MANAonline
Malawians urged to support the elderly
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, January 2, Mana: Minister of Homeland Security, who is also Malawi Congress Party (MCP) legislature for Nkhata Bay South Constituency, Ken Zikhale Ng'oma has called on Malawians to generate interest in supporting initiatives geared at promoting welfare of elderly people in the country.
Zikhale Ng’oma was speaking on New Year Day at Chifira Village in Nkhata Bay when he presented assorted items and K5,000 to each of 600 elderly people drawn from his constituency.
"Government is doing its best in taking care of elderly people. However, there is need to redouble our efforts as individuals in addressing the challenges faced by this particular group in our society,” said Zikhale Ng’oma.
He said the elderly take care of orphans and children in difficult circumstances hence it is important for businesses operators and other stakeholders to complement government efforts in addressing the plight of the elderly.
"Besides this charity initiative, government will also continue to mobilise food aid for those who are food insecure to ensure that no one dies of hunger," he said.
In her remarks, 78-year-old, Eluby Kamanga from Traditional Authority (TA) Malengamzoma commended Zikhale Ng’oma for sparing his time to celebrate the beginning of the new year with the elderly.
"This is a very special year to us as elderly people in this community. We lack a lot of things in our daily lives and today, we are privileged to be given such surprises which included packets of sugar, rice, soap, cooking oil, soya pieces and K5,000.00 cash each. We are very grateful for this,” said Kamanga.
Kamtukule hails ECG for spiritual tourism drive
Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe, January 2: Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule has hailed Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) The Jesus Nation Church for their efforts in driving spiritual tourism.
Kamtukule made the remarks in Kanengo, Lilongwe on Sunday during the ECG crossover service themed Night of Wealth Transfer.
She said tourism is a strategic sector of the economy hence the need for the church to take part in promoting the sector.
Kamtukule said what the church has accomplished is an embodiment of what the ministry embraces that Malawi is the warm heart of Africa.
“When the prophet invited me I thought I should honour it. There is no hotel in the city with extra room because of this conference. Therefore, I want to thank Prophet Bushiri and the leadership. The Night of Wealth Transfer has anchored our economy massively,” she said.
She, therefore, urged ECG to continue staging such events welcoming international conferences for women and the youth.
The minister also graced the hosts of worshippers with her melodic voice as she performed with ECG’s songstress, Swazi Dlamini.
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri hailed Kamtukule for the recognition awarded to ECG for its contribution towards the economy, and all participants for gracing the crossover.
Bushiri, who preached on the essence of wealth transfer, said God will open doors for his people who walk in truth so as to enable the church help the poor in fulfillment of the prophecy of Jesus Christ which reads “you are the light of the world”.
“In 2023 we had the year of soul winning. We are many today because we took time to preach the word and so many people came to Christ. The Bible says we should seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all things shall be added unto us. So, our main aim is to seek the kingdom,” Bushiri said.
The crossover had an attendance of almost 30,000 with thousands of visitors from South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Angola, Lesotho, Australia, United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada.
In a bid to further the spread of the gospel the church announced the launch of the Jesus Nation Application and the Jesus 24/7 radio (95.4 FM).
Irrigation farming rekindles food security
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, January 1, Mana: As most Malawian farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture, 51-year-old Jane Mtambo of Sendelera Village in the area of Senior Traditional Authority (STA) Mwenewenya in Chitipa District has found gold in irrigation farming.
Mother of five children - two boys and three girls - says she regrets after having wasted time on rain-fed agriculture, saying irrigation farming is more profitable than the latter.
“Irrigation farming is a game changer. I have been experiencing food shortage year in year out because I was only relying on rain fed farming,” Mtambo says.
Mtambo is one of the 437 farmers doing irrigation farming in a 131-hectare Mafinga Irrigation Scheme in Group Village Head Mwenechisenga under STA Mwenewenya in the district.
