By George Mponda

Karonga, February 24, Mana: Government has elevated Group Village Heads Mwandosya and Mwambero from Karonga to Sub Traditional Authorities at a function presided over by the Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda.

Speaking at Lulindo Primary School Ground in Karonga on Sunday, Banda said chiefs have a crucial role to play in supporting government's development agenda.

"Chiefs are instrumental in bringing forth development because they are custodians of the law in local communities. By ensuring that there is peace and tranquility, that's when government development projects progress impressively in the local communities," Banda said.

"Government is bringing a lot of interventions in the local communities like Social Cash Transfer, Affordable Inputs Programme and Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme. So, it is your duty as chiefs to ensure that people who deserve to be beneficiaries are considered without any corrupt practices," he said.

Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa hailed government for elevating the two chiefs who are both from his area.

"My appeal to these newly elevated Chiefs is that they should help maintain peace in the communities for our country to develop.

“Chiefs have a duty to guide people in their communities hence it is important that they discharge their duties diligently whilst supporting government's development agenda," Kyungu said.

Kyungu asked government to construct official houses and offices for Karonga Traditional Authorities to help them discharge their duties effectively.

By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, February 24, Mana: Group Village Head (GVH) Katutula of Senior Chief Mwabulambya in Chitipa has urged youths in the district to refrain from abusing and violating human rights of older persons accused of witchcraft.

He made the appeal Saturday during a football bonanza organized by Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) aimed at raising awareness on evils of human rights violations on older people and those with albinism.

He noted with concern that most people's human rights, especially the elderly and people with albinism, are being violated.

“We have intensified awareness campaigns on the evils of violence against the elderly. We are encouraging our children and youths to respect rights of old people. If a person is old, the youths think that he or she is a witch. No, that is not the case,” GVH Katutula said.

He further said that he has been encouraging chiefs under his jurisdiction to raise awareness on the evils of suspecting elderly people of being witches.

CHRR Chitipa District Coordinator, Smith Movete, said they decided to organise the bonanza as a way of raising awareness on dangers of violation of human rights.

Movete said his organisation has had a number of awareness campaigns and cases of human rights violation are reducing unlike in the past.

“Youths are most targeted in this awareness campaign because they are the ones who commit a lot of felonies in our communities. Our expectations are that they have taken the message and they will be transformed and even be change agents,” Movete said.

In the football bonanza, Katutula Football Club beat Namuyemba Football Club 5-4 in post-match penalties after a goalless draw in 90 minutes.

By George Mponda

Karonga, February 24, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo, has appealed to communities to desist from politicization of development projects saying it affects service delivery for Malawians.

Chitsulo made the remarks Sunday in Karonga when she inspected the newly constructed K146 million Mlare Maternity Wing in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu in the district.

"While government is working hard to deliver quality services for Malawians, there are some individuals, including councillors and lawmakers, who are deliberately sabotaging government projects to gain political mileage.

“I have been inspecting various projects around the country and I came across cases whereby a three-month project took almost a year to be finished because some individuals were deliberately influencing the contractors to delay the projects to make government look like a failure," Chitsulo said.

She said Malawians deserve quality service delivery hence the need for chiefs and all stakeholders to step in and help monitor various development projects being implemented so that they can be finished on time.

"Mlare Martenity Wing constructed with Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) funds should be an example of infrastructure we want in our country if we want to improve health service delivery," she said.

Director of Health Services for Karonga, David Sibale, said the construction of the facility will help reduce long distance covered by pregnant women in accessing maternity services.

"We have 23 health facilities in Karonga. However, five maternal deaths are being recorded annually which is a very worrisome trend. Bringing these health facilities close to where people reside is essential in ensuring that mothers’ lives are not at risk when giving birth," Sibale said.

By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, February 24, Mana: Senior Chief Malanda in Nkhata Bay has commended government for its commitment to bring health service facilities close to the people, saying this will improve health service delivery in the district.

He said this Sunday at Jaluvisi Community Ground during a groundbreaking ceremony for construction of four new health posts.

He said construction of health post in his area and others will ease mobility challenges people face to access health services due to topography of the district.

"I am grateful to government for always prioritizing people's health in communities. We have a number of projects completed and others currently underway across all sectors, including construction of Chintheche operating theatre ongoing in my area," he said.

Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, said the launch is a continuation of development projects in the health sector, which was started by President Dr Lazarus Chakwera when he came to power in 2020.

"We did mapping to see where people walked more than 15 kilometres and found the need of about 900 health posts across the country. Almost 200 health posts have been constructed," she said.

According to Kandodo Chiponda, funds for construction of the health posts are already committed, and the health posts will have a complete package needed for functionality.

"We are happy as a ministry because we are in line with attainment of Sustainable Development Goal number three which says every person should have good health and good well-being. That can only be achieved if people have access to health facilities.

