MANAonline
Provision safe water remains crucial
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, May 10, Mana: Government has said the provision of safe water remains crucial in improving community’s livelihoods.
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Liana Kakhobwe Chapota made the remarks Friday when she inspected a piped water system constructed by Self Help Africa at Mtungwi in Senior Chief Chiwere in Dowa.
She said partners in the provision of safe water are key as they are complimenting governments efforts of improving the water sector.
The area which saw seven people dying from Cholera and 288 others suffering from the disease during the 2022-2023 Cholera outbreak.
"This is an area which was hit hard with Cholera in 2023 because many people did not have potable water. But we are happy we have this project and it is interesting to note that we have had no Cholera cases this year.
"This is a huge impact and in support of governments vision of providing access to clean water to all Malawians. There are few organizations that reach out to the people with tangible things as we have seen here, so we are very grateful for this," Chapota pointed out.
The Deputy Minister urged the community to jealously guard the facility so that it lasts long saying projects fully patronized by the people have long lasting impacts.
Self Help Africa Regional Manager, Snoden Tomoka said the K60 million worth system has a capacity of holding 20,000 litres of water and currently serve 400 households which is approximately 2,000 people.
He said the organization decided to construct the water system because WASH being one of their focus areas, they were concerned with how hard the area was hit with cholera.
“We have been working in Dowa since 2013 providing support to the district to provide access to water, sanitation and hygiene with support from Charity water.
“So, we witnessed one of the landmarks projects which is providing piped water to the people of Mtungwi which came about because of water challenges people had. Going forward, we will continue interventions in WASH in Dowa and other districts we are working in,” Tomoka said.
One of the beneficiaries, Chikondi Chiwiya from Mndola Village said most community members sourced water from a nearby stream which she said was a death trap.
“That is why we were hit hard by Cholera. But we are now thankful because we have safe water. As community members, we will continue to take care of this facility,” she promised.
Chiradzulu DEST members urged to plan ahead of elections
By Blackson Mkupatira
Chiradzulu, May 10, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson for Voter and Civic Education, Francis Kasaila has advised Chiradzulu District Elections Supervisory Team (DEST) to plan thoroughly ahead of the forthcoming general elections to mitigate challenges that may arise during the electoral process.
Kasaila was speaking in Chiradzulu on Friday when MEC briefed DEST members on their roles and responsibilities in the general elections slated for September 16, 2025.
He said different councils have unique challenges, citing the issue of unavailability of vehicles as an example; hence, important for DEST members to be fully prepared and well-coordinated so that such issues were handled before they affect the outcome of the elections.
Kasaila urged DEST members to be knowledgeable on issues relating to electoral processes and laws as they are expected to go into communities and educate people on the elections.
"You have a crucial role to play in mobilizing eligible citizens to register and turn out in large numbers to vote. You're also responsible for ensuring that the elections are conducted in a free, fair and credible manner," he said.
Kasaila said MEC will continue to work in close collaboration with the DEST members and advised them to carry out their duties efficiently as they are responsible for the smooth execution of the general elections.
District Commissioner for Chiradzulu, Francis Matewere assured the electoral body that DEST members will carry out their responsibilities with diligence.
"I am pleased that MEC has committed resources for us to operate effectively, this will ease some of our challenges," Matewere said.
Nine arrest nine in Police operation
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, May 10, Mana: Police in Dowa have arrested eight Malawian nationals and one Rwandese identified as Emmanuel Ahorukomeye for being suspected of participating in a series of criminal activities in the district.
Dowa Police Station Public Relations Officer, Alice Sitima said the arrests were a result of a planned operation conducted by the law enforcers.
"Among the suspects, three were charged with operating businesses that involved the purchase of farm produce without appropriate licenses.
"One person was detained for the illegal storage of liquid fuel and the remaining were arrested for various offenses, such as being found in possession of cannabis, distribution of counterfeit products, and use of uncertified scales," she said.
In addition to the arrests, Sitima said the operation led to the confiscation of 17 scales, which are suspected of not being certified by the Malawi Bureau of Standards.
The Suspects who are of the ages between 18 and 45 are currently awaiting to appear in court where they will answer the charges filed against them.