The K1 billion Mafinga irrigation Scheme was constructed by Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (PRIDE) Project with funding from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
PRIDE Project commenced construction of the irrigation scheme in May 2022, as one of the interventions towards reducing food insecurity in the district and country as a whole.
This is in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number two which emphasizes promoting sustainable agriculture, ending hunger and achieving improved nutrition by 2030.
“From a maize quarter acre piece of land, I am expecting to harvest 600 kilograms, which is equivalent to 12 bags, each weighing 50 kg. My plan is to sell a few bags and reserve some for consumption at my household,” she explains.
This initiative also serves SDG three, which talks of promoting healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages.
“After harvesting the maize, I plan to plant Irish potatoes. I am even thinking of paying a fee for another piece of land within the irrigation scheme so that I can have two plots for Irish potatoes,” she says.
Mtambo then appeals to other farmers to adopt irrigation farming, describing it is a viable agriculture intervention in the advent of climate change.
The irrigation scheme will go a long way in alleviating poverty amongst small holder farmers and households, as the initiative will also provide them with income and economic opportunities.
The Mafinga Irrigation Scheme is also going to cement SDG eight, which talks of promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth for farmers.
President for the scheme, Mathias Kanyika, assures the government that farmers will take good care of the facility for it to last long.
“In the past we have been failing to irrigate our crops because of shortage of water. But after the completion of the construction of this scheme, we have managed to utilize 27.4 hectares of irrigable land. After harvesting the first round of crops, we are expecting to put into use all the 131 hectares for the second round,” said Kanyika.
Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale says government has realized the importance of promoting irrigation agriculture in dealing with food insecurity.
“This is why apart from Chitipa District, the government is doing similar irrigation schemes across the country,” said Kawale.
He adds that his ministry is currently investing government resources as well as resources from the country’s development partners heavily in irrigation schemes to achieve food security as well as economic security both at household and national levels.
“The irrigation scheme that we are seeing here was financed by IFAD, and is one of the many schemes that we are developing in this country.
“Our goal is to make sure that we eliminate hunger by making sure that farmers across the country are harvesting two or three times annually,” Kawale says.
Kawale also says that the Ministry of Agriculture will not spare any resource the country has to make sure that government serves both smallholder and large scale farmers to invest in irrigation.
“I must be quick to say that we know the pressure surrounding food insecurity that we have currently as a nation. We will continue working with farmers of different calibres to sustainably sort out hunger. Some of them will be put on contract farming so that they produce more crops in a shortest period of time for us to achieve food security,” he explained.
He further explains that government is taking one step at a time to invest in different irrigation schemes across the country.
“Malawi can produce enough food to sustain itself as well as for export. We are on track,” says Kawale.
Bwaila alumni bail out 25 needy students
By Kondwani Magombo
LILONGWE, January 1, Mana: Former students of Lilongwe’s Bwaila Secondary School have bailed out 25 students at the school who could not afford to pay Malawi National Examination Board (MANEB) examination fees for the 2024 Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) and Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
MANEB set Sunday, December 31 as deadline for receiving JCE and MSCE examination fees for the year 2024, but 11 MSCE students and 14 JCE students at Bwaila Secondary School had not yet paid the fees by Saturday, December 30, forcing the school's administration to send an SOS to the alumni for support.
The matter was brought to the attention of the former students through their WhatsApp platform called Bwaila Alumni Chat Group at exactly 14:15 Saturday, by the Treasurer, Innocent Njati, who shared the students’ individual details, including their individual MANEB invoice numbers.
"The total amount required is K582,070. Since we may not have sufficient funds in the Alumni Fund account, the executive would like to request for contributions from fellow alumni," wrote Njati, with an apology for the short notice.
One after another, the alumni chat group members responded by making contributions, ranging from MK6,000 to MK75,000 and, by 23:10 Saturday evening, all the 25 students had been paid for.
Publicity Secretary for Bwaila Alumni Chat Group, Nandi Mambucha, said members of her grouping felt duty-bound to respond to the call swiftly to bring happiness on the faces of the 25 stranded students who could have failed to sit for the MANEB exams.
