MANAonline
Neno DC sees environmental revival through CS-EPWP efforts
By Salome Gangire
Neno, August 31, Mana: Neno District Commissioner, Rosemary Nawasha, has commended the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) for intervening to restore the district's once-thriving vegetative cover.
Nawasha expressed appreciation over CS-EPWP interventions on Friday at Chikonde Model Primary School when community members from Chiwale Catchment received cash payments after participating in cash for work environmental conservation activities.
The District Commissioner reflected on the district’s past, recalling Neno’s vast vegetative cover and rich biodiversity.
She said due to unsustainable human activities such as irresponsible tree cutting for charcoal production and cooking, this has left much of the district barren and vulnerable to soil erosion.
“Deforestation has led to severe surface runoff, leaving the land bare and accelerating soil erosion,” said Nawasha.
The DC said through activities like afforestation, creation of contour marker ridges and gully reclamation under the CS-EPWP, the district was making strides in reversing the trend.
She highlighted that the council was implementing several activities to deal with illegal and careless tree cutting so as to restore lost vegetative cover.
“We have been working closely with communities and their leaders to discourage deforestation. Additionally, we conduct regular patrols in collaboration with the police and forest officers to prevent environmental harm,” the District Commissioner added.
Despite challenges such as a shortage of enforcement officers, Nawasha said was optimistic that the council will curb illegal activities that threaten the environment.
She therefore urged CS-EPWP participants to use their earnings wisely, prioritising essential needs like food and child education as schools will soon open.
“Government provide funds to ensure wellbeing of families as they participate in environmental conservation activities within the programme,” she said.
Programme Facilitator for CS-EPWP in Neno, Chrissy Kamanga explained that it takes participants to work for 24 paid days and 10-days community service to earn MK38, 400 per cycle.
She said the programme is not only meant to restore the district's natural environment but also meant to improve livelihood of participants that can afford basic household necessities.
Kamanga said Neno District has 14,228 participants engaged across 14 micro-catchments contributing to environmental restoration and other related community initiated activities.
One of the participants from Chiwale Catchment, Dick Kapingasa of Joliji village at Traditional Authority Chekucheku said was grateful to government for introducing CE-EPWP in his area.
He said CE-EPWP was significant in restoring the environment apart from improving household income among participants that receive payments per cycle.
CS-EPWP is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Programme (SSRLP), implemented by the Malawi Government through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) with funding from the World Bank and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
Government applauds late Nkhulambe's chieftaincy
By Linda Likomwa
Phalombe, August 31, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Owen Chomanika on Saturday attended burial of Senior Chief Nkhulambe in Phalombe who died on Wednesday night at John Chilembwe Hospital in the district.
Speaking during the funeral ceremony, the Deputy Minister said late Nkhulambe’ s leadership was worthy emulating describing her as “full of humanity “and was known to have left a cleaner record.
The Deputy Minister added that Nkhulambe largely focused on development and uniting her subjects among other good things on record.
“Since she was installed as group village in 1989 until her death, the ministry did not receive any complaints from her subjects and we would like to ask chiefs and all in leadership positions to emulate from her character,” the deputy minister said.
Lhomwe Paramount Chief, Kaduya said Lhomwe chiefs have lost a strong pillar, a person who used to advise other chiefs on governance issues.
Kaduya therefore advised other chiefs to emulate late Nkhulambe’s style of leadership, which she said was exemplary in all aspects.
Speaking earlier, Senior Chief Chimombo of Nsanje described late Nkhulambe as one of the chiefs who had no fear in discharging her duties because she had vast knowledge on leadership beginning as group village head.
“We all need to know that to become a chief we need to have knowledge and wisdom from God. This was the reason she was able to discharge her duties without fear, where people are wrong she was able to say it,” he added.
Born Loney Nachamba, Nkhulambe was born on April 10, 1952 and died at age 72 and became traditional leader as Group Village head Nkhulambe in 1989.
She was elevated to Sub-Traditional Authority Nkhulambe in 2004, in 2009 was elevated to Traditional Authority Nkhulambe and later elevated to a position of Senior Chief in 2019.
In attendance was also Traditional Authority Mambucha from Mozambique and other traditional leaders from Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Mulanje and Nsanje among others.
DoDMA rescues families from hunger in Salima district
By Lekereni Chinkhota
Salima, September 1, Mana: Households affected by dry spells, caused by El Nino and floods in Salima district have received fortified maize flour from Malawi government through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) to help in alleviating hunger problems.