"We reaffirm our commitment to continue such operations to curb crime and ensure both safety of the district's residents and their properties," she said.
A resident of Dowa Boma, Mussa John hailed the Police for conducting the operation which has led to the arrest of the suspects.
He said the communities should help the Police to fish out more people involved in criminal acts in the district.
MRCS disburses over K 13 million to flood survivors
By Martha Simchimba
Lilongwe; May 10, Mana. Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Danish Red Cross have distributed over K 13 million to 88 beneficiaries in Lilongwe.
The beneficiaries are from areas that were affected by floods and stormy winds in Traditional Authorities (TAs) Chiseka and Kalolo in the district.
Speaking on Friday during distribution of the cash, MRCS Planning and Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting Coordinator, Simon Tembo said they felt of assisting the survivors so that they could recover from what they have lost.
"We have provided cash from our partners to support the survivors and assist them to rebuild their respective communities after experiencing the devastating floods and stormy wind in February this year," he said.
Tembo said the exercise would benefit 55 households in TA Chiseka and 33 households in TA Kalolo respectively and would each receive K 150,000.00 so that they start a normal life.
Group Village Headman Kataila Petros thanked MRCS for the donation saying it would assist his subjects to start a normal life again by among other things rebuilding their damaged houses.
"We are very grateful for what Red cross has done, this money will be used to rebuild their houses which were blown off and damaged due to the stormy rains," he said.
Petros urged his subjects to use the cash for the intended purpose so that when MRCS would be coming for monitoring they should have tangible things to show.
One of the beneficiaries, Clemencia Kacherenga, 67 from GVH Kachiwala expressed her happiness saying the cash has come at the right time when she wanted to maintain her house after her roof was blown off by story winds.
Red Cross through flood response is supporting 1,600 beneficiaries in four districts namely: Karonga, Kasungu, Lilongwe and Nkhotakota.
MRA extends excise tax stamps to other products
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre, May 10, Mana: Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has introduced excise tax stamps on different products.
The products are blended Kalondola on bottled water, beverages, beer, spirits, body skin lotions to ensure excise tax compliance among domestic manufacturers whose products will be easily tracked and traced right from the production line to the market using various verifying means for authenticity.
MRA disclosed this on Friday during Media briefing in Blantyre where the revenue mobilization agency said the excise tax stamps regime was in line with Section 77 c of Customs and Excise Act.
Making a presentation, Kalondola Project manager, Steve Kuntembwe defined the excise tax stamps as physical form of a sticker or digital seal on a product to indicate payment of excise tax.
“We are marking our products in Malawi for easy track and trace. This will help to track counterfeit food products on the market,” he said, adding that this system came to promote local manufacturers that suffer a blow from an influx of illicit, smuggled and unbranded products that have flooded the market,” he said.
MRA Deputy Commissioner General, Henry Ngutwa said the revenue authority was not introducing a new tax other than rolling out what was already there.
“Excise tax stamps was already on the locally manufactured cigarettes. We are just rolling out excise tax stamps to other products that are excisable apart from cigarettes,” he added.
Ngutwa said the introduction of excise tax stamps was done in good faith for the good of local manufacturers, consumers and the national economy.
“We are protecting Malawians from consuming bad products and at the same time promoting local manufacturing companies against influx of fake products,” he added.
The Deputy Commissioner General said Malawi relies on revenue mobilization by the MRA such that implementation of excise tax stamps was the way to go, adding that the public has the role to playing in the implementation of Kalondola whose moto is; Stamp It, Stand Out.
“We are moving with time in mobilizing revenue,”he said, adding that the MRA would raise public awareness on the introduction of Kalondola so that the public should participate in making the initiative a success by reporting non-compliance and by using 365 App on smart phones to verify authenticity of products.
Bridge, road construction will decongest the main roads
By Moses Nyirenda
Lilongwe, May 10, Mana: Lilongwe City West Member of Parliament, George Zulu said the construction of new roads in his area would help to decongest the main roads,
He said this Friday during the launch of K4.7 billion road and bridge construction project in Lilongwe, Area 47 by Lilongwe City Council (LCC).
