MANAonline
Farm mechanization key to improved yield production
By George Mponda
Karonga, July 11, Mana: Controller of Agriculture Extension and Technical Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Alfred Mwenifumbo has advised farmers to adopt farm mechanization to increase yield and ease their work.
Mwenifumbo said this recently at Hara Irrigation Scheme in Karonga where Mahindra, a company that deals in farm equipment, through Delta Automobiles and Equipment LTD had organized a demonstration of rice planting using Mahindra rice transplanters.
“Malawian rice farmers produce 146,000 metric tonnes annually but there is demand for 12 million tonnes of rice in Africa. Adopting mechanized farming will not only help farmers increase their yield but will also reduce manual work.
“Under mega farms’ initiative, all farmland parcels exceeding 20 hectres qualify to be a mega farm. I therefore would like to advise farmers who hold such land to register it and form a cooperative registered with Ministry of Industry and Trade for them to access loans from Agriculture Commercialization (AGCOM) Project and purchase these machines,” said Mwenifumbo.
General Manager for Delta Automobiles and Equipment LTD Goldy Nair said they conducted eight- month research among farmers in Malawi and most of them complained of hard manual work in agricultural activities.
"Rice is always planted manually in all districts and this affects quality and quantity of yield, hence our involvement in contributing to the achievement of Malawi 2063 of becoming a self-reliant nation through agricultural commercialization.
“This is why today we displayed walk-behind and ride-on rice transplanters which are capable of planting rice on four hectares in a day,” said Nair.
Manager for Hara Irrigation Scheme, Derlings Mwalungira said the intervention will lead to modernized agriculture with reduced expenditure in rice production.
Practical solutions key to tourism growth
By Wallace Chipeta
Lilongwe, July 11, Mana: Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule has said private sector and government need to work together to ensuring tourism industry building and growth in the country.
She made the remarks Wednesday at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe when she appreciated a three-day Tourism Delivery Lab in session.
"Come up with practical solutions to address challenges affecting the growth of tourism and enhance those things that we are doing well in the industry.
Government identified agriculture, tourism and mining (ATM) strategy as the recovery plan for the economy.
To ensure the holistic approach to resolving the bottlenecks chocking the tourism industry, the lab is focusing on three streams of product development and marketing; infrastructure development for the tourism sector and lastly policy and legal framework.
The Tourism Delivery lab has been organized by Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU).
2024 Umhlangano annual cultural cancelled
By Maston Kaiya
Ntcheu, July 11, Mana: Maseko Ngoni Paramount Chief INkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V has cancelled 2024 Umhlangano annual cultural event which was slated for September 5-7, 2024 saying this is one way of honouring late Impi, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and Musician late Lucius Banda.
Gomani V announced this during a Press briefing on Wednesday at his Lizulu headquarters in Ntcheu district.
He described the death of Impi Chilima who was State Vice President and Banda who was one of the country's greatest musician as a huge blow to the Maseko Ngoni' and the nation at large.
"Impi Biyeni Chilima was very patriotic and highly committed to Ngoni culture. He was actively participating in all Ngoni cultural and traditional functions," Gomani said adding the sudden departure of Impi Chilima has left a big gap which is difficult to be filled in the Maseko Ngoni culture.
In the midst of mourning Impi Biyeni Chilima, the Maseko Ngonis lost the vital pillar and a music icon Soldier, Lucius Banda who greatly contributed to Ngoni culture through his cultural Music.
"The death of Soldier, Lucius Banda is a sad news to Maseko Ngoni as he greatly assisted in promoting culture through his instrumentals, and was a profound pillar to the Maseko Ngoni Heritage Trust," he said.
"Given these sad developments, I have declared three-month mourning period among Maseko Ngoni's hence cancelling this year's Umhlangano annual festival," Gomani V said.
Impi late Chilima died in a plane crash in Chikangawa forest on June 10, 2024 while Soldier, Lucius Banda died on June 30, 2024 in South Africa due to kidney failure.
AG set to challenge plastic manufacturers' injunction
By Martha Simchimba
Lilongwe; July 11, Mana: Ministry of Justice has it was ready to challenge the injunction obtained by plastic-making companies saying the development by these companies was counterproductive.
On June 20, 2024, plastic-making companies led by Golden Plastic Limited withdrew their case but surprisingly, 11 other companies who were not part of the previous case obtained fresh injunction restraining the government from effecting the ban.
The new 11 companies that obtained a fresh injunction are City Plastics Industry, Flexo Pack Ltd, G. Plastics Wholesale and Retail, G.S Plastic Industry, Jagot Plastics Ltd, O.G Plastics Industries (2008) Ltd, Plastimax Ltd, Polypack Ltd, Qingdao Recycling Ltd, Sharma Industries and Shore Rubber (Lilongwe) Ltd.
In a Press statement that Malawi News Agency (Mana) has seen, Ministry of Justice has said what these companies have done means the implementation of the ban on thin plastics by the Ministry of Natural Resources was now put on hold again unless this new injunction was fought and vacated.