Speaking on Saturday, in the area of Senior Chief Khombedza after receiving the relief items, Thomas Yohane from Kamanula village said the items have come at a right time when many people in the area are struggling to find food for their families.
“I am pleased with this timely support from the government. My family struggled to find food due to exorbitant prices of maize in our area and it is not easy to find money here. Sometimes my family was going to bed on an empty stomach, because we did not harvest much this year as a result of dry spells,” he said.
Another beneficiary from Chilambanjala village, Agness Edward said the flour she has received will enable her family to have enough food with her large family for some time.
“I have eight children and it is not easy to find enough food for all of them. This bag will enable my family to have enough food for over a week while I will be finding other means of providing for my family,” she said.
Disaster Risk Management Officer for Salima, Gloria Chinangwa said after conducting assessment on the affected households hit by floods and dry spells in the district, it pleased the government to offer such relief items through their office.
“We are distributing the maize flour to households who were affected by floods and dry spells in the district. It is our target to reach 4,000 households with these relief items so that they should not solely be without food items in their homes,” she said.
Meanwhile, DoDMA is also collaborating with other partners who are willing to help the people in the district who encountered the same problem.
The targeted households are from senior chiefs Khombedza, Kuluunda, Maganga, Ndindi, and Kambwiri who suffered from floods and dry spells that affected their crop production in 2023/2024 farming season.
President Chakwera leaves for China
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe, September 1, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Sunday morning left for China to attend the Fourth Summit meeting of the Forum on China- Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which will be held on 4th and 5th September in Beijing, China.
In an interview at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) President Chakwera said the summit is crucial, as it will strengthen bilateral relations between Malawi and China as well as bolstering Malawi’s infrastructure development and Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy.
"We have outlined several issues that we will discuss with China since China has committed itself to the development of this country,” he said.
Apart from the summit, Chakwera will hold bilateral talks with the president of China Xi Jinping.
The talks are expected to strengthen the cordial bilateral relations between Malawi and China and further enhance Malawi - China cooperation in various transport infrastructure projects.
During the summit, President Chakwera, will join other African Heads of State and Government to consider and adopt the 2025-2027 Beijing FOCAC Plan of Action, which will guide China- Africa engagements in various sectors for the next three years.
President Chakwera and Madam Monica Chakwera were seen off by Vice President Michael Usi, some cabinet ministers and other government officials.
The President is expected to return to Malawi on 7th September through Chileka International Airport.
Zomba Institute of Management and Accountancy graduates 31
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, August 31, Mana: Zomba Institute of Management and Accountancy (ZIMA) a private college offering courses in various programmes graduated 31 students on Friday in its first congregation this year.
Students graduated with diplomas in various fields, including Accounting, Business Management, Public Health, Administration, and Community Development
ZIMA’s first congregation was held at Robins Park in Zomba City, a day after public university, the University of Malawi (UNIMA) held its own graduation on Thursday.
The college’s Director of Administration, Wilson Mkwanda, said it was pleasing to see that the institution was contributing to Malawi’s education sector as well as the labour industry.
He added that demand for professional education is on the rise in the country and government institutions alone cannot meet the growing demand hence the need for private institutions to come in.
“The college has been in existence since 2017 and our goal is to be a fully-fledged college with campuses in Zomba. We believe that through our teachings, we should be able to make a difference to the country’s education system,” Mkwanda added.
He therefore urged graduating students to be role models and demonstrate their potential and capabilities in the work places.
“You have been trained to make a difference to the society, as such, go there and bring-out that much anticipated change,” Mkwanda added.
One of the graduates, Mercy Mwangomba expressed excitement having completed her diploma course with the college and promised to use knowledge and skills gained for the benefit of the country.
“We are going to the industry to make a meaningful contribution,” she said.
Director of Education and Training at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM), Chrissie Jere hailed Zomba Institute of Management and Accountancy for being among institutions offering professional studies.
She said ICAM will always support institutions that strive to make a difference in the Malawi's professional industry.
Chitsulo advocates for strong legal framework
By Gift Chiponde
Dowa, August 31, Mana: Coordinator of Chairpersons for the Malawi National Assembly Chairpersons, Joyce Chitsulo, has emphasized the necessity for legislators to establish a legal framework that fosters the adoption of digital trade protocols in the nation.
