MANAonline
Stakeholders play crucial role in water resource management-NWRA
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, June 27, Mana: The National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) Senior Civic Education and Public Relations Officer, Masozi Kasambala has said stakeholders in the water sector play a critical role in managing and conserving water resources.
Kasambala made the remarks in Mchinji on Tuesday during a stakeholders meeting aimed at equipping them with the necessary technical knowledge so that they are empowered to properly conduct their role in water resource conservation.
"As you know, Malawi 2063 vision serves as our development blueprint; under the Agenda we must achieve urbanization, industrialization, commercialization, and agricultural productivity. Sustainable water resources are essential for attaining these pillars, which is why it is imperative for all stakeholders, including Area Development Committees (ADCs), to be well-versed in water resource management," said Kasambala.
Principal Community Development Officer for Mchinji, Joyce Mtukuso expressed gratitude to the NWRA for engaging the ADCs on water resource issues.
"As a council, we rely on ADCs for any development matters. I am pleased that they have been briefed on their responsibilities and expect them to implement what they have learned," said Mtukuso.
Chipiliro Phiri, chair of the ADC from Traditional Authority (TA) Zulu, thanked the NWRA for organizing the meeting.
"We were not aware that we needed to register if we need to use water resources. Now we have a better understanding of many aspects of water resource management, including where to obtain a license after registering to use government water resources," Phiri said.
The NWRA established in 2013, operates under the laws of the Malawi government, focusing on the sustainable management and conservation of the nation's water resources.
Council concerned with increase in GVB cases
By Mwai Kumanda
Lilongwe, June 27, Mana; The Lilongwe District Council has expressed concern over the increase in Gender Based Violence (GBC) cases in the district.
Speaking on Thursday during a stakeholders meeting, Lilongwe District Gender Officer, Gertrude Simwaka said the district recorded 6,859 GBV cases from April 2023 to April 2024.
Simwaka attributed the increase to poverty and lack of self-reliance, as some of the factors contributing to the high rate of GBV in the communities.
She said out of the 6,859 GBV cases recorded, 5,429 involved women while 1,430 were males.
"These figures are very worrisome, considering several intervetions government and Non-Govermental Organisations (NGOs) are implementing in the district.
“The cases recorded mainly include; physical, sexual, economic and emotional abuse and 80 percent of the victims are women." she said.
Lilongwe Police Station Community Policing Coordinator, Sub Inspector Laudan Kaira called on the general public to report GBV cases on time.
“There is need for women empowerment, as many of the women falling victim have high reliance on men and have no choice but to go back to the same marriage and live with their abuser. There is need to encourage and link women to groups that will empower them financially,” said Kaira.
Speaking earlier, Coalition for the Empowerment of Women and Girls (CEWAG), Project Officer, John Kachere said his organization will continue to raise awareness to empower women and girls by introducing a revolving fund so that they venture into small scale businesses.
Capital City giants in a ‘do make or break battle’
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, June 28, Mana: Capital City football rivalry will be back in fold when traditional bragging rights are on play on Sunday during TNM Super League when Civil Service United will rock horns with current league leaders, Silver Strikers at Civo Stadium in Area 9, Lilongwe.
Could it be Civil’s year to use home advantage to contain the pressure and come out of shell to register the first defeat of the season to the Central Bankers?
Maybe it will be the usual fixture fulfilling but the visiting Bwandilo Boys have an advantage over their rivals looking at their rich form of vein.
Civil had travelled to Blantyre last Sunday where they were beaten 3-0 by Mighty Mukuru Wanderers with Christopher Kumwembe claiming a hat trick while Leaders were held to a painful 2-2 draw after leading the game twice and the last minute strike by the hosts was a killer punch.
Civil are lying on position seven with 14 points from 10 games while Bwandilo Boys are leading with 26 points from the same number of game and head to head record favours the Bankers but 90 minutes will tell.
Kamuzu Barracks will came face to face with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Civo Saturday on Saturday coming from a 0-0 draw against Baka City in Karonga.