“The Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal, dismissed with costs a 'thin plastics' case where companies in the plastic-making business were pursuing an appeal. The dismissal followed a notice of withdrawal filed by lawyers for the appellants, representing Golden Plastics Limited.
“If these companies indeed have sufficient interest in the case, what made them not to join the initial case that has been in court for years? This is a clear abuse of court process,” the Statement reads in part.
The Ministry described the development as a tactic by the plastic companies to delay implementation of the ban by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change or Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) from enforcing the ban on thin plastics.
Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change Public Relations Officer (PRO), Frank Nkondetseni said this was a worrisome development and the Ministry was very disappointed because MEPA was well set to embark on enforcement activities to get rid of thin plastics which are a threat to the environment.
“With the injunction we cannot talk much because the matter is in court,” he added.
Nancholi Health Centre opens
By Memory Chatonda
Blantyre, July 11, Mana: Government has expressed satisfaction with the newly constructed K1.1 billion Nancholi Health Centre which is expected to serve a population of 44,000 people in Nancholi Township and surrounding areas.
Speaking during the opening of the facility on Wednesday, Minister of Health, Khumbize Chiponda said the structure was of high-quality standard and adequately equipped to provide essential health care services to communities including under five children.
“We commend the contractor for building this state-of-the-art facility in Blantyre and this standard should be replicated by other districts that are constructing similar health facilities,” she noted.
Chiponda assured the communities that government would continue to work with its partners under the Health Sector Joint Fund to build more health posts across the country to bring quality health services closer to the people.
“In some areas, people are still traveling long distances to access health care just like it was the case here. So, it is necessary to have proper health Centre’s conveniently constructed to deliver services to people,” the Minister said.
She appealed to the health facility’s management committee to take due responsibility in ensuring that the facility was maintained and that no medical officer as involved in drug pilferage.
Human Development Team Leader for the British High Commission, Dan Pine said he was equally impressed with the newly built state-of-the-art Nancholi Health Centre.
He pledged the British High Commission’s commitment to work with the Ministry of Health to support the health sector in providing the required services to improve the health and well-being of communities.
Traditional Authority (TA) Somba thanked government for constructing the health centre to provide health-related services to communities in the area.
He urged his subjects to take ownership of the facility to ensure that it continues to benefit current and future generations.
Somba asked the government to consider rehabilitating the road leading to the facility to ease mobility challenges among the patients, including pregnant women.
Among others, the facility will provide out-patient, under-five clinic, maternity and family planning services.
Phalombe to hold prayers and candle light memorial service
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, July 11, Mana: United Transformation Movement (UTM) youths in Phalombe have organized prayers and candle light memorial service on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Phalombe Secondary School.
The Prayers and candle light memorial service are in honour of late Dr. Saulos Chilima who until his death on June 10, 2024 was Malawi’s Vice President and UTM President.
Chilima and eight others died in a plane crash at Chikwangawa Forest in Mzimba and prayers and some forms of condolences have taken place in and outside the country.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday in Blantyre, one of the organizers of Phalombe event, Priscilla Moniwa confirmed that the event was to honour “a generational hero”
“This is not a political event but prayers to pay respect to our leader who inspired many youths,” she said.
The prayers and candle light memorial service under the slogan: “Osatopa, Osatopa, Osafooka” at Phalombe Secondary School is expected to start at 5 pm to 7 pm and the patronage is expected to dress in black and dark attire.
Moniwa extended invitation to people in Phalombe and surrounding districts to come in larger numbers to attend the event and assured them of safety and security.
“We have contacted the Police and we have our security team to ensure safety,” she said, adding that UTM Secretary General, Patricia Kaliati will be the guest of honour at the event.
Similar event is expected to take place on Sunday at Zingwangwa Youth Centre in Blantyre.
Blantyre held the first candle light memorial on June 16, 2024, near Curio selling point in the Blantyre CBD where musicians such Eli Njuchi and Onesmus took part.
Since the death of Chilima and eight others, candle lighting ceremonies have taken place in Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Mangochi, Ntcheu, Karonga and Mulanje among others.
Leaders urged to champion SRHR
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, July 11, Mana: Malawi Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance has called upon faith-based and traditional leaders to champion access to Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and safe abortions.
Speaking during an interface meeting with Salima-based traditional and faith-based leaders on promotion of access to safe abortion on Wednesday, Youth Programme Coordinator at Malawi Health Alliance, Gertrude Kapyepye said unsafe abortions continue to affect girls and women.
She said the interface meeting was aimed at soliciting different perspectives on issues to do with sexual reproductive rights.
"Faith-based leaders have a stand when it comes to access to safe abortions, the same applies to faith-based leaders, therefore today we are shedding light that safe abortions are not only about terminating an unborn baby, it also has to do with conditions that are critical to the life of a mother," Kapyepye said.
She said creating a conducive environment where views are shared will protect adolescents and young women in the country adding there was a need to raise awareness on the tenets underlined in the abortion rights bill.
