MANAonline
NRWB calls for protection of Kalenge River
By Andrew Gondwe
Chitipa, June 27, Mana: Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) has urged people living along Kalenge River in Chitipa to be utilizing smart farming technologies to ensure that the river remains a sustainable source for water supply in the district.
Community Mobilization and Training Manager for NRWB, Gerald Ngulube was speaking Thursday an open day on Climate Smart Technologies for Enhanced Natural Resources Management and Food Security at Yeniyeni in the area of Senior Chief Mwenemisuku in the district.
He said that the water utility body decided to sensitize and involve the people in protecting the river where board abstracts water as they are a community which utilizes the river for livelihood interventions such as farming hence the need to promote water and soil conservation.
“In 2014, we discovered that most rivers in the district such as Kalenge could be degraded due to non-friendly environmental human activities which include bad cultivation methods,” Ngulube said.
He added that for the Board to sustainably provide good and quality water, people living along river banks should refrain embarking on activities that lead could to water contamination.
Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources for Chitipa District Council, Lumbani Msiska urged farmers utilize the knowledge and skills enhancing food security as they conserve the river.
"It is good to learn from others through their good works. Therefore, let's all follow good agricultural technologies that can enhance the sustainability of water supply in Kalenge River," he said.
Chairperson for Chitipa District Council, Towerachalo Munyenyembe said it was sad to note that some people cultivate along the river banks including the river bed and warned that any one found perpetrating the malpractice will be penalized.
Senior Chief Mwenemisuku thanked the NRWB for the intervention, saying the development would change people's mind set towards environmental conservation.
“We have by-laws and one of the by-laws is that anyone being found cutting down trees along river banks has to pay a fine of at least a goat or K60,000.00," he said.
All set for Blantyre poetry show
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, June 27, Mana: Poetry Giants have teamed up to organize a show dubbed Phwando la Ndakatulo on July 8, 2024 at Mibawa Multipurpose Hall in Blantyre to provide entertainment and to educate the patronage nation through arts.
One of the organizers, Hudson Chamasowa told Malawi News Agency (Mana) Thursday in Blantyre that they wanted to bring back the poetry show after a four year break that came due to COVID-19 pandemic and after death of one of the poets.
“We had a long break due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the death of our own poet, late Mollen Nazombe,” he said.
Chamasowa added that they thought of bringing back the show because apart from entertainment to the audience as it gives an opportunity to upcoming poets to perform at a bigger stage and make a name.
“Apart from bringing entertainment to the people these shows also helps us to unearth hidden talent,” he said.
Chamasowa said all was set for the show, urging poetry lovers to patronize the show with their families describing it as a family event and assured patronage of adequate security and all the artists are ready to recite their best poems.
“People should come with their families. We do not experience any violence in poetry shows and all artists are geared to perform to their best,” he assured.
Renowned Poet, Raphael Sitima confirmed that he would participate in the Phwando la Ndakatulo and assured poet lovers that he was well prepared to entertain them with his touching poems like; Kuteteza kosalako and Kwathu.
A female Poet, Mercy Mbeta who is well known by her poem titled Ungokhala mzanga has confirmed that she would participate and promise unmatched entertainment.
“People should know that I will be there and they will be entertained by my work,” she added.
Other poets who will perform at the event include; Joseph Madzedze, Slyvester Kalizang’oma, Michael Benjala, Aisha Samson, Kenneth Khondiwa, Mlakatuli Kadamkowa, Bright Kaduya, Jamira Bwanali and Mlakatuli Kenson.
Those coming to the show will be treated to rare talent of mimicry from Aunt Gate, Achair and Mr. Malawi who imitate the voices of public figure.
Angitao Band will perform their acoustic music to spice up the event.
Call for comprehensive agriculture budget allocation
By Gift Chiponde
Dowa, June 27, Mana: Chairperson for Parliament Committee on Agriculture, Ulemu Chilapondwa has emphasized the committee's commitment to actively engage with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure a fair allocation of resources within the sector.
This concerted effort aims to support Malawi's 2063 and enhance the country's food security.
He made these remarks during the National Multi-Stakeholder Agriculture Sector 2024/25 Budget Analysis Engagement Meeting at Mponela in Dowa which was organized by Oxfam, CISANET, and NASFAM, aiming to sought the views of various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and farmers regarding the 2024/25 agriculture budget allocation.
