MANAonline
DODMA Calls for Precise Targeting and Transparency in Lean Season Response Programme
By Daniel Siame
Lilongwe, August 29, Mana: Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) Commissioner Charles Kalemba has emphasized the crucial need for accurate targeting and integrity in the distribution of aid under the Lean Season Response Programme on Thursday at Bwaila Secondary School. The program is set to benefit 5.7 million people in September.
Speaking at a training session for beneficiary targeting, Kalemba highlighted past errors in the misallocation of resources and stressed that the program must prioritize the most vulnerable individuals.
"We want the beneficiaries to be those that are vulnerable, we have had situations where well-to-do individuals have received relief items instead of those in need and that's a problem”, he explained.
Kalemba also addressed the importance of integrity among leaders involved in the distribution process.
"We don't want leaders stealing from the poor, it's wickedness. We must uphold honesty and transparency to ensure the program's success", said Kalemba.
Logistical efficiency was another key point discussed, with the program utilizing a combination of resources, including its trucks and hired transportation, supported by the World Food Programme.
CEO of Lilongwe City Council, McCloud Kadammanja, echoed the program's significance.
"This program is crucial for our communities, especially during the lean season. By properly targeting the most vulnerable, we can make a significant impact on reducing hunger and poverty”, he stated.
Amongst the attendees, Ward Chairperson for Kayiliyeka 1, Lilongwe, Agatha Agustino Chitengu highlighted the program's importance for local communities.
"Many families struggle to put food on the table during the lean season. This initiative will bring much-needed relief to those who need it most. We're grateful for the focus on integrity and proper targeting," she said.
She then added that this training will help the representatives not to repeat the same mistakes made in the previous years due to lack of training.
With 70% of the required resources already secured, Commissioner Kalemba expressed confidence in the program's ability to provide timely assistance and mobilize additional resources as needed.
Mission Rabies takes vaccination campaign to Neno
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, August 29, Mana: Mission Rabies, a charity organization dedicated to combating rabies, has launched a mass canine vaccination campaign targeting all 17,777 pets in Neno District to run from September to October.
Speaking during a District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting on Thursday, Mission Rabies Project Coordinator, Nelson Mundira emphasized the importance of the campaign in preventing the spread of rabies in the district and across Malawi.
“Rabies claim lives of at least 500 people annually in Malawi and globally, the number rises to 59, 000,” Mundira said.
Mundira said in Malawi, about 200 rabies cases are reported each month, making rabies control a top priority of their organization considering there is no cure, pointing out that the goal of the organization is to prevent rabies by vaccinating as many dogs as possible.
He disclosed that Mission Rabies began the vaccination campaign in Blantyre in 2015 following alarming figures of child rabies deaths recorded at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, the highest of any institution in Africa.
The project coordinator added that the programme's success in Blantyre led to its expansion in 2016 to the surrounding districts of Chiradzulu and Zomba and in 2019 to Thyolo, Chikwawa, and Balaka; thereby, protecting more at-risk communities.
Mundira, therefore, said the organization will employ sensitization and public awareness campaigns through radio and television, among other strategies, to increase public awareness about rabies and how to prevent it.
He said last year alone, Mission Rabies successfully reached out to 710,768 children in the districts of Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Zomba, Thyolo, Balaka and Chikwawa with rabies awareness programmes through various channels, including local community governance structures.
Chief Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Officer for Neno District Council, Upe Maseko highlighted the significance of the campaign, saying the district has recorded numerous dog bite cases in the past.
“This campaign is crucial as it brings dog vaccination services closer to the people. Previously, vaccination centres were far apart, resulting in many dogs remaining unvaccinated due to the inconvenience for their owners,” Maseko said.
Maseko also emphasized the need for annual vaccinations, noting that Neno District records an average of 11 dog bites per month.
Rabies, a nearly 100% fatal virus, can affect any mammal and is mostly transmitted through dogs, monkeys and bats. In humans, 99% of rabies are caused by rabid dog bites.
Fresh graduates challenged to be creative
By Emily M’mangisa
Zomba, August 29, Mana: Vice Chancellor for University of Malawi (UNIMA), Professor Samson Sajidu has challenged newly graduated students to be creative to survive pressure in the industry.
Speaking during a graduation ceremony on Thursday at UNIMA in Zomba, Sajidu noted that creativity is the key to supplementing papers obtained from institutions of higher learning.
Sajidu’s remarks came against the background that most graduates are just languishing, waiting to secure formal employment by unknown prospective employers.
He said the market is being saturated by graduates who have nothing to do; thereby, demeaning the prowess of education.
The Vice Chancellor, however, warned graduates against being involved in corrupt acts.