Bullets displayed luckless football against Creck Sporting despite creating close chances to earn them maximum points.
From a draw, training boycott and snatching of team bus by sheriffs of the High court due to non-payment of court ruling characterized the people’s team’s week in short.
From the grapevine, there are indications that Bullets’ shameless performance for the past 10 weeks was that some players were involved in match fixing where they were receiving cash from some officials from their rival clubs.
The issue is with Bullets officials for further investigations and the said players are said on danger of having their contracts terminated or face no renewable.
Lifeless Bullets squad have largely depended on scoring prowess of young and promising winger Patrick Mwaungulu who had scored five goals this season while their main strikers are on goal drought.
His imminent departure to TP Mazembe of Democratic of Congo (DRC) alongside Lanjesi Nkhoma should be cause for worry for Bullets title defensive.
Third placed mighty Mukuru Wanderers, the only that will be looking for a winner over Mighty Waka Waka Tigers.
The Kanjedza Boys are reported to be playing a more attractive football under their coach, Leo Mpulula and they attack in numbers.
Count yourself as winners after 90 plus minutes because they are more danger especially in the dying minutes of the game as evidence when they stopped hot contenders, Silver Strikers at Mecca Stadium before faithful Ganyu fans.
Tigers have pulled two surprised draws against Bullets 1-1 and Silver 2-2 at Kamuzu Stadium while Nomads have a task to change the pattern.
However, Wanderers have maintaining their two winning streak against Premier Bet, Dedza Dynamos 3-1 and Civil Service United 3-0 with Meke Mwase at the helm.
The following are full fixtures for the weekend kicking off at 2:30 pm.
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Kamuzu barracks vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets @ Civo Stadium
FOMO vs Moyale Barracks @ Mulanje Park
Baka City vs Bangwe All Stars @ Karonga Stadium
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Mzuzu City Hammers vs Mafco @ Mzuzu Stadium
Chitipa United vs Creck Sporting @ Karonga Stadium
Mighty Waka Waka Tigers vs Mighty Mukuru Wanderers @ Kamuzu Stadium
Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos vs Karonga United @ Dedza Stadium
Civil Service United vs Silver Strikers @ Civo Stadium
DRTSS warns operators of overloading
By Tione Andsen
Balaka, June 27, Mana: Department of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS) has warned truck owners and operators in the country not to over load their vehicles when transporting goods and services.
DRSS Chief Road Traffic Officer, Larry Chewere sounded the warning Thursday at Balaka Weighbridge during Media Tour on projects being implemented by Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP) under Ministry of Transport and Public Works with funding from World Bank as part of the Nacala Corridor development.
He said most roads are being damaged because of overloading by operators hence they are being subjected to fines.
Chewere dismissed assertions that weighbridges are over charging operators saying they are not meant for income generating but are used for safety measures.
“Weighbridges are not meant for income generating but providing guidance to operators to comply with loading limits for their vehicles. Our fines generally are not small one,” the Chief Road Officer admitted.
“Weighbridges are placed at specific areas in order to check movements of loads. We normally monitor movements of the loads in order to protect our roads from being damaged as a result of overloading by operators,” he viewed.
He promised the Directorate would continue using weighbridges to ensure that right loads are being moved and the project would soon provide mobile weighbridges for spot checks.
Chewere added that they have been conducting workshops, awareness meetings with operators on the dangers of overloading their vehicles and its impact on the life span of the roads.
“Overloading will not only damage the roads but their vehicles are affected as a result of carry goods which are exceeding in weight capacity,” he explained.
The Chief said the fines are being calculated based on current market price and the Directorate usually uses NBS Bank rates for the day.
“If the Directorate will use weighbridges for revenue generation that means compliance is failing. Fines are on there for checks and balances to the operators not to exceed weight limits,” he clarified.
He said once operators adhere to carry recommended loads, they would help government to save funds for maintenance and they would save their vehicles from frequent maintenance.
“We are charge our fines in US$ because they cater for both local and international operators. We normally collect K 80 to 100 million per month. Last year, we collected over K 1.4 billion of the fines at Balaka Weighbridge,” Chewere added.