Chilapondwa affirmed that the Committee would persist in endeavours to engage the Ministry of Agriculture, aiming to secure equitable funding allocation for all agricultural activities and this was crucial to optimize agricultural production.
He expressed concern about the decline in the allocation of funds to the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasising the potential negative impact on the agriculture sector if resource allocation was not balanced.
Chilapondwa assured stakeholders in the agriculture sector that the Committee was dedicated to revitalizing the country's agriculture and economy through comprehensive allocation and reform initiatives.
The Chairperson acknowledged the Ministry of Agriculture's substantial reforms, particularly the adjustments to Affordable Input Programme (AIP), ensuring that all intended beneficiaries are accommodated in various programmes.
Head of Policy and Communication at NASFAM, Rejoice Chikakuda said the importance of the meeting in providing insights to Members of Parliament and government to enhance application and support towards the agriculture sector.
She expressed concerns about the decline in the agriculture budget allocation, particularly its potential adverse effects on smallholder farmers.
Chikakuda stressed the need for thorough scrutiny of programmes like the AIP to ensure they effectively address the country's needs.
She appealed to Members of Parliament and Parliamentary Committee of Agriculture to advocate for comprehensive allocation within the agriculture sector to promote sustainable agriculture development.
MACRO applauded for promoting HIV self-testing
By Regina Chalira
Mzuzu, June 27, Mana: HIV Testing Coordinator for Mzimba North District Health Office, Mlotha Mbughi, has commended Malawi AIDS Counselling and Resource Organization (MACRO) for promoting HIV self-testing services.
Mbughi was commenting on a progress report of Intensifying Malawi’s Priority and Key Population Access to Community HIV and AIDS Testing and Treatment (IMPACT) and Community Based HIV Testing (CBHTS) Project which is being implemented in Mzuzu.
He said providing HIV self-test is important because most people are still scared to get HIV testing at a health facility and self-testing would be an alternative in promoting HIV testing services.
"Studies show that most people are confident in getting the HIV test at a facility after conducting self-test and this helps those that have tested positive to start treatment with acceptance,” said Mbughi.
Presenting the report to members of Mzuzu City Executive Committee, HIV Diagnosist Assistant Supervisor of the project, Richard Kabaghe, said the organization surpassed its quarterly targeted tests.
“We managed to test about 1,131 people against a target of 830 within communities surrounding Mzuzu Health Centre, St Johns Mission Hospital and Ekwendeni Mission Hospital.
“We use different testing modalities such as index testing and self-testing, among other approaches, in our targeted communities,” said Kawale.
MACRO offers static and outreach services to reduce HIV transmission and its impact.
Physical activity crucial for well-being
By Lisa Lamya
Blantyre, June 27, Mana: News that 1.8 billion people worldwide are at risk of suffering from disease due to their failure to do enough physical activities has concerned local health experts and sports bodies alike.
The news has come from the World Health Organization (WHO) which has released study results showing that nearly 31 percent of adults worldwide do not meet recommended levels of physical activities.
Speaking on the sidelines of releasing the results, WHO Director General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated the need to renew commitments to increasing levels of physical activities and prioritizing bold action including strengthened policies and increased funding to reverse this worrying trend.
“The new findings highlight a lost opportunity to reduce cancer and heart disease and improve mental health and well-being through increased physical activity,” he said.
Head of WHO Unit for Physical Activity, Dr. Fiona Bull said the promotion of physical activity goes beyond promoting individual lifestyle choice.
He added that this would require a society’s approach in creating environments that should make it easier and safer for everyone to be active to reap many health benefits of regular physical activities.
Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Malawi National Sports Council (MNSC). Edgar Ntulumbwa told Malawi News Agency (Mana) Thursday in Blantyre that Malawian adults need to change their perception towards physical activities saying it was not only meant for the youthful population.
“The problem is that sporting or physical activities are labelled as youth activities but everyone needs to take responsibility because the benefits of physical activity are numerous,” he noted.
Ntulumbwa pointed out the relationship between physical activities and mental well-being, saying it prevents suicide cases apart from providing a platform for people to confide in others.
“People are going through a lot and most of them do not know who to share their thoughts with. When doing physical activities one can meet others who may also be facing similar problems and this can lessen their burden,’ he remarked.
Health Expert, Maziko Matemba said findings of the study are worrisome and countries need to ensure that they promote physical activities among their people.
