
MANAonline
BCC geared to transform Mibawa Bus Terminal
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, November 5, Mana: Blantyre City Council (BCC) is currently constructing a minibus terminal at Mibawa as part of a broader urban development plan to provide convenient public transportation.
Director of Engineering Services at BCC, Chimwemwe Mndelemani told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday that the council is utilizing the Infrastructure Development Fund to rehabilitate the Mibawa minibus depot, aiming at improving its ambience and reduce inconveniences for minibuses during the rainy season or any other season.
"The major hindrance before was that many minibuses were avoiding the depot due to its poor condition. Now, we are making it more conducive for minibuses to operate from," Mndelemani said.
He added that there are multiple reasons why the council decided to undertake this construction, primarily to benefit Blantyre City residents.
"The purpose of constructing the depot is to assist residents in easily accessing transportation. Additionally, there were issues with traffic management, as minibuses were parking randomly around the city. We believe this will bring order and sanity to the city," he said.
Mndelemani added that the council is liaising with its development partners to install better shelters and solar street lights to enhance security and vibrancy at the terminal after the construction is completed.
He disclosed that BCC is conducting extensive stakeholder engagement with users, the public and the Malawi Police Service to foster a sense of ownership among residents in a bid to encourage them to take care of the facility for its longevity.
"This sense of ownership will help uplift city facilities and in turn, support business growth and attract both foreign and direct investors," he said.
He also disclosed that the entire project will cost BCC K108 million, funding from the Malawi Government through the Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF).
Mndelemani, therefore, assured the public that the construction works which commenced in August 2024 will be completed and officially opened by the end of November this year.
In a separate interview, the Chairperson of Mibawa Bus Depot, Ackim Yuda commended the council for the long-awaited construction of the minibus terminal.
"We are happy that the council is constructing the depot here at Mibawa. This will help us manage the movements of minibuses that often plies business within and outside the city," Yuda said.
He added that the depot would accommodate many minibuses and vehicles currently parked along city streets.
Yuda assured his committee is ready to work with the council to ensure the depot’s goals are achieved. However, he appealed to the council to consider erecting additional toilet blocks at Mibawa to address issues of sanitation and hygiene.
Women and youths urged to lead in peacebuilding
By George Mponda
Karonga November 5, Mana: The Malawi Peace and Unity Commission believes women and youths are powerful change agents who can contribute to maintaining peace in the country.
Commissioner for the entity, Professor Francis Mkandawire said this Monday in Karonga during a sensitization meeting for the reconstitution of the Karonga District Peace and Unity Committee (DPCU).
Mkandawire observed that although Malawi has enjoyed peace through the years, there are some pockets of violence, which if left unchecked might escalate into bigger conflicts.
"Women are mostly victims during conflicts while youths are mostly used in violent acts. Therefore, women and youths should be used to create an inclusive approach in peacebuilding since they have the energy and idealism which is essential for sustainable peace," said Mkandawire.
He further said as the country is preparing for next year’s general election, there are a number of issues, which need to addressed especially political violence and DPUC's should be instrumental in maintaining peace.
Acting District Commissioner for Karonga Frank Mkandawire expressed optimism that there will peaceful coexistence among political parties on the road to next year’s general election.
"Karonga used to be a conflict hotspot but as of late, the situation has changed drastically in part due to the existence of the DPUC which is working tirelessly in all six Traditional Authorities in the district," said Mkandawire.
On his part, Desk Officer for the Catholic Commission of Justice and Peace in Karonga, Cuthbert Mkandawire observed that solving the economic challenges being faced by youths is a sure way of ensuring they are not involved in acts of violence.
According to the Peace and Unity Act of 2022, DPUCs will be established in all District Councils as pillars for promotion of unity and peacebuilding in their areas of jurisdiction and Karonga was one of the districts where it has been piloted since it was identified as a conflict hotspot.
The Act stipulates that the DPCU is supposed to have a balanced representation of men and women with an equal number of each.
