit to arrest the suspects who were found with five pieces of elephant ivory weighing 12kg each
"The Ivory pieces were wrapped in a sack and carried on their motorcycle. However, the other two suspects managed to escape," Tepani added.
She said that Bizwick, Bala and Rajabu are expected to appear in court next week to face charges of Illegal possession of specimen of listed species without a license, contrary to Section 110(b) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act.
Tepani commended community members for contributing to the fight against wildlife crime in the district.
Meanwhile Police have lodged manhunt to arrest the two suspects who are on the run.
NICE dates Neno youth on electoral reforms
By Salome Gangire
Neno, June 29, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust, Civic Education Officer for Neno, Wallace Kudzala has urged the youth in the district to register, cast their vote or contest on elective positions in the 2025 general election.
He said the youth should take part in the elections by contesting at constituency level as Members of Parliament or as ward councillors apart from taking part by voting.
Kudzala made the call on Friday during a meeting with members of youth networks at NICE offices organised through Boma Lathu project aimed at raising awareness on the amended electoral laws.
“The youth form the largest majority of the population. You should therefore take part by either contesting or voting in the coming general election,” he urged the youth.
The Neno Civic Education Officer said research shows that majority of the youth fail to take up the challenges but he expressed gratitude after a young woman expressed interest to contest as a ward councillor for Chikonde ward.
Kudzala added that most of the youth complain of finances as a major limiting factor that frustrates them to contest saying campaign in Malawi calls for big finances.
The NICE Trust Civic Education Officer said the interface meeting was meant to sensitise the youth on electoral laws since there were a number of amendments that have taken place.
District Elections Officer for Neno, Nodi Mwale said a number of things have changed in the electoral process including the polling time from 6am to 6pm to 6 am to 4 pm.
He appealed to the youths to take part in the voting processes as one way of excising their rights and responsibility.
Chairperson of Mkuyu Youth Club, Mercy Donda Dube said she intends to contest a ward councillor in the September 2025 general elections because of the motivation from the interface meeting with NICE.
“I am geared to stand as a ward councillor so that I should bring development to my area,” she said, adding that NICE has encouraged the youth to be bold.
Dube said the meeting with NICE Trust have inspired the youth to take up challenges to go for bigger positions in the society.
NICE is implementing a three-year Boma Lathu Programme in Neno district to enhance people’s participation in electoral processes with support from European Union (EU).
REFORD and MHEN hail Kumemeza approach
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, June 29, Mana: Phalombe Restored Hope Foundation for Rural Development (REFORD) has described Kum’mwetsa Mother Care Group’s initiative known as Kumemeza as an important tool for mobilizing resources to effectively achieve sustainable community led development.
REFORD Executive Director, Steve Ndiwo expressed the Group’s initiate on Friday during Mother Care Group training at Kam’mwetsa Clinic at Chileka in Blantyre where he observed that Kumemeza approach by the Mother Care Groups brought positive changes to the community in the area.
“Kumemeza means sourcing funds from different organizations and other well-wishers for development in the community here at Kum’mwetsa. We have seen the seriousness of this Mother Care Group in sourcing funds to drill boreholes, build clinic connected to solar powered electricity,” he said.
REFORD Executive Director who visited some of the Mother Care Groups projects acknowledged the Mother Care Groups ways and means of mobilizing resources citing a proposal that the Group wrote to District Health Office for a refrigeration to keep vaccine safe in the clinic.
Chairperson of Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN)-Global Alliance on Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI) platform, Dr. Stanley Chitukwi accredited the work by the Mother Care Group for constructing an under-five clinic and procuring a solar panel to ensure solar powered electricity at the health facility.
“This is very impressing. The mother care group has managed to construct the clinic and on top of this the group also bought solar panel,” he added.
Health Surveillance Assistant (HAS) who works hand in hand with the Mother Care Group, Amos Square commended MHEN for training the mother Care Group to initiate community led development activities.
“The training helped the women care group in a number of ways because they are now able to mobilize resources to do things on their own,” he added.
Group Village Head (GVH) Kabwerekera said he would not condone women that shun to attend Antenatal Clinics during pregnancy.
“I will punish women that shun antenatal clinics and those that will give birth at home,” he said, adding that he did not see reasons why women should fail to utilize the health facility that is within the area.
Kum’mwetsa Mother Care Group at Traditional Authority (TA) Kunthembwe has mobilized burnt bricks to build a house for the HAS so that the health worker should reside closer to the clinic.
Services offered at Kum’mwetsa under-five Clinic include growth monitoring, and child immunization ranging from BCG to PCV.