“This is a very welcome development. It's part of our mandate to come in whenever need arises,” explained Mambucha.
“It’s not that those members who have contributed have excess money on them, no. The need and the urgency of the matter compelled them to contribute,” she added.
The head teacher for Bwaila Secondary School, Steve Banda, could not hide his excitement and relief when contacted to confirm the development.
“I was very heartbroken when I learned from the examination committee that 25 students had not yet paid their exam fees. So I quickly referred the matter to the Alumni group because they have always been there for us,” explained the head teacher.
“Now I'm very happy and relieved to hear that the students will now be able to write their exams. The parents, too, are very appreciative of the Alumni’s swift response,” he added.
Bwaila Alumni Chat Group has a membership of about 300, with some former students exit years dating back to as early as 1980s.
According to the alumni’s chairperson, Charlie Msusa, the grouping has carried out a number of activities before, aimed at improving the learning environment at their former school.
Some of the tasks include painting the roof of the administration block, painting the walls of some blocks and learning classes, donation of computers, and provision of prizes to outstanding students at graduation ceremonies.
Chimwendo Banda assures Kasungu communities of development
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, January 8, Mana: Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has assured the people in Kasungu that government is doing its best to improve their living standards through provision of quality services and infrastructure.
Speaking at a rally on Sunday at Ndonda in Kasungu North East Constituency, Chimwendo Banda said the rehabilitation of M1 road from Lilongwe passing through the entire Kasungu stretch to Karonga is a loud statement by the government that it is committed to developing the country.
He said: “The M1 road passing through Kasungu is being rehabilitated. We have also seen the rehabilitation of Kasungu District Hospital and construction of bridges, roads and clinics here in the East Constituency. This signals government commitment to serving the people.
“On the other hand, we know Kasungu is a farming district. So we want to assure the farmers and everyone that there will be good prices for their produce. We saw good tobacco prices last year and this year it will be even better.”
The minister told the people to rally behind President Lazarus Chakwera, who he said prioritises farming as a way of unlocking the country’s economic fortunes.
Speaking earlier, Minister of Mines Monica Chang’anamuno asked the people to reject and report illegal mining activities taking place in the district, saying miners have to seek for licensing.
Member of Parliament for the area, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, urged the communities to refrain from politics of violence, telling them that conflicts derail development efforts.
“Our team must be talking development. We have no time for violence and politics of hate. All we want to see is that our youths are given something productive; we are busy building roads, bridges, clinics and schools to transform our communities,” she said.
While thanking government for elevating chiefs and providing subsidised farm inputs, Senior Chief Kapelula requested the authorities to open Admarc depots so that people can buy maize at affordable prices.
Other notable people who attended the rally include Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda, Deus Gumba of Ministry of Lands, Jean Sendeza of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare and Malawi Congress Party regional chairperson for the centre, Zebron Chilondola.
Kasungu District on high cholera alert
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, January 7, Mana: Kasungu District Hospital authorities say although the district has not recorded any cholera case, they are on high alert and prepared to provide effective response in an event of an outbreak.
The hospital Public Relations Officer Catherine Yoweli said in an interview on Sunday that Kasungu is at risk of registering cholera cases because it shares boundary with Zambia which has been heavily hit by the outbreak.
On Friday, Zambia recorded 336 cases and 22 deaths in 24 hours as it took its tally of cumulative cases to 4, 433 and 172 deaths since October 2023 and has since banned street vending and delayed opening of schools.
Kasungu borders Zambia to the west, with many cross border trade activities taking place through Chinsinga, Kachinda and Nthunduwala.
Yoweli said: “As much as we have not registered any case, we are well prepared, also recognizing the fact that we share boundary with Zambia where they are registering many cholera cases. On the prevention side, we have been distributing chlorine in communities to ensure that people are drinking safe water.
“As a district, we have also been actively involved in the Tipewe Cholera campaign through which we have been disseminating messages on prevention and control, targeting local leaders and the community at large.”