He called on Companies, Ministries, Departments and Government Agencies to ensure they incorporate wellness programmes in their activities saying this would assist their employees who work eight hours or more to find time to improve their well-being.
“It is critical for companies to ensure they prioritize their employee’s health by providing them with spaces that help them do physical activity that is one way of preventing diseases that come due to lack of physical exercises,” Matemba noted.
Mangochi council launches MWASIP
By Bishop Witmos & Shaffie Bakali
Mangochi, June 26, Mana: Mangochi District Council Chairperson, Hassan Chikuta, has urged traditional leaders and their subordinates in the district to embrace the patronage of catchment conservation and management to successfully restore degraded land as well as prevent perennial dry spells.
Chikuta made the call during the launch of Lowe Lingamasa Catchment Management of Traditional Authority (TA) Chowe in the district on Wednesday, under the Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP).
He said Lower Lingamasa Catchment is one of the areas in Mangochi that was heavily affected by dry spells this year due to land degradation as a result of wanton cutting down of trees.
“The launch of MWASIP is aimed at boosting agricultural capacity of rural farmers. I am urging communities in Lower Lingamasa to take catchment conservation and management seriously in order to address effects of climate change,” Chikuta said.
Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources for Mangochi District Council, Nditani Maluwa, said in a bid to have a successful project, the council has outlined various activities as well as collaborative partnership with key players in natural resource management.
“In this campaign, we will empower 18,000 farmers with effective messages pertaining to sustainable land management practices, conduct door-to-door campaigns as well as meetings with traditional and other community opinion leaders,” said Maluwa.
Maluwa said the council intends to restore over 7,000 hectares of degraded land across the district considering that the district has been losing almost 800 hectares yearly for the past five years due to poor farming practices, soil erosion and floods.
A representative of Senior Chief Chowe, Daudi Saudi hailed MWASIP, observing that for the past month it has been operating in the area, the intervention has since empowered communities with climate smart agriculture methodologies.
Mangochi District Council launched the initiative under the theme: “Integrated Catchment Conservation and Management for Enhanced Climate Resilience and Improved Livelihoods.”
TNM civil servants bundles to ease civil service operations
By Priscilla Phiri & Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe, June 27, Mana: Corporate Affairs Manager for Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM), Limbani Nsapato, says the newly introduced civil servants’ bundles will ease communication and bring efficiency within the civil service management of operations.
In an interview on Thursday, Nsapato said the civil servants bundle falls under the Yathu bundle category which incorporates data, SMS and voice bundles that are affordable to help operations of the civil servants.
“This bundle will only be accessed by civil servants recognized by the Malawi government. We have engaged the civil servants’ data base which we will be using for their registration and enrollment for them to be able to buy the bundles,” he said.
He highlighted that the bundle is now in operation and it is a permanent initiative that will be serviced by its agents across the country.
“Subscription is done by the civil servants registering with TNM and once registered they will be able to buy the bundles at their own discretion when need arises,” stated Nsapato.
According to a comment made on social media, one of the civil servants said the company’s initiative is a move in the right direction saying it will help them minimize excessive spending on data bundles.
“To me this is a good move because if you can calculate the amount of money we spend every month on internet and voice bundles you will see that it is very huge and buying in advance will drastically reduce weekly bundle purchases,” said the comment.
On the other hand, some civil servants have expressed concern that the bundles are still inaccessible despite its enrollment upon dialing *656# or through the TNM App.
The TNM Yathu bundles for civil servants will be offered through a partnership between TNM and the government of Malawi with the subscription fees deducted directly from the civil servant’s salary.
MHEN trains mother care groups on immunisation
By Alex Banda Kachingwe
Blantyre, June 27, Mana: Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) has engaged mother care groups from Machinjiri in Blantyre, on a special training to remind the group on their role of raising awareness on the importance of vaccinating under five children against pneumonia, typhoid and other children diseases.
MHEN Administrative Assistant, Mphatso Kamangira, told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Wednesday that mother care group trainings were done under the banner ‘Reaching Every Child’ to protect children from diseases that can be prevented with vaccine.
“The main reason for the campaign is to make sure every child has been reached and vaccinated. We are trying to improve immunization coverage of which we are almost getting closer to reach most of the children,” said Kamangira.
He added that the involvement of mother care groups was a sure way of attaining a big coverage of the immunization programme.