“At this university, we don’t teach stealing or corruption tricks. If you find a graduate from this university involved in corruption, deal with him or her. We don’t teach corruption here, they are tainting the image of this highly recommended university,” Sajidu said.
Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Christopher Guta echoed remarks by Sajidu, urging graduates to put into use skills acquired from the college.
Guta said implementation of good ideas remains a stumbling block to development, saying Rwanda copied Malawi’s Vision 2020 and executed it while the country is still lagging in projections of the vision.
Director responsible for Higher Education in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Levi’s Eneya said government expects the new graduates to be innovative, saying: “We look up to you, be ambassadors of progress.”
One of the graduates, Comfort Mankhwazi promised the nation to dedicate the knowledge and skills gained through university education for the benefit of a common man.
At least 1 292 have graduated where 508 are females while 784 are males. Among the students, four have graduated with PhDs, 154 with masters, 1 002 with bachelor's degrees, eight postgraduate diplomas, 107 diplomas and 16 with certificates.
This marks the second congregation of 2024, following the first one held on March 13 and 14, earlier this year.
Senior Chief Nkhulambe of Phalombe dies
By Linda Likomwa
Phalombe, August 29, Mana: Senior Chief Nkhulambe of Phalombe died after a short illness on Wednesday night at John Chilembwe Hospital in the district.
Phalombe District Commissioner, Douglas Moffati confirmed the death of the female chief.
Senior Chief Nkhulambe was born Loney Nachamba on April 10, 1952.
She became traditional leader as Village Head Nkhulambe in 1989 and was made Group Village Head until she was elevated to Sub-Traditional Authority Nkhulambe in 2004.
She was elevated to Traditional Authority and later to Senior Chief Nkhulambe in 2019.
Burial is expected to take place on Saturday at her headquarters.
Chakwera, Nyusi open National Agriculture Fair in Blantyre
By Memory Kutengule Chatonda
Blantyre, August 29, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and his Mozambican counterpart, Dr. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi on Thursday jointly inaugurated the 20th National Agriculture Fair at the International Trade Grounds in Blantyre.
The fair has brought together various local and international players to connect and explore new business opportunities in the agriculture sector.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, President Nyusi said his country will continue to strengthen bilateral ties with Malawi so that it benefits in various sectors of the economy such as agriculture, industry, tourism, information and communication.
He said his country is already investing in energy infrastructure as evidenced by the implementation of the Malawi-Mozambique power interconnection deal and the Nacala Railway, to ease transportation of goods and services and enable Malawi to become a vibrant economy.
Nyusi, therefore, encouraged business players in Malawi to take advantage of the trade opportunities available in Mozambique and neighboring countries to enhance the country’s export earnings.
On his part, President Chakwera said he is happy with the cordial bilateral relationship that exists between Malawi and Mozambique.
Chakwera said his administration is working tirelessly to sign deals across the globe to secure off-taker markets for the farmers’ crop produce.
“I have shared with you that in readiness for the boom in agricultural production and manufacturing that will come in the near future, courtesy of the Affordable Input Programme, Agriculture Commercialization Programme, Shire Valley Transformation Project, Mega Farms initiatives and dozens of irrigation schemes across the country, we are going around the world signing deals to secure markets,” he said.
“We want to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area to secure markets in various countries, including Asia, Europe, Africa, America and Mozambique,” the Malawian leader added.
“For this to happen, we need first of all, to build trade relations with our neighboring countries. That’s why, my first six months in office, I moved around to discuss this and I am delighted that Mozambique is one of them, which is of strategic importance to our goals,” he said.
Chakwera, however, reiterated that he would continue to stand by his vision of job creation, wealth creation and food security as stipulated in the Malawi 2063 Agenda.
The President said for the three pillars in the ATM strategy to happen, there is a need for concerted efforts to boost the production and manufacturing of goods, agriculture, tourism and mining for export.
The President of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), Dr. Wisely Phiri hailed the two presidents for gracing the fair.
Phiri said the presence of Dr. Nyusi signifies a strong bilateral relationship that exists between Malawi and Mozambique in fostering trade ties between the two countries.
He commended the Mozambican Government for collaborating with Malawi in the implementation of various projects such as the Malawi-Mozambique interconnector pool to increase agricultural productivity and commercialization as well as the Nacala Development Corridor, which provides direct access to the sea for goods and services.
Phiri, however, challenged the participating exhibitors to utilize the platform to enhance trade opportunities with other business players.
In his remarks, Minister of Agriculture, Samuel Kawale said the future of agriculture in Malawi depends on innovation, research and commercialization, stating that the theme for this year's fair resonates well with Malawi's 2063 aspiration of achieving inclusive wealth, reducing poverty and promoting food security.
Earlier in the day, the two presidents toured selected pavilions mounted by different players showcasing various products, innovations and services.