He disclosed that SATCP would provide funds for the constriction of weighbridge near Machinga Teachers’ Training College (TTC) in order to curb over loading of trucks passing through that road.
He believes that weight bridge at Liwonde would greatly help to curb overloading that operators using roads that have no weighbridges would be controlled
“we are expecting to have two more weighbridges in Nkhotakota and Mwanza inland in order to control follow of goods on the country’s roads,” headed.
Station Manager for Balaka Weighbridge, Richard Sochera said overloading vehicles cause damage to the environment because they produce a lot of fumes.
He said operators should view mobile and permanent weighbridges as a tool to protect the roads from being damaged as a results of carrying excess loads.
Katanda to launch a book
By Alex Kachingwe
Blantyre, June 27, Mana: A Lilongwe based writer, Herbert Katanda, who is a well-known TV personality will on June 29, 2024 launch a new book titled ‘The Audacity of Depression’ under Grand Pen Africa Publication at Lark Cafe Area 43 in Lilongwe.
Katanda who started a writing career in 2010 told Malawi News Agency (Mana) Thursday in Blantyre that The Audacity of Depression was his second book after another titled ‘Belly Button’ which was written and published in 2018.
The New Book which has been financially sponsored by Mzeru za Abambo Group of Companies and Sang Farms, consists of various short stories and poems which are tackling issues of mental health.
“The month of June is considered to be Men’s Mental Health Awareness month. We have organized a book launch dinner for The Audacity of Depression anthology, a book that tackles mental health issues to raise awareness on how people should heal from stress and depression,” he said.
Event Manager, Robert Edward from Zoom Media and Events, who are organizers of the Book launch, hailed Katanda for his tireless effort to write a book that has the possibilities to deal with suicide in the country.
He said the event was beyond Book launch as there would be a panel discussion involving individuals from different sectors to discuss depression and mental health issues.
“You might be aware that the country recorded more than 250 suicide cases last year and according to Police reports, most of the reasons for the suicide were relationship break ups and financial issues. We saw it as an opportunity being a mental awareness month, that the country should engage a panel discussion on how people should manage stress and depression,” Edward added.
He pointed out that statistical reports indicate a higher number of men committing suicide than women.
Edward said that profits generated from the book sale would help in campaign to raise awareness on mental health and depression through a mental health radio programme.
The Book launch will be aired live on Luntha Television 6 pm to 9pm and a panel discuss on mental health will involve experts in mental health, legal, business persons and those from faith community to be represented by Apostle, Clifford Kawinga of Salvation for All Ministries, who will be guest of honour.
Schools hail Camfed for supporting learners
By Luckia Akim
Zomba June 27, Mana: Teachers from various Primary Schools in Zomba have commended Campaign for Female Education (Camfed) for the support given to leaners which has among others improved attendance and performance among beneficiaries.
Camfed supports selected needy learners with school uniform and shoes, exercise books, sanitary pads to ensure menstrual hygiene among girls and provision of development funds among others.
A Teacher at Mpachika Primary School, Mary Bomasi said the Camfed’s support has been source of motivation to learners to work hard in class, adding that the support eventually reduced absenteeism.
She added that before the support, it was challenging for the students to attend classes as they lacked essential needs for education such as school uniforms and sanitary pads.
“The learners under Camfed Programme come from very poor families and it was hard for their parents and guardians to buy them uniform, shoes and many more. However, the support has ignited their urge for school,” Bomasi added.
Another Teacher from Milila Primary School, Wilson Chawaya observed that Camfed support brough good results in learner’s school performance.
“Apart from the material support, Camfed is implementing various activities such as study circles, home visits to check on leaners that dropped out of school. This has helped to improve leaners performance and bring back those that dropped out of school,” he said.
A Standard 7 student, Triza Likango said Camfed motivated her to remain in school after various support and expressed hoped that the package would help her to realize see her dream.
