MANAonline
Stakeholders for access to sustainable energy
By Tabbu Kauye
Lilongwe, June 20, Mana: Government has access to reliable and affordable energy remains a significant obstacle for many Malawians.
Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola said this Thursday in Lilongwe at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) during Energy Conference which has drawn stakeholders from the energy sector and among other issues, they will address and discuss issues of universal access to sustainable energy and pressing global challenges related to sustainable and clean energy.
He said the conference provides an opportunity for stakeholders to highlight their effort share innovative solutions and unlock financing opportunities essential for enhancing the energy access programmes.
"By bringing together Government entities, Development Partners, Financial Institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Private Sector, we aim to create a holistic and integrated approach for resolving our energy challenges," Matola noted.
The Minister said provision of reliable and affordable energy to Malawians as evidenced by the recent Malawi Energy Access Survey.
According to Matola, the Survey showed that only 25.8 percent of Malawians have access to electricity, where many are concentrated in urban areas.
Matola said, “We are committed to diversifying our energy mix. Currently, the majority of our energy is derived from hydropower, leaving us vulnerable to climatic variations and rainfall patterns. Our strategic approach involves exploring alternative renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass to enhance our energy security and mitigate environmental impacts."
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GeAP Country Lead, Collen Zalengera said GeAP was committed to collaborating with government, private sector and other partner’s efforts to a movement of achieving sustainable energy for all.
The Conference brought together energy experts, policymakers, researchers, NGOs and other partners.
The two-day conference started on June 20 to 21, 2024.
Council and lawmaker hailed
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, June 20, Mana: Councilor for Chilongoni Ward under Dedza Central East Constituency, Boniface Nyombe Wednesday expressed gratitude to Dedza District Council officials for timely supervising projects taking place in the area.
He said the development not only strengthens the relationship between council staff and communities they serve by ensuring smooth completion of the projects.
The Councilor made the remarks when the Council was handing over a project site for the construction of a classroom block to a tune of K92, 433, 045.33 under the World Bank funded Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) at Mkumbuka Primary School in the area while singling out offices such as those of the Director of Planning and Development (DPD), Director of Public Works (DPW), Procurement as well as Finance.
Nyombe applauded Member of Parliament for the area, Joshua Malango saying he was cautious when it comes to using the district basket funds that are allocated to his area.
“Under Malango leadership, the area has witnessed tremendous developments such as clinics, guardian shelters as well as bridges just to mention a few. It is just unfortunate that there are no learning visits among our MPs but this was the right area for them to come and see what their fellow MP is doing,” he said.
A Member of Kaphuka Area Development Committee (ADC), Stephano McDonald applauded Malango for what he termed good developments being implemented in Dedza Central East Constituency.
“We owe all this to our MP, who is development conscious and also transparent in whatever he does. I can comfortably say that our ADC is vibrant as a result of his activeness and engagement,” he said.
The DPD for Dedza District Council, Macpherson Mwakhwawa said the launch of the classroom block construction aims at providing a conducive learning environment among learners thereby contributing towards achieving the Malawi 2063.
He assured the communities of their continued efforts in improved service delivery.
Malango, said the construction works of a new classroom block at the site was welcomed development citing the challenges learners in upper classes of Standard seven and eight have been facing in covering long distances to access education at Limthipe 2 crossing the M1.
He said the other classes are temporary and not enough as some learners learn outside and are heavily affected during scorching sun and rains.
Malango called on communities to actively participate in the construction works while urging the contractor, Rahel and Jowita Joint Venture to ensure the first term learning period starting in September, the classrooms are complete and are in use.
“One of the pillars in the Malawi 2063 highlights education and this project is a dream coming true. When I came into the constituency I kept on emphasizing that I am not the boss but the servant. This is the only secret we got from our father, President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera who teaches us to be the servant of the people,” he stated.
Chande BVC impresses peers
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, June 20, Mana: Senior Chief Makanjira of Salima has hailed the Chande Beach Village Committee (BVC) of Nkhotakota for outstanding management of hygiene-related issues on their fishing dock in the district.