This year's fair will run for three days under the theme: ‘Driving towards export-oriented agriculture through commercialization and innovation.’
NB DPW delighted with Nkhwali staff houses project
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, August 29, Mana: Acting Director for Public Works at Nkhata Bay District Council, George Gopani has expressed satisfaction with the progress of K223 million Nkhwali clinic staff houses project which is under Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD).
In an interview Wednesday during a site meeting at Nkhwali in the area of Senior Chief Timbiri, Gopani said construction works are at 30 percent describing it as ahead of schedule.
"We were here to interact and get feedback from the contractor if there are any issues that need our attention. Also, we wanted to have a physical appreciation of work progress.
"I am delighted with the progress made so far and the quality of work is impressive,"Gopani said.
According to Gopani, the project duration is 120 days and already construction works are at 30 percent within the first 30 days of the timeframe which is quite encouraging.
He said the council has put measures of quality control where they are doing material testing of cement blocks and concrete among others giving him hope of a good outcome.
"Apart from constructing the staff houses, the project will connect electricity and piped water to the facility including an incinerator," he added.
Gopani therefore expressed commitment to continue with frequent monitoring of the project to make sure that administering of quality work is adhered.
Nkhata Bay Director of Health and Social Services, Topcy Mdolo said construction of the houses contributes to the government's plan of increasing infrastructures in the health sector for quality service delivery.
"Upon completion, these houses will be occupied by a Health Surveillance Assistant (HSA) and Community midwife assistant who are crucial in providing services like under fiver clinic, family planning, and Antiretroviral among other services provided in clinics” Mdolo said.
In his remarks, Senior Chief Timbiri lauded the council for the hands-on approach in the ongoing construction works saying it will help them to have high standard project.
Nkhwali staff house construction project is being implemented by Nkhata Bay District Council through the National Local Government Finance Committee under Governance to Enable Service Delivery with support from Multi-Donor Trust Fund and World Bank.
Bishop Mtumbuka warns against violence towards the elderly
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, August 28, Mana: Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of Karonga Diocese of the Catholic Church has warned beneficiaries on any project under his diocese to desist from harassing and killing children and the elderly accused of being witches.
He warned that any beneficiary involved in such acts would be kicked out of the project.
Bishop Mtumbuka made the warning on Wednesday at Chipwera primary school ground during the launch of the Integrated Support for Orphans, Vulnerable Children and Youth (IOVCY) II Project, which is being implemented by Lusubilo Community Care funded by Coppel Family and technical assistance from the Catholic Relief Services.
Bishop Mtumbuka said that the overall idea of the project is to help the beneficiaries look after themselves in terms of food security, paying school fees for children and other basic needs.
“We cannot go to a particular family to assist them because they are vulnerable. They have no food, no shelter, no water and we give them these things. And after they have eaten and drunk that water they go and burn somebody's house that has been built by the project,” he said.
Bishop Mtumbuka then disclosed that all those who have to benefit will have to sign a Memorandum of Understanding so that they are aware.
Senior Chief Mwenemisuku assured the Karonga Diocese that he would sensitize his subjects on the evils of accusing someone of being a witch.
Senior Chief Mwenemisuku then applauded Karonga Diocese for implementing various projects in his area, which he said has transformed the lives of many households.
“Lusubilo Community Care has assisted us with six boreholes under the first phase of the project and we look forward to benefiting more from the project,” he said.
Programmes Manager for Lusubilo, Kondwani Kapombe Nyasulu said that they expect a lot of changes in the lives of people because this being the second phase, they have learned several ways on how best the organization can be able to implement interventions targeting the communities.
Chitipa District Council Vice Chairperson, Webster Sinkhonde cited the transformation of Chisankhwa and Nthalire areas as sub-urban areas because of various developments the Catholic Church has brought in Chitipa district.
Mzimba forest office tout project for conserving wildlife reserve
By Lommah Jelome
Mzimba, August 29, Mana: Assistant District Forestry Officer for Mzimba, Stepples Nyandeni has described economic empowerment of local communities as key in promoting conservation efforts of wildlife reserves.
Nyandeni made the remarks on Wednesday in Mzimba in reaction to various initiatives that the Synod of Livingstonia Development Department (SOLDEV) is doing in its efforts to protect the Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve in Mzimba through its Conserve Malawi Project, which has 4004 beneficiaries.
In his remarks, Nyandeni said, that in the past people were destroying nature’s resources such as trees and wild animals in the protected areas because of a lack of trees for home use.
“However, through SOLDEV’s Conserve Malawi project activities, the pressure on Vwaza marsh wildlife reserve has been reduced, now people in the communities have their woodlots through afforestation programs conducted by SOLDEV where they can obtain trees and forest products to use for domestic purposes.