Malawi Queens to participate in African Cup Championship
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, November 5, Mana: Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has announced that following an invitation from African Netball, Malawi Queens will participate in the upcoming African Cup Championship scheduled for December 9 to December 14 in Swakopmund, Namibia.
In a press statement on Monday, November 4, NAM stated that the championship cup will feature both women’s and men’s netball teams across Africa.
Number of teams across Africa such as Tanzania, Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Uganda and South Africa have confirmed their participation in the African Cup Championship.
According to the press release, NAM will only send Malawi Queens to compete in the competition due to financial challenges, but NAM said is working extra hard to source money so that Malawi men’s netball team can also take part in the competition.
Sports analyst, Lester Banda said NAM had made the right move to allow the Queens to compete in the competition but added that there was a need for the team to prepare well for the best results.
“We need to have good preparations by having a quick friendly game before the time. This will make the team fit enough for the competition,” he added.
Banda added that the competition will be important for the queens as this will provide a good opportunity to build a strong team for other games ahead.
“This should be a stepping stone for upcoming competitions. I hope the coach will use local players and other professionals who are playing outside the country to make a good combination,” he said.
Banda therefore asked government and companies to support Malawi Queens with funds so that the team could have good preparations for the tournament.
Malawi Queens recently lost all three matches in the Spar Challenge International Netball Taste series in South Africa.
Man dies in Dowa road accident
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, November 5, Mana: A man in Dowa on Monday died after being hit by a minibus along Dzaleka - Dowa turn off road, police have confirmed.
Dowa police Public Relations Officer Alice Sitima has identified the deceased as Jackson Banda, an adult male whose age has not yet been confirmed.
"The incident involved a Mazda Bongo (registration CK 8664) traveling from Dzaleka towards Dowa Turn-off which hit Banda, who was walking in the opposite direction at an area near Cilcon.
"Banda sustained severe head injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Dowa District Hospital," said Sitima.
She said the driver whose identity currently remains unknown, sustained head injuries and as we went to press remained unconscious and admitted at the hospital.
Police in Dowa have since urged the public to adhere to traffic regulations to prevent accidents.
Nkhotakota battles malaria with mass net distribution
By Damiano Thengo
Nkhotakota, November 5, Mana: Nkhotakota district health office says over 80% of Nkhotakota District's population is hit by Malaria, prompting urgent action to curb the spread of the disease.
Speaking on Monday during the launch of a mass net distribution campaign, District Health and Social Services Director Dr. Jacob Kafulafula said they have initiated a mass distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs). This move is part of a broader effort to implement the national malaria prevention and treatment policy.
“Malaria remains a significant health challenge in Nkhotakota where for every thousand people, 823 are affected and this underscores the urgent need for effective interventions.
“The district has previously employed indoor residual spraying as a preventive measure, however, the distribution of ITNs is seen as a crucial additional step in the fight against Malaria,” said Kafulafula.
Principal Education Officer in the district Willard Magunda, speaking on behalf of the district commissioner, expressed optimism about the impact of the ITN distribution. He urged the community to use the nets correctly and avoid misusing them for other purposes like fishing.
“It’s disheartening to see that people misuse these nets, we need everyone’s cooperation to ensure the success of this initiative,” pleaded Magunda.
Madalitso Kafelemu, a resident and beneficiary, welcomed the distribution of the ITNs saying the nets will undoubtedly help reduce Malaria cases in their community.
The ITN campaign, funded by the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative (PMI/USAID), is being implemented across five districts in Malawi namely; Balaka, Mangochi, Nkhotakota, Nkhatabay, and Salima.
Popularize contingency plan -DC
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, November 4, Mana: District Commissioner for Zomba, Reighngard Chavula has appealed to the disaster office to disseminate the district’s contingency plan for proper coordination with stakeholders that take part in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
The District Commissioner made the call Monday at Liwonde in Machinga during a contingency plan review meeting and said having a plan is one thing and disseminating what is in the plan is another.
“After developing our plan, let's make sure that we popularize it so that everyone is involved and take part.