The Project is expected to create a link between Lingadzi Bridge (after Cherub) and Presidential Way (Area 18) once completed.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Zulu hailed the project saying that among other things it would provide alternatives routes within the City.
“This road once constructed and completed definitely will decongest Kaunda road and the other one which runs from Crossroads going to Kanengo and the bridge will make the residents of Area 47 and 18 to easily cross Lingadzi River.
“Therefore, this road and bridge project will uplift the city of Lilongwe especially Area 47 as well as Area 18 and these areas will be transformed once this project is completed,” Zulu said.
Lilongwe City Mayor, Councilor, Richard Banda said that they decided to embark on the bridge and road construction project after noticing high traffic of vehicles which occurs in Area 47 and 49 main roads.
“Most of Area 49 residents have big traffic jam when they are going to the work so the new road will reduce the traffic jam once completed.
“But will help the students who are schooling in Area 47 schools because they have difficulties to pass in the main road and the new road will be a shortcut to them, even the workers they will be rushing to go for work as they will be using this new road as a shortcut,” he said.
Banda said as City Council, they would closely monitor the construction of the bridge and road so that the two should be strong as well as long lasting.
Business and Agriculture sectors to forge a head
By Rosalia Kapiri
Lilongwe, May 10, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has said business and agriculture sectors in the country would forge ahead with growing investors and new technology techniques to be used in improving soil health in agriculture productivity.
He told journalists in an interview on Friday at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) on arrival from America and Kenya where he attended the US-Africa Business Summit and Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health (AFSH) Summit respectively.
Chakwera said that, “The Agriculture summit is very critical for the sector of agricultural productivity on the continent with emphasis on how we can preserve our soil. Soil health is important if we are going to be expanding big time in agricultural productivity in the country.
“We have had dealings with various stakeholders that are willing to come right away to begin to help us, as we begin to work on our soils in order for us to really deal with our pillar number one in our vision; agricultural productivity, it’s commercialisation as well as mechanisation.”
A political rally was held at the Airport premises where various Party officials spoke on the development the country has had under President Chakwera such as roads, schools and police houses just to mention a few.
Addressing the rally, President Chakwera assured people of continued road infrastructure development across the country and further development in the agriculture sector.
“Investors are bringing in tractors to assist farmers in productivity. I urge farmers to adhere to new farming techniques introduced to improve soil and increase production,” Chakwera said.
He was welcomed by the State Vice President Dr. Saluos Chilima, Cabinet Ministers, government officials, chiefs and political officials.
City Heist show at Robins Park
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, May 10, Mana: Hip-hop Star, Madalitso Kantema popularly known as Charisma has organized a City Heist Show on May 18 from 12 pm to 6 pm at Robins Park in Blantyre with the aim of bringing together urban music heavy weights.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Charisma promised nothing but fireworks, saying everything that was needed for the show to take place was in order and was waiting for the day to arrive for the mushing up the place with massive and energetic performances.
“I have prepared so well since this will be the time for me to bring together different artists to share the stage and I want to give the best experience to people that will attend the show,” he said.
The Hip-hop star added that he had done everything that was needed, noting that in collaboration with his management and support from others they would make sure that the show should be successful because that would raise his bar and grow his brand grow.
One of the artists who will perform at the show, Malinga Mafia who is well known for destroying the stage with catchy music and free styles had already confirmed about his presence.
However, Charisma invited his fans and urban music lovers to meet him at the event.
“I am ready and prepared for the show and I’m inviting my fans and all music lovers to come at Robins Park,” Malinga said.
Responding to public demand, Madness Entertainment, managers of Charisma have announced that they have included the 71-year-old lady who is currently trending, artist Jetu to the list of performers.
The Blantyre City Heist will be the first show to be organized by Charisma and there will be performances by Gwamba, Wikise, Kelly Kay, Zeze, Toast, Achina Kattah, Tuno, Malinga Mafia and Jetu and it will be hosted by Che Kalonda.
Council increases revenue base through GESD
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, May 10, Mana: Since introduction of the Performance Based Grants, under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD), tremendous transformation can easily be noticed in councils as valuable assets are being created with some helping to change the face of an area and others helping in revenue collection.