A representative from Pastor's Fraternal Salima Chapter, Geoffrey Mputa said the faith-based community was keen to understand the legal aspects of sexual reproductive rights, therefore engagements to solicit contrary views are always welcome.
"We are always seen as a grouping that does not understand sexual reproductive rights, however interfacing and hearing legal aspects from experts provides a holistic understanding of the issues," he said.
Traditional Authority (TA) Maganga said the promotion of safe abortions was important because women and adolescents continue to lose lives due to unsafe abortions.
"We have learnt that women and girls seeking to access abortion in the country must first present themselves before a doctor and expressly make a request for abortion services based on existing conditions. Therefore, it is about the safety of women and girls," she said.
She promised to promote dialogue on access to sexual reproductive health in her community so that girls' and women's lives can be saved.
According to the Centre for Reproductive Rights, it is estimated that six to eighteen percent of maternal deaths in the country was a result from unsafe abortion complications.
The interface meeting was organized under a project called Transforming Lives, through a campaign dubbed "My Choice Our Choice," with support from Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, which focuses on the promotion of access to safe abortions among adolescents and young women.
Rumphi district council launches K467 million GESD projects
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, July 11, Mana: Rumphi district council on Wednesday launched the construction of two health facilities and a school block, all worth K467 million which will be funded through Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project.
The council launched construction of K151 million outpatient (OPD) health facility at Kamphenda, a K99 million school block at Chirambo Primary School and a maternity wing worth K217 million at Mphompha Health Centre.
Chairperson for Rumphi District Council, Harry Munyenyembe said the projects will improve provision of healthcare and education services within the targeted areas.
Director of Health and Social Services (DHSS) for Rumphi district council, Dr. Arnold Jumbe said people will access health care services at their doorsteps once the health related facilities are completed and operational.
He added, the intervention will also ease pressure on Rumphi District Hospital and patients’ guardians will also be glad to care for their relations closer to their homes.
“About 561 expectant mothers at Mphompha seek maternity services at the district hospital annually and this comes with a lot of pressure on the main facility in the district,” said Jumbe.
Member of Parliament for Rumphi West, Yona Mkandawire urged contractors who will work on the projects against compromising on quality but deliver value for money structures.
Group Village Head Kaskembe said the OPD at Kamphenda will significantly cut the distance which people cover to access health care services at Mwazisi Health Centre which is over 12 kilometers away.
Rumphi district council was one of the best performing local authorities in Local Authority Performance Assessment (LAPA) in 2023 and is expected to receive at least K332 million from GESD for its performance.
GESD is a Malawi Government performance based grant which is funded by the World Bank.
Local government ministry pushes for durable infrastructure development
By Lisa Lamya
Blantyre, July 11, Mana: Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture has urged councils to ensure quality in all infrastructure developments taking place in their respective areas.
The call was made on the side-lines of a tour of various projects in Nsanje district under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD), District Development Fund (DDF) and Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Richard Hara said the Ministry is impressed with how the projects are being delivered.
However, Hara was quick to indicate that there’s still room for improvement.
“Tengani Market is one of the quality structures that we have seen today. Similarly, Phokera police unit is an embodiment of structures that we would want to see spread across the district,” Hara added.
Hara also assured residents of Nsanje that all concerns regarding electricity and security at Tengani market will be addressed.
Member of Parliament for Nsanje Lalanje, Gladys Ganda said she will ensure that all funds directed towards development projects will be put to good use and that quality is not compromised.
“There is need for us to ensure we deliver good quality projects that stand the test of time so that Malawians are satisfied,” Ganda who is also Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee in Parliament said.
Council targets K884 million for local revenue collection
By Eranivey Temani and Mwai Kumanda
Lilongwe, July 11, Mana; Lilongwe District Council has revealed that it was targeting to collect K884 million from Locally Generated Revenue in the 2024-2025 financial year.
Speaking on Wednesday during the citizen engagement meeting, Lilongwe District Council Chief Planning Officer, Dumisani Chiwala said among other things the Council would equip revenue tax collectors with more knowledge and skills in collecting the market revenues.
He said the Council intends to introduce e-ticketing very soon which would enable clients to pay direct to Council’s accounts.
“In the 2024-25 budget, there are several projects we want to implement as a Council, so for us to achieve that, we need to collect more revenue from market establishments fees, licenses and permits, services charges as well as income from commercial ventures,” Chiwala said.
Apart from the locally generated Revenue, he said the Council anticipates receiving a total of K10.7 billion from the government funding windows such as the Constituency Development Fund, District Development Fund, Water Fund, and World Bank through the Government to Enable Service Delivery programme among others.
Chairperson for Lilongwe Civil Society Network, Gibozi Mphanzi thanked the Council for engaging members of the Civil Society Organizations on their intention to improve the livelihood of the people in the district through various developments.
He urged the Council to make sure that the projects being implemented in the district must reflect the needs of the citizenry adding that monitoring and evaluation must be strengthened to enhance transparency and accountability.
Lilongwe District Council needs about K26.9 billion for its 2024/2025 financial year.
