MANAonline
VSLs hail their MP for disbursing K10 million
By Clarabella Chipolonga
Chiradzulu, April 29, Mana: Member of Parliament for Chiradzulu East, Joseph Nomale, has handed over money amounting to K10 million, through Constituency Development Fund (CDF), to 27 Village Saving and Loans (VSL) groups from the constituency to help recipients boost their business capital.
Speaking over the weekend at Namalamba Community Day Secondary School in Traditional Authority (TA) Kadewere in the district, Nomale, expressed hope that the funds will transform lives of members of the VSLs to help them recover from shocks.
“People from this area face many challenges due to natural disasters such that they don’t have enough food to feed their families.
“I want these people to do businesses. l am sure that they will be able to buy themselves food and other basic necessities,” said Nomale.
Chiradzulu District Council Community Development Officer, Lovemore Kachala, expressed hope that the loan will assist many vulnerable people in the constituency thereby transforming their lives within a short period of time.
“Groups are expected to get into income generating activities once they get the loan or invest in their existing businesses. They have six months to repay the loans so that others can borrow and this is a revolving fund,” he said.
He said the groups will be trained on how to use the loan properly and will be monitored to see how they are faring.
“We have Village Development Committee, Area Development Committee's, Community Development Assistants, senior chiefs as well as village heads to work together in tracking the loans. It will not be difficult to get them because these groups are registered,” he said.
Chairperson for Kadewere Pastors Fraternal, Rev. Piason Binali, who got a K700, 000 loan, said he will invest in buying and selling of food crops.
“In addition to buying food crops, we will also start rearing chickens for sale to improve household income for sustainable livelihood aside from ministering the Word of God.
“We believe we will also be able to help the needy in our churches and communities. This is why we are celebrating knowing our lives will not be the same," he said.
Government urged to introduce mental health awareness as subject
By Levison Lester
Lilongwe, April 29, Mana: Let It Out (LIO), an organisation that deals with mental health awareness, has asked government to introduce a curriculum that will incorporate mental health awareness messages in schools saying this is the only foundation that can help address such issues among youths in the country.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) LIO Director, Phyllis Banda, said young people get exposed to different lifestyles at school hence introduction of mental health awareness as a subject will not only lay a great foundation but also help young people learn long-term ways of dealing with mental health issues.
“Our wish is to see mental health awareness to be a subject where pupils can learn basics related to mental health. I would love to see learners attending mental health lessons because I believe building a strong foundation emanates from schools,” Banda said.
As one way of helping government in addressing mental health related issues, LIO is doing both online and offline mental health sessions.
So far, LIO has targeted young people from Dedza, Blantyre and Lilongwe.
“We are planning to expand to other districts like Mzuzu and Chikwawa. We want to target youths in rural areas because it is where majority of population live.
“We are doing our best to provide free counselling sessions both online and offline. This year we are targeting young people in primary and secondary schools because we want to tackle the foundation,” she said.
Synergy Safe Africa (SESA) Programmes Manager, Emmanuel Chitambuli, said besides introducing educational awareness programmes in schools, there is also need to connect young people with business opportunities to overcome difficult situations they face.
He underscored the importance of providing accessible counselling platforms to the youths saying this can help them express their feelings freely.
“SESA focuses on promoting mental health wellness amongst the youth aged 18 and above. We connect them with opportunities through initiatives such as SESA Girl Power Programme which aims to provide youths with access to part-time jobs, vocational skills training and business opportunities,” Chitambuli said.
Ministry of Education Public Relations Officer, Mphatso Nkuonera, said there is need for consultations before making a stand as the Ministry works hand in hand with various stakeholders in dealing with mental health.
LIO has conducted eight sessions in selected districts with over 1,000 people reached.
Let's Link Up set for 2024 recruitment auditions
By Ousman Manda.
Lilongwe, April 29, Mana: Let's Link Up Organisation has arranged auditions for the recruitment of new artists for its upcoming projects as part of its continued commitment to promoting and exposing raw talents in the country.
In an interview on Saturday, Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Link Up Organisation, Vitumbiko Gondwe urged artists such as actors, poets, musicians, visual artists and dancers to utilise this golden opportunity to showcase their talents, which would be helpful for them in the long run.
"This is the chance that you've been waiting for, so don't be reluctant. Send your 30 seconds videos, send your pieces of whatever kind of talents that you do so that you should participate in these auditions," he said.
Gondwe stated that the initiative would help artists enhance their skills and provide them with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
"We believe that giving someone a chance to perform in on a bigger stage gives them confidence to push more in their talents," he mentioned.
An Up and Coming Musician, Moses Maseko said the auditions would help them to enhance their skills and it would provide a platform to them.