“Sometimes we don't get the necessary support during disasters because people are not aware of what they are supposed to do, where to report and how to effectively coordinate to address issues at hand,” Chavula added.
The District Commissioner described the contingency plan as proper and guiding tool in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
“Let us avoid shelving the plans developed because that is our main challenge. I am sure that this time around we will coordinate properly because we have a plan,
“It is always sad to see people doing things the way they want despite the availability of the plan,” she added.
Contingency plan is reviewed annually depending on the seasonal weather forecast.
Disaster Risk Management Officer for Zomba, Violet Jimu said her office already started engaging stakeholders and community members on the seasonal forecast.
She added that series of awareness will be conducted to popularize the plan to ensure members of the community understand it.
“Of course, we involve community leaders when developing our contingency plan. However deliberate efforts will be made to ensure community members are aware of the plan,” Jimu said.
According to the seasonal forecast released by the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, Malawi is expected to receive normal to above normal rainfall and Zomba is one of the districts that will receive normal to below normal rainfall.
First Lady officially opens Jalira Girls National Secondary School
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, November 4, Mana: First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera has officially opened Jalira Girls National Secondary School at a ceremony held at the school premises at Jalira in Rumphi.
In her remarks, the First Lady has praised the founder of the school Sister Ruth Baek for her unwavering desire to serve other people.
She added that the opening also indicates the commitment to empower girls through education for them to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.
"You could have chosen to enjoy your money in retirement, but you have chosen to continue serving others by constructing this magnificent school.
"This institution will be a stepping stone for so many girls in the years to come who will go on to develop this country," said Chakwera.
The First Lady also presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the school construction in June 2022 and has also broken ground for construction of a Women College at the school.
Minister of Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima said the school will increase the number of girls attending secondary school since it is an all girls secondary.
She added that the school will also give the girls even in the rural communities a chance to access high quality education.
"When we talk about equitable access to education this is what we mean. It means students in the rural communities should also have access to high quality education from infrastructure to learning materials.
"This also means that we are bridging the gap between girls and boys in terms of access to education," said Wirima.
The opening of the school has now increased the number of all girl’s government run secondary schools to eight in the country.
In his remarks, Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe said the school has transformed the face of the district and increased access to high quality education for girls.
The school's head girl, Grace Mwandira said the school has given the girls at the school an opportunity to achieve their dreams through access to well-equipped laboratories and other learning aids.
She added that she will work very hard to achieve her dreams.
Member of Parliament for the area, Yona Mkandawire thanked the First Lady for linking up with Ruth Baek and her friends to construct the school.
He also urged business people in the area to keep their liquor shops away from the school so that the girls at the school should concentrate on their studies.
The construction was funded by SEEDS Missionaries from Korea and the United States led by Sister Ruth Baek.
Millennium University to host Youth Mental Festival
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, November 4, Mana: Millennium University has organized a Youth Mental Festival, which will be held from November 9 to 10 at the Blantyre Youth Centre.
The festival is essentially a vibrant gathering for young people, their friends and families to converge and celebrate life, community, connection and positive change through good mental health.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday, Dr. Sandra Jumbe a senior lecturer and lead researcher in mental health said on the day there shall be different activities that will spice up the day and make the day unforgettable.
“We have a dynamic programme featuring activities like football and netball tournaments, music, dance and theatre. Alongside that we have inspirational talks, interactive workshops and panel discussions with mental health experts, our stakeholders and other local celebrities,” Jumbe who is also a health psychologist said.
Jumbe added that the festival is part of a bigger research project that she is leading called ARISE, which focuses on improving mental health literacy among the youth using education settings.
“The bigger goal is to work with ministries of education and health to roll this out across the country and create a national framework that embeds mental health into our education system. We also want to reach young people that are not in college or university so they can also learn about mental health,” she said.
She added that this festival is very important to the youth because it gives a chance to educate the youth in masses about what mental health is, how to manage it and also for them to help others.