“Camfed has been providing me with exercise books, pens and school uniform. Before being a Camfed beneficiary, my parents struggled to provide me with all school materials and this affected my attendance and performance in class," she added.
Apart from supporting learners in Primary School, Camfed is assisting female students in Secondary and Universities across the country with school materials.
Adolescent girls to receive Iron-Folic Acid tablets
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, June 27, Mana: Over 100, 000 adolescent girls will from September, 2024 start receiving Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablets under the Integrated IFA Supplementation programme by the Department of Nutrition and the Ministry of Health in Thyolo District.
Deputy Director for Nutrition in the Department of Nutrition, Kondwani Mpeniuwawa disclosed this Wednesday during a District Executive Committee (DEC) Department held together with Evidence for Action to introduce the programme.
“The target is 117, 532 adolescent girls. 67, 438 in school and 50, 094 out of school adolescent girls aged 10 to 19.
“We are doing this to ensure that we reduce the prevalence of anemia which leads to impaired physical and cognitive development in children," he said.
Mpeniuwawa said school health and nutrition (SHN) teachers and Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) would be administering the IFA to in school and out of school adolescent girls, respectively on a weekly basis for a three-year period.
“During school year, girls will consume tablets on a fixed day of the week under direct supervision of teachers. During vacation, HSAs will distribute tablets to adolescent girls in the community under their supervision.
“HSAs, on the other hand, will distribute IFA tablets on a weekly basis to out-of-school adolescent girls within their catchment area; HSAs will define a ‘fixed day’ based on what they choose is the best way to reach all out of school adolescent girls,” he added.
Thyolo District Council Principal Nutrition and HIV & Aids Officer, Kondwani Luwe hailed the programme, saying it was a significant step towards improving the nutritional status and overall well-being of the communities.
“Iron and folic acid deficiencies are prevalent and can lead to serious health issues such as anemia, particularly, among women and children.
“This programme will provide essential supplements to vulnerable groups, helping to reduce the incidence of anemia and related complications,” he said.
Luwe said the Council was committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the IFA programme through community outreach, education and regular monitoring.
“Our goal is to raise awareness about the importance of these nutrients and to encourage compliance with the supplementation regimen,” he said, adding: “By working together with healthcare providers and community leaders we aim to create a sustainable and impactful change in the health and well-being of our population.”
The integrated IFA supplementation programme will be implemented in seven districts of Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Nkhotakota, Nkhata Bay, Mzimba, Ntchisi and Mulanje for a period of three years with a possibility of increasing the number of districts in the future.
NRWB calls for protection of Kalenge River
By Andrew Gondwe
Chitipa, June 27, Mana: Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) has urged people living along Kalenge River in Chitipa to be utilizing smart farming technologies to ensure that the river remains a sustainable source for water supply in the district.
Community Mobilization and Training Manager for NRWB, Gerald Ngulube was speaking Thursday an open day on Climate Smart Technologies for Enhanced Natural Resources Management and Food Security at Yeniyeni in the area of Senior Chief Mwenemisuku in the district.
He said that the water utility body decided to sensitize and involve the people in protecting the river where board abstracts water as they are a community which utilizes the river for livelihood interventions such as farming hence the need to promote water and soil conservation.
“In 2014, we discovered that most rivers in the district such as Kalenge could be degraded due to non-friendly environmental human activities which include bad cultivation methods,” Ngulube said.
He added that for the Board to sustainably provide good and quality water, people living along river banks should refrain embarking on activities that lead could to water contamination.
Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources for Chitipa District Council, Lumbani Msiska urged farmers utilize the knowledge and skills enhancing food security as they conserve the river.
"It is good to learn from others through their good works. Therefore, let's all follow good agricultural technologies that can enhance the sustainability of water supply in Kalenge River," he said.
Chairperson for Chitipa District Council, Towerachalo Munyenyembe said it was sad to note that some people cultivate along the river banks including the river bed and warned that any one found perpetrating the malpractice will be penalized.
Senior Chief Mwenemisuku thanked the NRWB for the intervention, saying the development would change people's mind set towards environmental conservation.