He said auditions are not easy and participants need to get ready for it.
The Auditions will end on May 4,2024.
MZITI donates to flood survivors
By Jacob Nthozi
Nkhata bay, April 29, Mana; Mzuzu Institute of Technology and Innovation (MZITI) Friday donated maize flour worth K1 million to flood survivors in the area of Senior Chief Malanda in Nkhata Bay.
In an interview, Board Chairperson for MZITI, Bishop Joseph Simeza said the donation came following a call that Nkhata Bay District Council made for assistance to 127 households affected by flood in the district.
"After we heard that a number of households have been affected by floods following continuous heavy rains from April 11, 2024, we thought of extending a hand as an institution working in humanitarian response.
"We know that the flood survivors have many needs, however, for a start, we thought of giving a pack of 10 kilogrammes of maize flour to each of the selected 50 households.
“We are working on how we can help in providing shelter materials that is also in urgent need to rescue those who are hosted in classrooms and prevent continued disruption of learning," he disclosed.
Principal Education Officer, McVinly Kamata thanked MZITI for the support and called on other stakeholders to emulate the gesture.
"We know, the donation cannot reach everyone but this is good for a start and the door is open to all well-wishers who would like to do the same as government alone cannot do everything," he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Akisa Chirwa said the donation would ease some of the challenges her family was facing after losing household items including food stuffs during the floods.
MZITI donated the items with support from Segal Family Foundation.
Enhanced food security through Fish farming
By Tawonga Moyo
Mzuzu, April 29, Mana: Fish is one relish that is greatly consumed in the country and demand for product doesn’t seem to decline at any time of the year.
The never-ending demand, however, puts pressure on the country’s lakes, as noted by Centre Manager for Mzuzu Aquaculture Centre, David Mbamba which is located in Mzuzu’s Chimaliro area.
The Centre focuses on conducting research in areas of fish breeding, fish grow-out which involves growing fingerlings to larger sizes for consumption, and feed development which focuses on finding the best feed which farmers can be using to feed their fish for quality produce.
Mbamba said investing in aquaculture development and providing knowledge to people on its benefits was one way of easing the pressure on Malawi's lakes.
“It is impossible for our lakes to cater for the growing population and aquaculture acts as a supplement for providing fish to people,” he explained.
The Manager noted that the Centre has Green Houses which enables fish breeding throughout the year and prevents fish from dying due to low temperatures.
Mbamba urged Malawians to develop an interest in aquaculture development, observing that the country has a lot of idle land which could be utilized for fish farming.
“People should know that there is profit in aquaculture. We want Malawians to be exporting fish as our country has good water and land resource which is what is needed for aquaculture to thrive,” he said.
A fisherman, Ambros Madope who hails from the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Mwase in Likoma and plies his trade along the shores of Likoma Island agrees with Mbamba.
He noted that if fishermen get introduced to aquaculture, it would contribute to the growth of the trade as they currently ply their trade only when the lakes are open for fishing.
“As fishermen, we comply with the directive not to fish during breeding season. When it comes to fish farming in ponds, most fishermen here in Likoma have no idea what it entails.
We only hear about it but no one has ever given us the details of the processes involved. It’s important that we get to learn about it too as it seems to be a good method,” Madope pointed out.
Mzuzu Aquaculture Centre provides people with hands-on training on fish farming, including fish feed formulation and currently has 40 students enrolled at the institution.
One of the students at the Centre, Timale Mhango said she developed an interest in aquaculture with an aim of extending the knowledge to her fellow youth so that they could find something to do and be self-reliant.
“I am gaining knowledge on how to breed fish which I will eventually sell to make profit. At this centre, I am learning that I can breed a lot of fish in a short period of time and make so much profit.
“Besides that, I would like to extend the knowledge to my fellow youth so that we do not only rely on office work for our survival,” she added.
Another student, Rosalio Mang’anda praised government for establishing the Centre saying it provides hands-on experience for youth to learn about aquaculture.
“Aquaculture is not a common practice, although fish is among the relishes which most Malawians eat on a day to day basis. With the expertise I am gaining here, I plan to build my own fish pond and provide fresh fish to communities,” he remarked.
Mang’anda called upon the youth to be open in exploring aquaculture, saying there was great benefit in it.
Mzuzu Aquaculture Centre, which has 28 fish ponds with a total area of production of about 7.1 hectares boosts of its ability to produce enough fingerlings to supply to both northern and central regions.
The Centre was opened in 1987 by a European Union (EU) funded project which was then known as Central and Northern Region Fish-farming.
In 1995, government took over the project and the area of production which was then at 1.6 hectares was expanded to 7.1 hectares.