Health Surveillance Assistant for South Lunzu Health Centre, Felix Kankhono, said the training was a refresher after mother care group training in 2019.
He expressed hope that the mother care group will further raise awareness on the importance of vaccinating under five children against diseases.
South Lunzu mother care group chairperson, Esimy Kadzuwa, thanked MHEN for the training, saying it will help them raise awareness in the community on the importance of vaccine.
She, therefore, appealed to members of the mother care group to join hands in intensifying awareness to protect under five children from diseases that can be prevented by vaccine.
MHEN is implementing the campaign in nine districts of Lilongwe, Mchinji, Ntchisi, Dowa, Kasungu, Mzimba South, Mzimba North, Chitipa and Blantyre with financial support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi).
European Union and German Cooperation Donate Vehicles to Malawi’s Social Cash Transfer
By Priscilla Phiri
Lilongwe, June 27, Mana: European Union together with the German Cooperation through KfW, has donated six vehicles valued at EUR 290,000 (K554,000,000) to the Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare to boost its Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) locally known as ‘Mtukula Pakhomo’ activities in Mulanje, Phalombe, Mzimba and Mchinji districts.
The donation was made on Thursday, June 27, at a handover ceremony which took place at the Ministry's headquarters in Lilongwe.
Speaking at the ceremony, the EU ambassador to Malawi Rune Skinnebach expressed his excitement for the handover saying the gesture demonstrates the strong partnership between EU, German and the Malawi government.
"These vehicles are another token of the strong bonds of partnership and cooperation between Team Europe and the Government of Malawi," he said.
Skinnebach also expressed optimism about the impact the vehicles will have on the SCTP's success and the lives they will touch.
“The EU is proud to build a more inclusive, equitable and resilient society and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact that these vehicles will have on the programme,” he said.
Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the Ministry, the Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support and partnership from the EU and the German KfW.
She said, "The vehicles we are receiving today are more than just a means of transport; they symbolise hope, accessibility, and a brighter future for countless families who depend on our social cash transfer programme for their survival and dignity."
The SCTP provides essential relief to vulnerable families, enabling them to meet basic food consumption needs through cash support. The continuous cooperation between the EU, the Germany government (through KFW), and Malawi has been instrumental in driving positive change in various communities.
The Ministry extends heartfelt thanks to the EU and the Federal Government of Germany for their generous donation, which will significantly enhance the SCTP's implementation.
Also present at the event was the German Ambassador to Malawi, Ute König among other delegates.
Digital Mw project improving digital skills
By Kondwani Banda
Blantyre, June 27, MANA: Secretary for Information and Digitalisation, Baldwin Chiyamwaka says the programmes in the Digital Malawi Project and its successor, the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project are critical in improving the lives of Malawians by ensuring that they acquire the required digital skills.
Speaking during a visit to the Private Public Partnership Commission, Chiyamwaka said the project components will transform the way of living for Malawians, underscoring the importance of digital transformation on the country's economy.
He stated that the projects align with the Malawi 2063 Agenda and other broader national initiatives.
"Our programmes in the ministry, including this one being funded by the World Bank, are compliant with the Malawi 2063 vision, they are not designed outside that framework," he disclosed.
These are milestones in the projects leading to the attainment of Malawi 2063 Vision," he added.
Project Manager of Digital Malawi Project, Chimwemwe Matemba said the project scope and activities to elevate the status of the digital transformation are crucial in addressing the digital gap in Malawi.
He disclosed that the first phase of the project has achieved its target and exceeded the targets in other areas.
He added that the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project will close the gaps left by the first phase.
"Digital Malawi is actually the project that started to lay the foundation for digitalization for the country, despite this project being successful; there is need for further investment in the ICT space. This is where the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project comes in," he said.
The Digital Malawi Project, a Malawi Government initiative implemented through the Ministry of Information and Digitalisation with World Bank support, consists of two phases, the first phase is focused on digital ecosystems, connectivity, and platforms, while the second phase, the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project, aims to leverage improved connectivity and public digital service delivery capacity to accelerate digital services growth across sectors.
Some of the project's achievements include the passage of the Data Protection Act through ICT regulation, strategy, and policy development,
training and incubation of over 19,000 beneficiaries in digital skills development and innovation, support for tech-hubs with grants, with 12 tech-hubs benefiting, and connectivity of 500 public institutions, with a target of 530 by the end of the Phase 1.