Yoweli, who is also a health promotion officer, said they have also carried out house inspections in communities checking the availability of proper sanitary facilities.
“These activities are ongoing. And we have intensified surveillance of cases so that when found, they should be treated at the earliest opportunity.
“During a similar period last year, we had recorded 15 cumulative cases. So it is encouraging that we are at zero cases this year,” she said.
Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda told reporters on Friday that the country has already registered 47 cholera cases and two deaths since the beginning of the 2023/24 rainy season, raising fears for another outbreak.
She said it is worrying that despite the Ministry’s efforts to contain the surge, some people are not complying with preventive measures and ignore health guides.
She however expressed optimism that the country will win the battle against the disease with everyone pulling in the same direction.
Last year, Malawi was heavily hit by cholera registering close to 59, 000 cases with at least 1, 768 fatalities before it was declared “no longer an emergency” early August 2023.
Catholic Church holds Epiphany celebrations
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, January 7, Mana: Catholic Church parishes in Malawi, Sunday held Epiphany celebrations marking a missionary day for children running from November 2023 to November 2024 under the theme ‘Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet’ with a call for parents to send their children to school.
The national event of the celebrations took place at St Albert the Great Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu and all proceedings except Holy Mass Celebration were conducted by children.
In an interview, Auxiliary Bishop for Mzuzu Diocese, Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda said levels of education in the country are still low and advised parents and guardians to ensure that their children are educated
“We as a church would like to see all citizens that they are literate, they should be able to write and read but it is sad to note that even after the introduction of free primary school education, we still have many people who don’t know how to write. This is so because parents do not send their children to school,” said Nyirenda.
He added that that a good number of people can’t write their signatures and that instead they use their thumps whenever they are required to sign documents.
Nyirenda then appealed to government to ensure that it provides suitable learning and teaching conditions to encourage children to remain school.
Commenting on the essence of the day, Nyirenda said Epiphany which is also known as Theophany gears at encouraging children to persistently pray for their parents and fellow children.
“It also aims at motivating children to actively participate in church activities and charity initiatives towards the needy,” he said.
Delivering her homily, Virginia Longwe advised fellow children to love God, every one, respect their parents and carry out charity works in addressing the challenges being faced by the needy in their areas regardless of their religious affiliations.
She also advised parents against abusing children for them to grow into God fearing people and trust worthy citizens who can contribute to the development of the church and the country as a whole.
National Coordinator the Laity in Malawi, Virginia Mahata commended St Albert the Great Parish for hosting the event and expressed hope for continued success of similar events in future.
According to Fr. Joseph Sikwese who represented National Coordinator for Pontifical Mission Society in Malawi, if children are trained at tender age, it would not be difficult for them to serve the church and love others love and serve God.
“This event has been successful due to well-coordinated efforts amongst catechists, the laity, deaneries, dioceses and priests among others,” said Fr. Sikwese.
Government to ensure roads being constructed are durable
By Sarah Munthali
Lilongwe, December 20, Mana: Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara says ministry will ensure that roads being constructed in the country are durable and have quality standards.
Hara made the remarks in Lilongwe on Wednesday when he officially opened for traffic, one section of the M1 road from the newly constructed Crossroads - Kanengo dual carriageway.
The minister said he is impressed with construction work on one section of the dual carriage way M1 road from Crossroads to Kanengo saying the contractors are constructing the roads using Grade a Chinese standard.
“These are type of roads that we shall be building from now onwards. We want contractors to construct roads like what the Chinese construction firm, Shandong Luqiao Group are doing. We want roads that will last up to 40 years,” he said.
Hara commended the contractors for the good pace at which they are constructing the road which will enable road users use the M1 road without challenges.
He said the road is strong and one of its kind in Malawi.
“I am happy today we have provided access to the other section of the road to pave way for contractors to finalize the other side.
“There are still more layers to be done and we hope by December, 2024 the whole road will be completed,” he said.
Speaking after he visited the Kenyatta drive/Sharaar Street and Mzimba Road construction work to appreciate progress, the minister was not impressed with the slow pace of the work.