Speaking during a learning visit by Salima District Council’s Mbenji Island and Fisheries Management Committee at Chande fishing doc in Nkhotakota, he said hygiene was of utmost importance and commended the committee for the amazing management of the beach.
“We admire the good work being done here and encourage more of such visits to learn and share knowledge for the betterment of admirable fish farming practices that we can learn from each other,” Makanjira said.
District Fisheries Officer (DFO) for Nkhotakota, Symon Ngwira said this was the first of many exchange visits funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the ReFRESH project to ensure various BVCs share knowledge and strategies for implementing effective fish conservation programmes.
He stressed the importance of issues of hygiene on landing sites, adherence to bylaws, and effective coordination with the chiefs for effective conflict resolution management on matters of breaking the by-laws as part of the things that these committees should share knowledge on.
The DFO for Salima, Patrick Zakeyo said they were impressed and feel the visit has served them well and are looking forward to these visits by their colleagues and continuation of this exchange of knowledge.
Refresh District Technician for Nkhotakota, Catherine Kamanga described the exchange visit a success having encouraged local fisheries management authorities from Salima and Nkhotakota to learn from each other about best practices in Fisheries Management and Resource Mobilization to support their initiatives.
Multimillion kwacha project launched
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, June 20, Mana: Director of Public Works (DPW) for Dedza called on the contractor, AWOH Construction, to ensure they construct modern structures using cement blocks and as per the design while emphasizing on considering the local people for some piece works throughout the construction period.
The DPW for Dedza, Harry Mara said this Wednesday during the handed over a project site at Mphunzi Primary School under Traditional Authority (TA) Kaphuka where a classroom block worth K95.4 million is expected to be built.
He said the project has been earmarked to be completed by September,2024.
The DPW said, “Let me advise communities to closely work with the contractor and my plea to the contractor is to instill discipline in his workforce. Let’s refrain from child labour,” Mara warned.
He added that construction of the classroom block which falls under the District Development Plan (DDP) reflects on the Malawi 2063.
Village Development Committee (VDC) Chairperson, Joseph Edison, under Group Village Head (GVH) Chakachadza where the school was located, expressed gratitude at the launch of the project hoping to see improved education standards at the institution.
He said Mphunzi Primary School, with an enrolment of 1,570 pupils, has only three classroom blocks standing.
Dedza South West Member of Parliament, Clement Mlombwa hailed Dedza District Council for reaching out to his area while calling on his subordinates to fully participate throughout construction process.
“We expect total security for the construction materials as well as total care once the project is complete and in use,” he emphasized.
The Classroom block will be constructed under the World Bank’s Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) Project and is expected to include; four VIP pit latrines as well as procurement of 60 desks among others.
President appoints new MEC Chairperson, two commissioners
By Leah Malimbasa
Chikwawa, June 20, Mana: President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has appointed Justice, Annabel Mtalimanja as new Chairperson for Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and Rev. Phillip Kambulire and Dr. Limbikani Kamlongera as new Commissioners.
According to a public notice signed by MEC Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, the appointments are effective from June 7, 2024, were made in accordance with Section 75 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi and Section 4 of the Malawi Electoral Commission Act.
These appointments fill the vacancies left by the outgoing Chairperson, Justice Dr. Chifundo Kachale and Commissioners Dr. Anthony John Mukumbwa and Olivia Mchaju Liwewe whose tenures of office ended on June 6, 2024.
Following the appointments, the current composition of MEC is as follows:
- Hon. Justice Annabel Mtalimanja- Chairperson
- Richard Chapweteka - Commissioner
- Dr. Emmanuel Fabiano - Commissioner
- Rev. Phillip P.J. Kambulire - Commissioner
- Dr. Limbikani Kamlongera - Commissioner
- Francis Lazalo Kasaila - Commissioner
- Caroline Mfune – Commissioner
Malawians urged to acquire national identity cards
By George Mponda
Karonga, June 20, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) District Elections Officer for Karonga, Elias Nyirenda has urged eligible citizens to turn up for national identity mop up registration and distribution of cards' exercise which is currently underway in the district.