“These health posts are in very hard to reach areas. People will be able to access safe motherhood services, youth friendly services among others hence improved health service delivery, " she said.

Christiana Banda from Lungo Village in Group Village Head Gombo said upon completion they will be able to access health services at any time, save money and time they use to access the same somewhere.

The four health posts will be constructed in the areas of Senior Chief Malanda, Sub Traditional Authority (STA) Siyalimba, TA Kabunduli and STA Mndola.

By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, February 24, Mana: Director of Women's and Children's Ministry for Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church in the North, Ellies Thawe, has advised members of Likoma Women Ministry to be good stewards.

Thawe said this Saturday on the sidelines of the women's ministry advisory meeting held at Chizumulu Island.

The meeting aimed at imparting knowledge to SDA women on good stewardship.

"We came here to encourage women in the church to be good stewards and also to equip them with knowledge on how they can do women's ministry activities and encourage each other spiritually.

“By being good stewards, women will be able to serve others. They will be good leaders at home and at church. Women in church are called to manage resources, care for others and contribute to the growth of the ministry," said Thawe.

She noted that women, specifically from Chizumulu, have potential to grow in church but seem to be neglected due to transportation challenges.

A church member from Chizumulu, Mary Phiri, said the meeting was an eye opener as it provided positive lessons.

"I am happy because I have learnt a lot from this meeting. For example, being a good steward, starts from home then to church and the community. I have also learnt that we need to help those in need," said Phiri.

By Charlie Ligomeka

Machinga, February 24, Mana: Cabinet ministers have expressed satisfaction with the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) fertilizer loans accessed by farmers across the country.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo, accompanied by Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu; Minister of Higher Education, Jessie Kabwila and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Patricia Nangozo Kainga, made the remarks on Sunday when the cabinet ministers toured Mlooka Irrigation Scheme along Shire River in Zomba and farmers in Machinga.

He commended farmers in both Zomba and Machinga for adopting best agricultural practices to achieve sustainable livelihood.

Chambo hailed Machinga District Council, through the Directorate of Agriculture, for providing extension services to farmers that also benefited from NEEF fertilizer loans.

“Your efforts in creating good relationship with farmers are commendable. Prioritizing the agriculture sector will help address hunger in the district.

 “We are committed to supporting initiatives that drive economic growth, improve food security, and enhance people’s livelihoods,” Chambo said.

A tobacco and maize farmer at Kapoloma in Machinga, Loveness Kamwendo, commended extension workers for advising her to adopt good agricultural practices and for accessing the fertilizer loan when she said had no hope to purchase the commodity.

“I am happy that l will have a good harvest of tobacco and maize. This is a great milestone to me,” Kamwendo said.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Patricia Nangozo Kainga, encouraged women to take an active role in agriculture, citing Kamwendo as a good example of women that  are fairing well in agriculture.

NEEF Risks Compliance Manager, Harmony Mwavula, commended the ministers tour saying it provided an opportunity for the delegation to appreciate benefits of NEEF fertilizer loan to farmers.

“This demonstrates impact of our initiatives on the ground. The ministers' satisfaction is a testament to our work,” he said.

Mlooka Irrigation Scheme, which was completed in December 2023, sits on 256 hectares of land.

The scheme got financial support from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and was constructed under Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (PRIDE) project. 

By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, February 23, Mana: The Dowa First Grade Magistrate's (FGM) Court has convicted and sentenced an 18-year-old man to 14 years of Imprisonment with Hard Labour (IHL), for having sexual intercourse with an 8-year-old girl, who is also his niece.

Dowa police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Alice Sitima has identified the man as Anderson Lemekezani of Lichapa 2 village, in Traditional Authority Chiwere in Dowa.

She said the court heard through State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Monica Chafulumira that Lemekezani committed the offence on December 18, 2024 in the same village.

"On the day, the victim went to school but returned at around 9 in the morning. However, the victim's mother was surprised to see her daughter having difficulty sitting down, and when questioned, she failed to explain anything.

"But the following day, when the girl changed her clothes and left them in the kitchen, the mother noticed blood stains and informed her mother-in-law.

"After questioning the victim again, the girl revealed that her uncle had given her juice when she was going to school and later took her to their grandmother's house where he defiled her," said Sitima.

She said the matter was reported to Dowa Police who referred the victim to the hospital for examination where results confirmed penetration.

In court, Lemekezani admitted to the charge levelled against him but during mitigation, asked for leniency arguing he was a first offender.

"The State however asked for a stiffer penalty, arguing that the convict was supposed to be responsible in protecting the victim and other girls in the community, hence the need for a stiffer sentence to deter would-be offenders," she said.

First Grade Magistrate Yohane Nkhata concurred with the state and ordered Lemekezani to serve a sentence of 14 years IHL.

By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, February 23, Mana: Wisdom Nelson Chimgwede is Malawi Congress Party's torchbearer for Kasungu Municipality Constituency in the September 16 General Elections.

