By Innocent Chunga

Nkhotakota, May 9, Mana: The Government of Iceland through its embassy in Lilongwe has committed to continue providing technical support to contractors involved in the multi-billion Kwacha Nkhotakota Basic Services Program (KKBSP) being implemented in the district.

Construction Lead for the embassy, Maggie Moyo said that technical support will assist contractors in producing high-quality works to be in line with the government's objective in the district.

She made the remarks after a technical meeting with contractors in eight primary schools where the construction of semi-detached houses, classrooms, administration offices, and toilets is taking place.

Officials from the embassy and Nkhotakota District Council visited all the eight sites where construction works are underway to monitor and appreciate progress.

Speaking in an interview after the visit, Moyo said the embassy and council officials have a role to play to ensure the works are up to standard,

"We have a role to monitor the contractors so that the works are in line with the government's commitment to delivering high-quality works” she said.

Moyo pledged the embassy`s commitment to continue providing support for the smooth implementation of the program.

Director of Creative Construction, Abdul Simoni who is constructing semi-detached houses, Classrooms, and an administration block at Dzikonilonse Primary School said the project is on schedule and expressed hope that it will be completed before 20 May, this year, as earlier planned.

"We are now at 95 percent in all facilities and we are using quality products from recommended suppliers to produce high-quality works aligned with the official's commitment,” said Simoni.

Another contractor, Cadworks Infrastructures who is constructing toilets at Msamala, Kacheyo, and Gomadzi primary schools said in some sites works have not yet started due to high water table, but said that will not affect the completion time once the works start.

Director of Education and Sports for Nkhotakota District, Godfrey Kubwense said he believes that once the projects are completed, they will improve education standards in the district.

The Nkhotakota Basic Services Program (KKBSP) is being supported with over MK11 billion to be pumped in various sectors which includes health and education. Among others.

By Sellah Chunda

Lilongwe, May 8, Mana: Minister of Climate Change, Michael Usi said hailed the Department of Fisheries for tailoring Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) guidelines to suit the country’s context.

He said this Wednesday during a High Level Multi- Stakeholder Dialogue on National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries at Bingu International Convention Centre BICC in Lilongwe.

Usi noted that the SSF guidelines have been formulated into a National Action Plan for Small-scale Fisheries.

He thanked Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and members of Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources Committee for their support and joint efforts in organizing dialogues that have significantly influenced the development of small-scale fisheries plan.

Usi pointed out the pivotal role of research in informing business practices to ensure fish accessibility for all and voiced expectations for tangible outcomes from the dialogue to tackle challenges and foster cooperation among Malawians.

FAO Representative to Malawi, Dr. Zhujin Chen said the dialogues are significant for Malawi's food security, underlining the necessity for more action and guidelines to support individuals in the fisheries sector.

Senior Chief Makanjira of Salima underscored the significance of dialogue in confronting challenges such as fish scarcity, hardships endured by fishermen and boat operators.

He emphasized the necessity for autonomy, technology, guidelines, and strategies to bolster lake conservation efforts and enhance livelihoods.

A Promoter, Chimwemwe Chipala noted the importance of collective action among Malawians and fishermen to grasp the significance of fisheries conservation and sustainable practices.

 He advocated for awareness regarding the repercussions of rising fish prices and the potential of innovative products like fish flour, sausages, and fish-based feeds to mitigate food insecurity.

The Anniversary celebration served as a platform for stakeholders to reflect on achievements, tackle challenges, and map out a sustainable trajectory for the country’s small-scale fisheries sector.

By Patience Longwe and Daniel Siame

Lilongwe, May 8, Mana: Ministry of Trade and Industry has issued a stern warning to distributors and wholesalers found engaging in price manipulation schemes in a bold move taken against unjust price practices in the sugar industry.

This action follows a comprehensive investigation revealing connivance between certain distributors and street vendors to inflate sugar prices unfairly, thereby burdening consumers across the country.

In an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana) Wednesday in Lilongwe, Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Ministry of Trade and Industry, Patrick Botha, underscored the government's commitment to ensuring fair market practices and protecting consumers from exploitation in the country.

"We are quite serious with this issue as Malawians have struggled to access sugar for the past few months as an essential commodity. Now that the situation is stabilizing, we cannot condone that some companies should hide behind the street vendors to maintain the status that almost led to a crisis," he said.