“We have by-laws and one of the by-laws is that anyone being found cutting down trees along river banks has to pay a fine of at least a goat or K60,000.00," he said.
All set for Blantyre poetry show
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, June 27, Mana: Poetry Giants have teamed up to organize a show dubbed Phwando la Ndakatulo on July 8, 2024 at Mibawa Multipurpose Hall in Blantyre to provide entertainment and to educate the patronage nation through arts.
One of the organizers, Hudson Chamasowa told Malawi News Agency (Mana) Thursday in Blantyre that they wanted to bring back the poetry show after a four year break that came due to COVID-19 pandemic and after death of one of the poets.
“We had a long break due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the death of our own poet, late Mollen Nazombe,” he said.
Chamasowa added that they thought of bringing back the show because apart from entertainment to the audience as it gives an opportunity to upcoming poets to perform at a bigger stage and make a name.
“Apart from bringing entertainment to the people these shows also helps us to unearth hidden talent,” he said.
Chamasowa said all was set for the show, urging poetry lovers to patronize the show with their families describing it as a family event and assured patronage of adequate security and all the artists are ready to recite their best poems.
“People should come with their families. We do not experience any violence in poetry shows and all artists are geared to perform to their best,” he assured.
Renowned Poet, Raphael Sitima confirmed that he would participate in the Phwando la Ndakatulo and assured poet lovers that he was well prepared to entertain them with his touching poems like; Kuteteza kosalako and Kwathu.
A female Poet, Mercy Mbeta who is well known by her poem titled Ungokhala mzanga has confirmed that she would participate and promise unmatched entertainment.
“People should know that I will be there and they will be entertained by my work,” she added.
Other poets who will perform at the event include; Joseph Madzedze, Slyvester Kalizang’oma, Michael Benjala, Aisha Samson, Kenneth Khondiwa, Mlakatuli Kadamkowa, Bright Kaduya, Jamira Bwanali and Mlakatuli Kenson.
Those coming to the show will be treated to rare talent of mimicry from Aunt Gate, Achair and Mr. Malawi who imitate the voices of public figure.
Angitao Band will perform their acoustic music to spice up the event.
Call for comprehensive agriculture budget allocation
By Gift Chiponde
Dowa, June 27, Mana: Chairperson for Parliament Committee on Agriculture, Ulemu Chilapondwa has emphasized the committee's commitment to actively engage with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure a fair allocation of resources within the sector.
This concerted effort aims to support Malawi's 2063 and enhance the country's food security.
He made these remarks during the National Multi-Stakeholder Agriculture Sector 2024/25 Budget Analysis Engagement Meeting at Mponela in Dowa which was organized by Oxfam, CISANET, and NASFAM, aiming to sought the views of various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and farmers regarding the 2024/25 agriculture budget allocation.
Chilapondwa affirmed that the Committee would persist in endeavours to engage the Ministry of Agriculture, aiming to secure equitable funding allocation for all agricultural activities and this was crucial to optimize agricultural production.
He expressed concern about the decline in the allocation of funds to the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasising the potential negative impact on the agriculture sector if resource allocation was not balanced.
Chilapondwa assured stakeholders in the agriculture sector that the Committee was dedicated to revitalizing the country's agriculture and economy through comprehensive allocation and reform initiatives.
The Chairperson acknowledged the Ministry of Agriculture's substantial reforms, particularly the adjustments to Affordable Input Programme (AIP), ensuring that all intended beneficiaries are accommodated in various programmes.
Head of Policy and Communication at NASFAM, Rejoice Chikakuda said the importance of the meeting in providing insights to Members of Parliament and government to enhance application and support towards the agriculture sector.
She expressed concerns about the decline in the agriculture budget allocation, particularly its potential adverse effects on smallholder farmers.
Chikakuda stressed the need for thorough scrutiny of programmes like the AIP to ensure they effectively address the country's needs.
She appealed to Members of Parliament and Parliamentary Committee of Agriculture to advocate for comprehensive allocation within the agriculture sector to promote sustainable agriculture development.