In an interview Wednesday, he said that during MEC's engagement meetings with Multiparty Liason Committees, political party representatives in all districts complained that most potential voters do not have national identification cards.
"The National Registration Bureau (NRB) is conducting a mop up exercise and the new electoral laws stipulate that only those with proof of registration from NRB will be registred to vote in the 2025 general election, so potential voters should utilize this opportunity for them to have cards,” Nyirenda said.
He called on traditional, religious and political leaders among others to help in raising awareness on the importance of the exercise which was also being conducted in MEC's registration centres.
Principal Registration Officer for NRB for Karonga, Chikondi Mtunga pledged that they intend to conduct the exercise in all areas in the district.
He added that the exercise was a follow up to the successfull completion of the national identity cards outreach registration exercise which was concluded in May 2024.
“We will do this in nine phases at 131 old MEC registration centres in Karonga while aiming at registering all eligible citizens who did not participate during the just concluded exercise including those who have just turned 16 years.
We want to make sure that we cover all areas including those which are hard to reach with this important exercise and we are using generators in centres where there is no electricity," Mtunga pointed out.
Over 20,000 men have been circumcised
By: Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, May 20, Mana: Over 20,000 men more especially the youth between the age of 15-25 years in Lilongwe have been circumcised between the month of April and June, 2024.
The development was revealed on Wednesday during the supervision of Dolo Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) campaign that was conducted by Lilongwe District Council Officials and Jhpiego, an organization affiliated to John Hopkins.
Community Mobilization and Communication Officer for Dolo VMMC project, Dave Nkombezi said the figures are a clear indication that several men more especially the youth have now realized the importance of VMMC.
“We are happy and encouraged with the overwhelming figures that we are registering in out clinics. In this quarter, our target is to reach out to 22,700 men, but as of now, we have already circumcised 19,200 men which is a very big achievement,” he said
Lumbadzi Clinic VMMC Provider, Dennick Chanza said on average the clinic circumcise 200 men of which many of them they seek the services on their own without waiting for the VMMC campaigns.
“Just in the month of May, we circumcised 433 men which is quite encouraging,” he said
One of the circumcised youth, Abel Mbewe said many youths have embraced the VMMC because they have known the importance of being circumcised.
“Apart from protecting men from getting HIV during sexual intercourse, the initiative is assisting in protecting our partners [girl friends or wives] from getting cervical cancer which is being spread by Papilloma virus that hides in the foreskin of male organ,” he pointed out.
Dolo Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) project is funded by US Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through Centres for Disease Control (CDC) implemented by Jhpiego and Lilongwe District Health Office.
International Youths engaged in World Cultural Heritage Protection
By Brenda Nkosi.
China, Mana, and June 18: Youths from across the globe on Thursday participated in the 2024 International Youth Dialogue on World Cultural Heritage Protection organized by China.
Speaking during the opening ceremony in Yunnan, Secretary-General of Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, Qin Changwei said young people are full of youthful vitality and are the most open and inclusive group in society.
“The creativity and strength of young people are indispensable to meeting the challenges in the protection and utilization of world heritage,” he said.
He said over the years, China has actively carried out world heritage education for young people to help them build awareness and acquire the ability to protect cultural heritage.
“The Chinese National Commission for UNESCO will work with all parties to actively support youth participation in World Heritage conservation activities,” stressed Changwei.
Minister of the Embassy of Colombia in China, Jose Francisco Diaz said the participation of young people in the protection of world cultural heritage will help cultivate a new generation of guardians of cultural treasures and promote cultural exchanges and cooperation.
“Cultural heritage is the bridge that connects our past with the present and guides us into the future. The protection of world cultural heritage is a shared responsibility of all nations and communities.
“China has actively promoted international cooperation in the protection of cultural heritage, played a fundamental role in the protection of world cultural heritage and set a good example for other countries,” he said.
Former Vice President of China International Communications Group (CICG), Lu Cairong stressed the need to deepen international people-to-people exchange and cooperation and jointly build a global network of dialogue and cooperation on cultural heritage protection.
“To promote the deep integration of cultural and technology, and to empower cultural heritage with digital technology; it is necessary to build an international youth exchange platform and contribute to the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage,” he said.