Botha added that if anyone found doing this malpractice, the Ministry would revoke their licenses.

PRO for Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC), Innocent Helema said distributors and wholesalers found committing the offence, they are going to be fined a minimum sum of K 500,000, and attract a prison sentence of five years.

"As provided for under the Competition and Fair Trading Act, you may be aware that Parliament recently passed the Competition and Fair Trading Bill which when assented to will correct a lot of unfair and anticompetitive business conduct in the country," he pointed out.

By Jacob Nthozi

Nkhata Bay, May 8, Mana: Principal Administration Officer for Nkhata Bay District Council, Moses Jere Tuesday commended Gift of the Givers Foundation for donating to flood survivors in the district.

He was speaking when the Organization presented a donation of assorted items to 156 households who were affected by floods in the area of Traditional Authorities (TAs) Malanda, Fukamalaza and Mankhambira.

Jere described the donation as timely as the flood survivors lacked basic needs and the intervention was and answer to some of the problems which the disaster survivors were experiencing.

“Let me appeal to beneficiaries of this donation to utilize it prudently so they recover shocks following the floods. I request Gift of the Givers to always come to our rescue in times like these," he said.

Senior Group Village Head, Ngombo said the survivors lost everything to the raging floods, hence commended the Foundation for the assistance.

Social Welfare Officer for Gift of the Givers Foundation, Steven Phiri said the Foundation decided to support the flood survivors in response to reports about the disaster from Department of Disaster and Management Affairs.

He pledged that the organization would continue providing support affected people it could not reach out to all at once.

"Whenever support is available at our office we would like to come again to assist those people who have not benefited today,” Phiri said.

Over 127 households were affected by floods following week long heavy rains in April 2024 and 30 households are still at Chithowe Camp which is at Chithowe Primary School.

The donation included cooking oil, blankets, buckets, plastic sheets, soya pieces and water guard among others.

By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, May 8, Mana; Musicians Kelly Kay and Lulu will entertain fun lovers at M1 Center Point in Lilongwe on Friday May 10, 2024 on the invitation of Thoms Park Event, Director, and Thomson Madulira.

Other artists to perform on the day include Mathumela band, and the Six Solid Band, according to Madulira.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) Tuesday, Thom Parks Event Director said that this is time for fun lovers to experience a hot combination of artists.

He said the M1 Center Point show will allow both old and new school music to entertain fans.

“Live music events provide a unique experience for attendees as they connect with the music. Let people come in their larger numbers to enjoy the vibrant music. This is their show” said Madulira.

In a separate interview, Lulu told Malawi News Agency that he was looking forward to sing at M1 Center Point.

“We are ready to entertain at  M1 Centre Point, I know our fans have missed us that side, Fans should expect more music as is always the case,” said Lulu.

One of the music lovers Isaac Mandala said will make sure to be in Lilongwe on May 10 to dance to the music.

 “Without music, life would be empty. Good music heal broken hearts. I am very ready to travel to Lilongwe to mix and relax.” said Mandala.

By Sheminah Nkhoma

Lilongwe, May 8, Mana: Higher Education Students Loans Grants Board (HESLGB) has said the newly electronic applying system for student’s loans will help them to process data easily.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) Board’s spokesperson Millie Kasunda, said  as a board they thought it wise to come up with the electronic applying method because Malawi ‘s 2063 agenda has digitalization as one of its pillars therefore everyone should embrace technological advancement.

The new electronic application system is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. The system guides applicants, ensuring that all required documents and information are submitted,” said Kasunda.

She further urged all needy students who have not registered through the application that it’s high time that they start applying using the system.

“The paper based system was giving us many challenges in keeping information for the students but with the coming in of the system  we see it as reliable so it’s important that students should be using it “, she said.

University of Malawi Students Representative Council President Thanks Elia Mwalwanda highlighted the significance of the new system saying that it will give access to students to apply for the loans within a short period of time.

“Most people in the world are moving forward with technology so with the coming in of electronic application system will make it possible for the board to trance all loans beneficiaries without difficulties”, said Mwalwanda.

The Malawi government has initiated programmes to promote financial inclusion through digitalization, aimed at increasing access to credit for underserved populations.