“As a psychologist, I have always wanted to remove the taboo around mental illness and encourage people to open up when facing challenges. I see this festival as a great way to reduce stigma surrounding mental health,” she said.
In a separate interview, Executive Director for Drug Fight Malawi, Nelson Zakeyu who will be the guest of honour during the event, said this is a very important event especially to the youth because it will help them receive advice from experts on how to desist from drug and substance abuse.
“Drug and substance abuse is very dangerous among the youth as it leads to delinquency; therefore, I’m asking all the youth to take care of their health by doing physical exercises. I also urge all the youth to come in large numbers so that they can receive advice from the experts,” Zakeyu said.
This is the second festival. The first one was held last year at the same venue during World Mental Health Month in October. On the day, there will be other celebrities such as Piksy, Patrick Mabedi, Mary Waya, Hazel Mak and Nicole Kamwendo, among others. This year’s theme is: healthy mind, healthy body.
Feature: Chibungo CDSS – GESD’s answer to longstanding gap
By Kondwani Magombo
Lilongwe, November 04, Mana: Fourteen-year-old Tadala James, from Nkhata Village, Group Village Head (GVH) Chibungo, Traditional Authority (TA) Kalolo in Lilongwe, is among scores of learners that are proud to be part of the genesis of their school.
The learners are the pioneers of Chibungo Community Day Secondary School, located in TA Kalolo, Mapuyu North Constituency.
The school just opened its doors for the first time on September 16, 2024, at the onset of the 2024/25 academic year, upon the completion of the second phase of the construction of the infrastructure, sending the entire community delirious with excitement.
"I'm very excited to be among the first learners to be enrolled at this new school: this will go down in the history of the school, and my education!" Exclaims the teen student, beaming with pride.
The feeling is common among more than 60 learners in Tadala's Form One class - the only class, so far, at the new institution.
The construction and opening of the new school has muted the long-standing cries of the community of Chibungo, and surrounding villages.
For ages, long distance to available public secondary institution, Katsuma CDSS, had always been a challenge with no solution in site, leading to high dropout rates among learners.
But a glimmer of hope came in 2017 when Lilongwe District Council embarked on the first phase of construction, whereby a block of two classes was erected using Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The second phase of construction of Chibungo Community Day Secondary School came in 2019, and it saw the construction of another 2-classroom block and VVIP toilets, using Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) Project funds.
The year 2024 saw the construction of administration block, water system aided by solar pump – all completed, and teacher's house, which was still under construction at the time of compiling this article.
Thus, with two complete classroom blocks, working water system, VVIP toilets and administration block ready for use, Chibungo CDSS became ready to admit the first intake of learners to start form one as the 2024/25 Academic Year rolled out.
The opening of the new CDSS has also ignited interest in those boys and girls who dropped out of school due to other reasons, including long distance to Katsuma, the 'nearest' CDSS then.
The returning of the dropouts is plainly evident at a glance as one can easily spot a number of 'older' learners in the pioneer class.
Among the back-to-school lot are Goodwill Kadeluka, Ganizani William, Mateyu Chipiliro, Hassan Chiwambo, and Denis Phiri, aged 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, respectively, who dropped out and stayed for 1 - 2 years before enrolling at the new school.
"We were all at Kachiswe Primary School and we dropped out due to either lack of fees, or long distance to Katsuma CDSS," explains 20-year-old Denis Phiri.
"The coming of the school within walkable distance has enabled not only those who dropped out due to long distance to Katsuma CDSS to return to school, but it has also stimulated the parents and guardians of those learners who dropped out because of financial challenges to strive and source funds to send their wards back to school," adds Phiri.
It’s the ease with which the ‘older’ and ‘younger’ students mingle and accommodate each other that leaves a bystander in awe.
This is what they have been taught – to respect and treat each other equally, according to Willard Chirwa, one of the teachers at the new school.
"As a teacher, nothing excites me more than seeing learners who dropped out returning to school," Chirwa explains, and he adds: "So, other than being happy for being one of the pioneer teachers of Chibungo CDSS, seeing the dropouts back in class is so ecstatic for me."