The contractors gave excuses such as price escalation and Kwacha devaluation.
“We understand and we will see how best we can help to ensure they expedite the construction work.
“I have also given them instruction that we attain quality on this stretch. We want contractors to use pavers for laying base, but the contractors want to continue using graders, this is an old way of doing it. Times have changed; we want smoother roads,” he noted.
Consultant Paul Kulemeka said the delays are due to the devaluation of Kwacha, fuel and forex scarcity.
“At the beginning the contractors delayed due to electricity poles and water pipes then fuel scarcity; that affected progress. We have told the contractors to revisit how they planned the works so that they can finish by July, 2024,” he said.
Lilongwe City Mayor, Richard Banda said the construction of roads in the city will improve infrastructure development.
“There is congestion on the roads, but construction of the roads will ease traffic flow and congestion,” he said.
Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre, Alfred Jiya commended government for transforming the city of Lilongwe by rehabilitating roads.
“Infrastructure development is in line with Malawi 2063 and as city dwellers we look forward to the completion of these roads which will change the face of Lilongwe,” he said.
The construction works of the 10-kilometre dual carriageway from Crossroads to Kanengo is funded by Republic of China to the tune of K22 billion.
The 4.2 kilometre Kenyatta Drive and Sharrar Street will cost K19 billion and is funded by Malawi government.
The minister also visited Kamuzu International Airport junction to Kasungu road and the Dzaleka-Mwangala-Ntchisi-Malomo M7/U51 road.
Chief urges people to go for HIV testing
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, December 20, Mana: Senior Chief Tengani of Nsanje says polygamy in the district is fueling the spread of HIV and AIDS.
He was speaking Tuesday during the district Candlelight Memorial and World AIDS Day commemoration.
He said most men do not go for HIV testing when they engage new partner a development which is encouraging the spread of the virus.
“Much as we appreciate that our culture allows us to marry more than one woman, it is important to go for HIV testing before you take on board another partner to avoid spread of the virus,” Tengani said.
Member of Parliament for Nsanje Central Constituency, Kafandikhale Mandevana agreed with Tengani’s sentiments urging the community to exercise caution when they want to engage in sexual activities.
Mandevana also encouraged those on antiretroviral therapy treatment to do that faithfully so that they can contribute positively to the development of the area.
“Keep on following health advise to remain health so that we should continue developing this area together,” he said.
The legislator urged traditional leaders to discourage some cultural activities that promotes the spread of HIV.
Chairperson for Nsanje District Council, Mike Kafalachi urged communities to continue supporting people living with HIV.
“These are our brothers and sisters who have the rights just like anyone else. Let us respect them and accord them all necessary support,” he said.
The commemorations were held under the theme ‘Let Communities lead by spreading love and showing solidarity in ending AIDS.
Mzimba communities urged to restore degraded lands
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, December 20, Mana: Mzimba Land Resource Officer, Rodgers Nkhoma has urged communities in the district to take land restoration interventions under the second cycle of Enhanced Climate Smart Public Works Programme (ECSPWP) seriously as they have a direct bearing on their agricultural productivity.
Nkhoma was speaking Tuesday at Thundwe Catchment area in Traditional Authority (TA) Kampingo Sibande, which is one of the 16 catchment areas in Mzimba District taking part in second cycle of ECSPWP.
“The programme aims at restoring degraded escarpments; that is why participants plant trees, dig up swales and plant vetiver grass that help in bringing back lost fertility,” said Nkhoma.
He said poor management of natural resources, such as soil, has resulted in soil degradation such that farmers are failing to harvest to the optimum.
“There are many ways in which we can prevent further degradation of the environment. People should stop cutting down trees carelessly. They should instead use natural resources sustainably so that the natural resources should take care of them in return,” Nkhoma said.
A representative of Group Village Headman Mzondi under Thundwe Catchment Area said participants in the ECSPWP are ready to embrace climate smart agriculture technologies including planting trees and making swales.