She made the remarks Saturday during a one-day African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Training Protocol Sensitization Workshop for the Malawi National Assembly at Chikho Hotel in Mponela, Dowa.
Chitsulo, who was speaking on behalf of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Chatherine Gotani Hara, underscored the importance of enacting laws that support digital trade within Malawi and across Africa.
"It is imperative for us as a country to align with global digital trade practices as the majority of activities are now conducted electronically and digitally," said Chitsulo.
She emphasised that lawmakers have a vital role in advocating for increased funding to facilitate the implementation of digital marketing initiatives, ensuring that constituencies benefit from such endeavors.
Chitsulo commended the Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) for leading efforts to provide internet connectivity in Community Day Secondary Schools, noting that this initiative will bolster and advance digital trade in the country.
"As Members of Parliament, we are committed to raising awareness in our constituencies about the significance of digital trade.
“Despite facing challenges with internet connectivity government, through MACRA, is executing various projects such as the 'connect to a school' initiative, which is poised to support the implementation of digital trade," she said.
Secretary for Trade and Industry, Christina Zakeyo, hailed the workshop as a significant milestone in the collective endeavor to ensure Malawi's active participation in the AfCFTA framework and maximize its benefits.
Zakeyo highlighted that the adoption of the digital trade protocol will furnish Malawi with continental agreements, offering a platform to embrace digital trade practices that have the potential to unlock new economic opportunities, enhance business competitiveness, and increase citizen engagement in the digital economy.
Her Liberty Organization ask women to seek reproductive health services
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, August, 31 Mana: Her Liberty, a Women and Youth led Non-Governmental Organization based in Zomba has urged women in the district to seek right reproductive health services.
Her Liberty Project Manager, Kettie Mikwala, made the appeal Friday during a community awareness meeting at Traditional Authority (TA) Malemia’s area.
She expressed concern over women’s limited access to information on reproductive health issues.
Mikwala said 18 percent of maternal deaths in the country are as a result of unsafe abortions, a development she described as equally worrisome.
She, therefore, said through the organization’s interventions, women will be empowered to understand issues about reproductive health and rights as well as how to access modern and appropriate contraceptives.
“Our goal is to contribute to a safer and healthier environment by advocating for safe spaces for young people.
“What we want, at the end of the day, is to bring about positive change to the lives of adolescents, women and girls by diminishing the prevalence of unsafe abortions and tackling the root causes contributing to unsafe practices.” She said
Senior Chief Malemia hailed Her Liberty organization for bridging the information gap on reproductive health issues, saying people will be able to make informed decisions only if they are empowered.
“Health information is paramount in our day to day life. It is our expectation that, through these engagements, cases of maternal death will be reduced since community members will have right information,” the Chief said.
Heath Promotion Officer for Zomba District Health Office, Arnold Mndalira, said partners have a role of complementing government’s efforts in providing adequate information on reproductive health to women.
He commended the organization for championing issues of reproductive health in the district.
Vandalism of MAREP resources worries Ministry of Energy
By Clarabella Chipolonga
Chiradzulu: August 31, Mana: Deputy Director for Rural Electrification in the Ministry of Energy, Francisco Chingoli, has deplored theft and vandalism of Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) property in Chiradzulu where four project sites have been affected after items including more than 400 metres of electricity cables were stolen, frustrating Phase 9 of the rural electrification drive.
He, therefore, called on people in the district to jealously guard MAREP equipment against theft and vandalism saying the programme is to bring electricity in many parts of the district.
Chingoli told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Friday at Makuwa Community Day Secondary School in the district during a joint site meeting with chiefs, police officers and other stakeholders that they ought to be instrumental in tackling theft and vandalism of MAREP equipment in the district.
The stakeholders meeting also discussed ways and means to successfully implement MAREP in the district for wider electrification.
“We came here to touch base with the community to tackle the issue of vandalism which is rampant in the district. I am glad that all stakeholders have promised to fight against this malpractice,” said Chingoli.
He asked police, the district council and community members to work together to deal with theft and vandalism so that most people in the district should continue benefiting from the MAREP.
“Our duty is to bring development. It is the communities’ responsibility to take care of it. If people vandalize electricity equipment, they will suffer for not having the electricity.
“We expect that the contractor will start and finish his job without being distracted. There is a new law that says a person will be imprisoned for 30 years or else pay K150 million if found vandalizing electricity resources,” he said.
Chiradzulu Police Station Community Policing Coordinator, Mark Munama, assured the ministry that police will emphasize to the communities on the importance of MAREP and gravity of vandalism electricity resources in the district.