Silver back on top
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, April 29, Mana: Silver Strikers have returned to the summit of 2024 TNM Super League after recording a 5-1 empathic win over lakeshore giants, Mafco on Saturday.
The Central Bankers have dislodged league leaders, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers on top with 10 points from four games and they have scored 11 goals against 3.
Silver Strikers forward, Adiel Kaduya was hero for the day and has increased his scoring tally to four and went away with man of the match for third time.
The weekend weeks has reshaped the table standing with huge movements that have happened with Wanderers dropping two points and Mafco have dropped into the relegation zone.
Wanderers were forced to a barren draw against determined, Bangwe All Stars on Sunday and they have dropped to third place after enjoying top of the table stay.
Bangwe All Stars had to welcome their interim coach, Mapopa Msukwa with a sounding draw to move them from position 15 to 14 on the log.
However, their traditional rivals and defending champions, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets secured a hard fought 2-1 win over spirited, Baka City to move to fourth position from 11th with eight points.
Baka City had to silence the Biafra with a 13th minute stunner by Geoffrey Mwakyombe but Bullets had to come from behind to win the game.
They have registered their first win at home after sharing spoils with Mighty Waka Tigers in their second game of the season.
Baka City are yet to register a win, they have a point, scored twice, conceded five and are still anchoring the log table.
Mzuzu City Hammers have nine points and have moved to second from position four after punching a 2-1 away win against Creck Sporting and Sporting has dropped to position eight from five.
Kamuzu Barracks heaped further misery to Civil Service United after hammering them 2-1 on Sunday and have move one step up from sixth to fifth with eight points.
The Servants have dropped to position 11 from eighth and have conceded six goals, scoring four.
Kaning’ina Boys, Moyale Barracks were held to 0-0 draw against Dedza Dynamos at Mzuzu Stadium on Sunday and have dropped to position six from third with seven points.
With the draw, Dedza Dynamos have move out of relegation zone from position 14 to 13 with three points in their bag.
New boys, FOMO have registered their second win of the season after they beat Chitipa United 1-0 at Mulanje Park to move to ninth from 10th with six points.
With the defeat, Chitipa United has dropped five steps downwards to position 12 from seven with three points.
Currently, Silver’s Adiel Kaduya and Kamuzu Barracks striker, Zeliat Nkhoma are leading the scoring chart with four goals each.
Silver has better scoring record of 11 goals, Wanderers has best defensive record and they only conceded a single goal while Mafco and Creck have conceded eight goals each.
Government hints on demolishing illegal infrastructures
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, April 28, Mana: As Government intends to commence implementation of the amended Physical Planning Act of 2022, it has hinted that there will be massive restructuring of urban areas by demolishing infrastructures that have been developed on restricted areas.
Principal Secretary for Lands Devie Chilonga issued the warning on Saturday in Salima at a meeting for registered Physical Planners on Stream-lining Physical Planning activities in accordance with the Physical Planning Act of 2016 as amended in 2022.
According to Chilonga human settlement has taken center stage in moving into undesignated areas especially arable land meant for food production, being turned into dwelling places.
"Cities have turned chaotic, everyone is developing without consulting physical planners, people are even settling in dangerous areas, some of these areas are prone to disasters, posing a threat to human lives," he said.
He said the role of Physical Planners in the country should be highly recognized and respected for proper infrastructural development.
Chilonga said it is imperative for everyone especially in cities to seek permission and inputs from a certified Physical Planner before embarking on big projects.
“There will come a time when we will still demolish any structure that is wrongly placed, it may take years after being issued with a warning notice, but when we are ready, the law will take its cause,” said Chilonga.
He said the Ministry of Lands has been piloting implementation of the new land laws under key land-based development projects, especially in the agriculture sector.
"It is our belief that this engagement between Ministry of Lands and the Physical Planning Fraternity from various institutions and Private Sector, is crucial as it will help in coming up with the best practice in operationalizing the new legal structures, such as the Physical Planning Act," he said.
The Physical Panning Act has made provision for the establishment of the Physical Planning Council which is an appeal body for the aggrieved parties on application for planning permission for development decisions.
President of the Malawi Institute of Physical Planners, Gilbert Chilinde, acknowledged the ineffective implementation of national structure plans, attributing it to lack of enforcement by local councils.
Chilinde said it is high time the country starts to develop according to set standards as stipulated in the national structure plans.
He therefore called upon Physical Planners to work hand in hand with the Ministry of Lands so that they should be up to date with emerging legal issues in the field.
The meeting also looked into modalities of revising the 1987 National Physical Development Plan to align it with the Malawi 2063 agenda.
Malawi urges for increased IDA support
By Mike Kamande
Nairobi, Kenya April 28, MANA: Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola-Banda says the World Bank through IDA remains the largest development partner supporting key sectors of development to alleviate poverty.