For other councils like Balaka whose developmental funding is not all that huge, GESD has necessitated a boost to the council’s financial muscle such that tangible assets are being created.
Apart from creating assets, the programme has helped to improve the way councils do business following the Local Authority Performance Appraisal (LAPA) assessments which are done annually to assist councils to have proper documentation, among other things.
Through GESD, Balaka has constructed three state-of-the-art revenue enhancement structures, which is helping in the collection of revenue for the smooth flow of council’s day to day operations.
Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Balaka District Council, Christopher Nawata acknowledged that GESD has been a game-changer as most councils were struggling financially.
“It is strategic that apart from creating assets that provide social services like hospitals and resource centres, our council thought of how we can enhance our revenue, thus in consultation with different stakeholders, we agreed to consider revenue enhancement assets.
“Currently, we are still thinking of more options, so that more revenue enhancement structures are created as councils are now encouraged to make more local revenue and fully utilize it,” he said.
Nawata disclosed that Balaka District Council has constructed the state-of-the-art Rivirivi Area Planning Area office, Chimatiro Maternity Wing, Mbera Resource Centre, Kachenga Market Shelter, Chidzanja Market Abattoir and shops within Balaka Bus Depot, Nkaya Health Post and Mulunguzi Health Centre.
He added that, “If you see the list of the assets that we have created, some will go a long way in giving back to the council the much-needed revenue for day-to-day operations, as well as giving back good services to the community.”
Market Supervisor for Balaka District Council, Matiasi Nkusa disclosed that the revenue base for the council has indeed been boosted as the shops in the bus depot alone were remitting K2 million to the council.
“We only constructed a block with three shops, in which each shop is giving K 55,000 every month, what if we had constructed 10 shops, it could have been more.
“Apart from the shops, we get funds from a slaughter house we constructed at Chidzanja Market from which butcher men pay K 700.00 every goat slaughtered and K1, 050 for every cow, we are collecting market fee at Kachenga Market Shed,” he said.
GESD, a five-year programme, is a government project championed by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) and is being financed by the World Bank.
Electoral stakeholders urged to disseminate right Information
By Clarabella Chipolonga
Chiradzulu: May 10, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson for Voter and Civic Education, Francis Kasaila has urged electoral stakeholders in Chiradzulu District to disseminate reliable information regarding the September 2025 General Elections to counter misinformation in communities.
He made the call on Thursday when MEC briefed members of the Multi-Party Liaison Committee on the new electoral laws, constituency and ward boundaries and voter registration process.
Kasaila said the citizenry should not rely on rumours and speculations as these contribute to inconsistencies; hence, appealed to the committee, which comprises traditional and faith leaders, political party representatives and civil service organizations, to work with MEC in sensitizing the masses about various electoral processes.
“During elections misinformation is common, so we resolved that we should start engaging stakeholders to inform them about what we are doing so that we can move together as a team in all the processes in preparation for the general elections,” he said.
The Chairperson pointed out key changes in the 2025 General Elections including adjustments of voting time from the previous 6 am to 6 pm to 6 am to 4 pm in 2025, the voting pattern for the President shifting to 50+1 from first past the post and alignment of eligibility criteria for voters with the constitution and electoral laws.
“The other important law which has changed is the one regarding freedom of speech and expression. People are not allowed to abuse or castigate each other during political rallies as this is now punishable by law. Penalty for any electoral offence has also been readjusted to K10 million or imprisonment for up to five years,” he added.
District Commissioner (DC) for Chiradzulu, Francis Matewere commended MEC for the efforts in civic education, recognizing its role in enhancing the capacity of stakeholders.
“I thank MEC for orienting us on the electoral laws and calendar. This will contribute to the conduct of free and fair elections,” he said.
Senior Chief Ntchema pledged the support of traditional leaders in disseminating information to their communities.
“We now understand our responsibility in shaping voter outcomes. We will organize village meetings to educate our people on the electoral process and the new laws, encouraging them to exercise their right to vote,” he added.
Malawians are scheduled to cast their votes on September 16, 2025, to elect president, members of parliament and ward councillors.