Participants toured the east edge of Hengduan Mountain in the South West border area of China where the Honghe Hani terraced fields are located that was listed as World Cultural Heritage in 2013 for its water system, forest, mushroom shaped village houses and fields.
Farmers applaud programme for transforming lives
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, June 19, Mana: Farmers from Group Village head Chipole, Traditional Authority Mbera in Balaka District have transformed to better livelihood through livestock and poultry farming after securing a K14 million grant, courtesy of Promoting Sustainable Partnership for Empowered Resilience (PROSPER) programme.
On Tuesday officials from the Ministry of Agriculture toured the group to appreciate layer chickens and goat rearing which is part of PROSPER programme.
Vice Chairperson of Kachere farmers group, Rabecca Anika told Malawi News Agency that the group managed to source K8 Million from its members and later obtained a grant of K14 Million from PROSPER programme which totaled K22 million,
She said after securing the grant, the group constructed a modern animal shelter and now plans buy 200 layer chickens of which 83 have already been supplied.
“The K8 million that we contributed came from various farming activities such as maize and vegetables cultivation and we got all expertise from PROSPER initiative,
“Apart from raising chickens and goats, this project has also empowered us to do Village Savings Loans (VSL) groups and also produce nutritious agricultural products such as porridge flour in order to keep our bodies healthy and fit,” Anika added.
She said that Kachere farmers group intends to extend the livestock rearing knowledge to household level so that every family should raise chickens and realize more profits and in turn get manure for the livestock.
Balaka Senior Agricultural Officer who is also responsible for coordinating PROSPER programme, Samson Chinkhadze, said the initiative was aimed at empowering communities that are affected by climate shocks by equipping them with ways of farming to ensure they are resilient.
He said PROSPER programme currently empowers 15 farmer groups in four TAs of Kachenga, Kalembo, Amidu and Mbera in Balaka District making a disbursement of about K168 million which enabled farmers to engage in various investments.
“This programme promotes experimental learning as such, farmers go through field schools where they identify problems in their area and devise solutions based on their knowledge", said Chinkhadze.
The Ministry of Agriculture has been implementing PROSPER, a multi stakeholder resilience programme since 2018 to reduce extreme poverty among rural households in Malawi.
PROSPER programme is being supported by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
Karonga District Council to relocate rice and groundnut mills
By Felix Katemula & George Mponda
Karonga, June 19, Mana: To address people’s concerns over environmental and health hazards caused by rice mills. Karonga District Council plans to relocate the mills and groundnut shellers which are operating at the center of Karonga Town
The development follows heaps of rice chaffs and groundnut pods which have piled up in the central business district (CBD)of Karonga.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday, Acting Director of Planning and Development for Karonga District Council, Khumbo Mkandawire said the council had already previously engaged the business owners on the issue and were willing to relocate.
“Our town plan shows that where they are operating is not a commercial area and we are to relocate them to a place befitting their business as we strive to keep the town clean and avoid noise and waste pollution in residential areas,” said Mkandawire.
According to Mkandawire, the council is currently sourcing funds for buying land near Nthola-Ilola Greenbelt Initiative Rice Mill which is located about 8 kilometers away from Karonga CBD where they will relocate to.
Chairperson of Karonga Business Association of Rice Mills, Felix Mwakiyanjala blamed the council for delaying the relocation on several times, a development which he said has also affected their business plans.
“We urged the council to fulfill the plans this time, we totally agree to the relocation exercise and we have shown our commitment by paying development fees. This is a third site we have been told to relocate to,” said Mwakiyanjala.
Some of the business people who sell rice at the mills’ premises, Virgo Kachere and Salome Msowoya, while agreeing to the relocation observed that the move will jeopardize their business.
“Our homes are in town close to the rice mills and M1- Road making it a convenient rice business place both to us and our customers. The relocation will have negative consequences to us and the business because of transport and accommodation costs,” said Kachere.
Kachere and Msowoya then urged the council to do further consultations on the issue to settle on a win-win situation.
Karonga District is a major rice producer and famous for its highly flavored Kilombero and Faya Rice varieties.