Speaking on Sunday at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi Kenya during the ministerial segment for ministers of finance at the International Development Agency (IDA) Heads of State Summit he said Malawi still needs IDA for capacity building on production and value addition.
“We need IDA to help develop the agriculture, mining tourism (ATM) sectors which will transform our economy. Tourism will attract more visitors who will bring more forex.
“We also believe IDA can help in the disaster risk management and be flexible enough in responding to natural disasters and calamities,” he said.
Chithyola-Banda said Malawi is banking on IDA to build its capacity to successfully negotiate with her debtors to either grant debt relief or cancelation so that resources can be used to manage natural disasters.
In his opening remarks Governor of the World Bank (Kenya) Njuguna Ndung'u said since 1960 when IDA was established over US$110billion has been disbursed to its member countries many of which are in dire situation because of debt stress.
World Bank Senior Managing Director (SMD) Axel van Trotsenburg said Africa is at the heart of the IDA's global mission with affordable source of financing in 39 low-income countries in Africa.
“Let us work together to deliver an ambitious IDA2. IDA has been innovating to increase financing available to IDA countries without a nominal increase in donor contributions.
Lilongwe to increase CS-EPWP with 4,812 beneficiaries
By: Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, April 28, Mana: Lilongwe District Land Resources Conservation Officer Setrida Mlamba says all is set to increase the beneficiaries in the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) in this financial year.
Mlamba disclosed the development Saturday during a stakeholders meeting aimed at preparing them to follow the procedures during the registration of new beneficiaries into the programme.
She said government through National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) has increased the number of beneficiaries with 4,812 beneficiaries, bringing it to a total number of 29,440 beneficiaries from 24,628.
Mlamba said the six catchment areas namely Mtambwa Sixpence, Chidokowe, Maselero Mngongonda, Kudwe Kawala and Nyanga have been earmarked for additional beneficiaries because of its vastness.
“Our officers are already on the ground for awareness, assessment and registration of those who are suitable to be added into the programme soon. We are optimistic that we are going to reach the targeted number very soon,” she said
Speaking in a separate interview, Lilongwe District Council Chairperson Dan Mtayamanja thanked government for adding more beneficiaries into the programme, saying if well implemented many households in the district will be relived from poverty.
“This is a true reflection of prospering together that the president Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has been preaching since he became a president,” he said
Mtayamanja then asked those on CS-EPWP to work hard and use the cash they get for the intended purpose.
“This programme is not only alleviating people from their poverty, but also conserving the environment from being damaged and other natural disasters,” he said
One of the beneficiaries Jenifa Kwamdera thanked the government for the initiative saying many people in rural areas need financial support in order for them to come out from their poverty.
Meanwhile, government has revised upwards the wages of participants of the CS-EPWP from MK1,200 to MK1,600 per day.
This means that participants shall now receive MK38,400 after working for 24 days in each cycle.
CS-EPWP is a government initiative under Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project implemented by National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) with financial support from Multi-Donor Trust Fund and World Bank.
CARD awards 75 youths in Phalombe.
By Doreen Kachingwe
Phalombe, April 28, Mana: Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD) in partnership with TEVETA on Friday awarded 75 youths from Traditional Authority Nazombe in Phalombe with certificates after completing various technical vocational skills training.
CARD Consultant, Mwayiwawo Chitsamba told Malawi News Agency that the technical vocational skills training is under a project called; ‘Girls Get Equal’ and targets youths in rural areas as a way of empowering them to be productive and self-dependent for a sustainable livelihood.
He therefore said it is important to provide technical and vocational skills such as tailoring, welding, phone repairing, carpentry and electronics among others to youths in Malawi to attain a productive generation.
“This project was implemented to empower youths in rural areas. A research by TEVETA showed that many youths in rural areas including Phalombe have nothing to do, so we joined hands with a partner, PLAN Malawi and come up with this project to help them to be self-dependent," he added.
Chitsamba said that the certificates award was a way of congratulating the youths, adding that some of the youths had already started utilizing the skills and were doing better after the technical and vocational training.
Community Development Officer for Phalombe, Sydney Nkata applauded CARD for the youth project, saying the project also benefited other people in the district as the trained youths (both male and females) were creating jobs opportunities for others.
One of the awardees in tailoring, Vero Kaiwe said Girls Get Equal project transformed her life and described it a “game changer” for most of young people that had opportunity to acquire the technical and vocational skills.
"I bought land, goats and am planning to build my own house next year. I therefore encourage every youth to embrace this project to turn dreams into realities," she said.
District Youth Officer, Halson Bulangete said was looking forward to more youth programmes in Phalombe to transform more youths into productive citizens.