“We will revamp all community policing structures and bring in new structures. We have already deployed our officers including those in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in all zones to gather intelligence information so that we should arrest all suspects that are connected to theft and vandalism of MAREP property.
“This is crime prevention issue and it is a joint approach, the police alone cannot reach everywhere. This is why we are calling others stakeholders to support us with reflectors, torches and any other resources that can be useful in dealing with this problem,” he said.
Traditional Authority Sandrak expressed concern over vandalism of electricity equipment, saying this is retrogressive to rural development.
“We use maize mills powered by electricity because they are better than diesel powered. With electricity all over we will not walk long distances to maize mills,” she said and pledged to join the fight against theft and vandalism of MAREP property in her area.
She said they will engage in massive sensitization with village heads and will reach out to their subjects to raise the much-needed awareness on the negative effects of theft and vandalisms on development.
“We will also tell them what new law is saying on those caught stealing or vandalizing electricity equipment,” said Traditional Authority Sandrak.
Four out of 10 houses in Malawi have access to electricity and government says MAREP is there to improve the current status by 2063.
Chiradzulu and Chikwawa have more cases of vandalism on MAREP phase nine resources. Chiradzulu has ten MAREP 9 sites out of which four have been vandalised.
The vandalized sites are; Makuwa, Chamdimbo, Kukhumula and Chelewani where 400 plus meters of wire was stolen.
Minister assures access to interim plane crash report
By Leonard Masauli
Lilongwe, August 31, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitilization, Moses Kunkuyu, has assured that every Malawian will have access to the interim report released by the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Investigation (BFI).
Kunkuyu made the remarks during a Press Conference on Saturday, held at Central Office of Information (COI) in Lilongwe.
On August 30, 2024, the German investigators released a report of the aircraft accident that killed late Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima and eight others.
The Minister said the report has technical language which might be difficult for others to comprehend and hence, it has been translated to Chichewa to enhance understanding of its content to Malawians.
"We feel not all Malawians can have access to internet to read the report and furthermore, the technical language in the report cannot be understood by everyone.
"In consideration of such, we thought to translate it to Chichewa so that you the media can help us share the information contained in the report,to Malawians," said Kunkuyu.
He said, among others, highlights in the report, indicates that during the time of the accident, visibility was difficult due to bad weather.
Kunkuyu said the report also indicates that the plane had enough fuel of 483 litres that could run it for approximately two hours and 30 minutes.
“The pilot and co-pilot were both qualified and had license from Civil Aviation Authority of South Africa and license from the Military of Malawi Airforce,” said Kunkuyu in reading the report.
Among the recommendations, the FBI has recommended that, the Civil Aviation, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Defence should ensure planes carrying people have all necessary equipment meant for communication.
MERA drills journalists on Malawi`s fuel pricing mechanisms
By Stanley Nkhondoyachepa
Lilongwe, August 31, Mana: Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) says it is important for the media to understand how fuel pricing in Malawi is done so that the public gets information that is factual.
MERA Director of Economic Regulation, Patrick Uka, said this in Lilongwe on Saturday at the end of a media orientation on Malawi fuel pricing mechanism.
He observed that journalists play a critical role in information dissemination and, therefore, needs to be conversant with the technicalities involved in fuel pricing.
“It is important for journalists to understand how fuel pricing in Malawi is done since they are responsible for disseminating information to the public; this will help in the dissemination of information that is factual, truthful, balanced and fair” he said.
In his presentation, Uka highlighted the different elements that determine the fuel pricing in Malawi which, he said, include transportation costs and levies, among others.
“MERA is guided by two principles which are, cost reflective and uniform pricing which ensures that investors in the oil industry are getting fair returns, and also that prices of fuel are uniform in all parts of the country.
He said, currently, Malawi is using the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM), which takes into account the exchange rate, global fuel price changes, among others, noting that with the system, the cost of fuel changes to reflect the cost of importing the commodity.
Director of Information, Arthur Chipenda, said the orientation was organized as part of ongoing efforts to have a strong partnership between MERA and the media so as to create a well-informed public.
He said fuel is a strategic commodity, noting the orientation was necessary to equip journalists with knowledge on fuel pricing mechanism.
Chipenda hoped that the orientation will help the media to understand how fuel is priced and the factors that influence its pricing so as to help in factual reporting.
He orientation drew participants from different media houses from the central region.