“The project has also given goats to empower communities economically. This has reduced pressure on charcoal making. This has helped in protecting the forest reserve’’, he said.
SOLDEV Conserve Malawi project Officer, Jimmy Mgamba said they are also implementing a similar project in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mpherembe in Mzimba District at Malidade Extension Planning Area (EPA) whereby they are working with 23 Group Village Headman (GVH) in Environmental and Agriculture Conservation.
“In these 23 GVH we are going to select only 16 GVH that have water sources for irrigation to promote crop production whereby those remaining areas will be given livestock and bee hives as part of agriculture and environmental conversation”, he said.
Commenting on the matter, the project coordinator for the Conserve Malawi project from SOLDEV, Abigail Sibande said their project aims to encourage people to conserve natural resources such as trees, wild animals and the soil.
One of the community members, Emmanuel Wowa from T/A Mpherembe, Group Village Headman (GVH) Philimon Kumwenda said the coming in of the project has helped them in improving agricultural activities.
CARD donates 50 bicycles to female hubs in Phalombe
By Linda Likomwa
Phalombe, August 29, Mana: Churches Action Relief and Development (CARD) has donated 50 push bicycles worthy of K9 million to female hubs in Traditional Authorities Nkhulambe and Chiwalo in Phalombe to assist in the dissemination of disaster information.
Speaking on Wednesday after handing over the bicycles at Traditional Authority Nkhulambe Headquarters, CARD Project Officer, Charles Msowoya said the bicycles will ease the mobility problem which has been affecting the dissemination of information to do with early warning systems which is crucial in disaster preparedness to prevent communities from being caught unaware when disaster hits.
“Today we are distributing 25 bicycles here at Nkhulambe and the remaining bicycles will be distributed at Chiwalo to address mobility problems which community groups face when disseminating information to do with disaster,” he said.
Omega Mbewe who spoke on behalf of Phalombe Council’s Director of Planning and Development thanked CARD for supporting female hubs with push bicycles saying this will address mobility challenges among female hubs in the district’s disaster-prone areas.
She said there was a need for proper care of the bicycles by among others using for its intended purposes.
“You should not wait for CARD to repair them when they develop faults. The bicycles are now the council’s property and if you fail to use them for the intended purpose, the council will withdraw them,” Mbewe added.
One of the bicycle recipients, Yankho Mukhole from Gwirima Village who is also secretary for the Village Disaster Risk Management Committee at Nkhulambe said the bicycle provision was timely and relevant as it will ease mobility challenges among community-based female hubs who are charged with disseminating information on disaster issues.
She said after Tropical Cyclone Freddy hit the district; it was hard for the female hubs to reach out communities with early warning messages due to long distances and impassable road networks.
Mukhole assured CARD and Phalombe District Council that female hubs will use the bicycles for the intended purpose and said the hubs were set to do their work as the rainy season approaches.
CARD donated bicycles to Village Disaster Risk Management Committees, youth groups, women's forums, and Village Savings and Loan (VSL) groups among others with funding from UN Women through Christian Aid.
Center for Social Concern calls for intensified sensitization on childcare and support
By Linda Likomwa
Phalombe, August 29, Mana: Center for Social Concern has appealed to Phalombe District Council and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the district to intensify community sensitization on the negative impacts of marriage breakups on childcare apart from continuing to raise awareness on child protection against all forms of abuse.
Center for Social Concern, District Coordinator, Henry Nandolo appealed during the Gender Technical Working Group (GTWG) meeting on Wednesday.
Nandolo told the meeting that a 13-year-old child was diagnosed with HIV and upon enquiry was discovered that she contracted it from two men with whom she had been in a sexual relationship.
“This clearly shows that some parents are failing to take care of their children because if this girl had all the support from parents she could not have been sleeping around with men for financial support,” he observed.
Nandolo added that despite the issue being handled by police, parents need to be sensitized to take full responsibility for their children, “whether they are on separation or not,”
Acting Social Welfare Officer in Phalombe, Stanley Gundeni said there are a number of childcare issues that need to be addressed in the district.
“Most children are being neglected by their parents especially when the parents are on separation,” he added.
Gundeni said that issues of marriage breakups are common in the district, and he further observed that marriage breakups lead to most children being neglected thereby denying them care and support.
“We have discovered that some women just go into marriage without proper marriage procedures and when they have misunderstandings with their partners, the husband just walks away freely leaving the women with children whom they are failing to support,” the social welfare officer added.
Following recent release of Junior Certificate Examinations (JCE) and Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examinations, Gundeni said his office received a number of complaints from mothers that were seeking bursary support for their children’s secondary school education across the country.
He also called on the CSOs and other stakeholders to always stress the need for proper marriage procedures when doing community sensitizations to ensure stable marriages.