Chimgwede, a journalist, floored two other contenders, former mayor for the municipality Heese Nyangu and retired civil servant Paul Chivunga in primary elections that took place at Kasungu Stadium on Sunday.

He claimed a landslide polling 600 votes seeing off Chivunga who amassed 200 votes with Nyangu completing the list at 29 ballots.

Deputy National Director of Elections Mathews Mgemezulu also declared five other contestants to have won unopposed in the polls for councillors while five others have won through the ballot.

Kasungu Municipality Constituency was created in the recent district exercise by the Malawi Electoral Commission and has 10 wards.

By Agatha Kadzinje

Blantyre, February 22, Mana: Long wait for the opening of a police unit at Naizi, Bangwe in Blantyre, which was completed in September 2024, has left residents concerned with the increasing social ills and crime in the area, which put children's lives in danger.

Namiyango Ward Councilor Raphael Mzimu told the Malawi News Agency (MANA) in an interview on Friday that the police structure started to deteriorate since it has been unused for a long time after its construction.

He added that delay in opening the police unit was initially due to poor sanitation in the area.

“When we approached Limbe Police, they told us that they could not open the unit due to poor sanitation. We, therefore, had to ensure the area was cleaned and this was done with the help of the Blantyre City Council.

“Despite this, the unit has still not been opened, So many issues happen here, including increased theft and child marriages. Police Unit will help to enforce laws and bring order to this area,” the ward council explained.

He expressed concern over various social ills at Naizi, including presence of numerous liquor selling points that illegally sell liquor to children.

Mzimu urged opinion leaders and the police to work together in addressing security needs of the people in Namiyango Ward.

Limbe Police Public Relations Officer, Sergeant, Aubrey Singanyama, said community at Naiza needs to do certain things before the police officially open the unit, citing installation of electricity and provision of sanitation.

Singanyama added that Limbe Police plans to organise community meeting with local leaders to discuss terms and set a date to open the police unit.

He therefore appealed to people at Naizi to collaborate with the police once the unit opens to ensure the facility save best interests of the community.

“People should not feel discouraged by the delay. In the meantime, they should continue using nearby police units such as BCA Police. They should also support the community policing forum,” he said.

Naizi Police Unit expects to serve six villages namely; Mkomanjila, Masala, Maganga, Namiango, Maplot and Mondiwa

By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, February 23, Mana: Minister of health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda says government remains committed in ensuring access to health services to all Malawians by bringing essential health facilities and services near to the people.

She made the remarks Friday at Mwangala in Dowa when she presided over the official opening of Mwangala health center which has been constructed by Dowa district council under Health Rehabilitation Funds from government of Malawi.

Chiponda said government on top it's priorities has provision of good health services to the people, to ensure a free from disease population, capable of developing themselves and the nation at large.

"Under Sustainable Development Goals number three, it talks of everyone having access to good health and well being, and we are supposed to achieve that by the year 2030.

"But also, most importantly, our president is championing the Malawi 2063 vision. And for that to materialize, we need Malawians who have good health, are able to work, are economically viable, and that can only happen if we are able to give them health services when they are sick," said Chiponda.

She as such said she was happy that the facility will be able to provide general medical and maternal services, safe motherhood, provision of vaccines, cervical cancer screening, promoting health and encourage preventive health services amongst the 25000 people within the catchment.

Also, that the facility will now reduce distances through the hard terrain people had to travel to Dowa hospital for treatment and as a referral facility. This she added will also decongest the referral hospital.

"The president is stressing that we should not walk more than five kilometers to get to a medical facility, that is our goal. That is why you see us almost every week opening centers as well as health posts across the country," she said.

Under the Health Rehabilitation Funds, the district was allocated around MK2.9 billion which has been used to construct new and rehabilitate structures at Nalunga, Dowa hospital and Mwangala.

In his remarks, Member of Parliament for Dowa North East area Sam Kawale said the opening of the new health facility brought joy to the people of Mwangala and sorrounding areas.

He said previously, there was only one small structure built in 1972, which was around 20 meters wide and seven meters in length, and serviced all departments like OPD and maternity activities.

"It was in dilapidated state, floors were bad, the ceiling had fallen off. The walls were cracking. There was no dignity especially amongst pregnant women seeking help.

"Now we have this very beautiful facility which is like five times bigger than the one we had before, with a separate OPD, a maternity wing with spacious rooms and four hospital staff houses. So for us, we are extremely grateful to the president," he said.

While committing that people from Mwangala are ready to do their part in bringing further development to the area, like providing sand, bricks or labour where necessary, he committed that the hospital will be well taken care of so it outlives it's lifespan.

Senior Chief Nsakambewa, speaking after the launch said he was speechless, considering the history the area has in health care provision.

"We have had bad experiences due to lack of a proper health facility. But this ends now with this new hospital, which not only serves people from Dowa, but also some parts of Ntchisi," he said.