Chirwa describes the enthusiasm among the pioneer Form One students at Chibungo CDSS as so encouraging that he is hopeful that a solid foundation for the school, regarding performance, is successfully being laid.
The new CDSS was long overdue in the area and its coming has made the community heave a sigh of relief as students from the surrounding areas will no longer have to travel long distances to Katsuma CDSS, as it was the case before.
This is why the community rose to the occasion when the Lilongwe District Council sought land for the construction of the new school.
“A total of 13 hectares of land was allocated to the school – enough for all needed infrastructure, including staff houses, and other facilities, such as school ground and wood lot,” explains Goodwin Chithengo, Chairperson for the School’s Committee.
Chithengo adds that members of the community treasure the new school very much and they stand united, and ready with any required support to ensure that the institution's operations run smoothly.
Such is how GESD project is changing people's lives through Performance Based Grants (PBG) that councils get from the National Local Government Financing Committee (NLGFC), the constitutional body that is mandated to mobilize, distribute and ensure efficient and effective utilization of financial resources among local authorities.
NLGFC provides councils in the country with additional financial resources for public investments based on individual council’s achievement of results.
Lilongwe District Council has had GESD PBG for three phases, with the funding of MK527 million; MK1.4 billion; and MK2.7 billion, respectively, according to the council’s Director of Public Works, Sydney Chiphaka.
The funding for the three phases has enabled the council to implement over 50 projects, among them, school blocks, health facilities, bridges and market shelters, across the district.
“We implemented 16 projects in Phase 1 with MK527 million funding; 20 projects in Phase 2 with MK1.4 billion funding; and 17 projects in Phase 3 with MK2.7 billion funding, explains Chiphaka.
He continues: “With the completion of these GESD projects, we have seen an increase in pupils’ enrolment in schools where we have constructed classroom blocks; reduced distances to the nearest health facility, following new health infrastructure; and increased revenue collection due to the market shelters that we have constructed.”
The 50-plus projects that the Lilongwe Council has implemented include bridges which, according to Chiphaka, have seen farmers transporting their produce to markets with ease.
The Director of Public Works further observes that, other than bringing the needed development to the community, GESD projects have created jobs for many in the rural areas where most projects are implemented.
But that’s not all: GESD’s PBG has stimulated the councils to compete in service delivery in pursuit of highest score, for yet highest funds and this, in turn, is helping the public get quality services.
Digital financial services to reduce theft in Nsanje
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, November 4, Mana: Communities in Nsanje District have hailed digital financing services, noting that such services will help to reduce incidents of theft.
Speaking on Sunday during a Village Savings and Loan (VSL) sensitization meetings on digital financing services, Eliza Ken from Ndenguma Village in Traditional Authority Malemia said the digital financing will help to protect money from armed robbers.
Ken said the digital financing services will also help to secure money for VSL groups.
“Nsanje borders Mozambique and the issue of theft is on the rise and it has been a threat for me to keep huge sums of money in my house,” she added.
Daniel Chabuka from the same village also praised the digital financing services, adding that it is instant and convenient.
"You can withdraw money at your own convenient time," he said.
Chabuka said the digital financing service is very crucial to Nsanje communities considering that the district has one commercial bank only and during month end, the bank gets congested.
"Through digital financing there is no more queuing at the bank. You can do the transaction at your own pace," he added.
The digital financing campaign in Nsanje is implemented by AC Consulting with support from the Reserve Bank of Malawi and Ministry of Finance.
AC Consulting Nsanje District Team Leader, Bridget Mhango said they are conducting road shows, meetings with area development committees and VSLs with an aim of encouraging communities to embrace digital financing services.
Mhango said the exercise is aimed at encouraging communities to make payments and sales through mobile money, online, ATM transfers and mobile banking.
“The digital financing services are cheaper and efficient. The services are also easy, faster and are available any time of the day," she added.
Mhango, therefore, encouraged communities to embrace digital financing services as the world is going digital.