By Lisa Lamya

Blantyre, July 11, Mana: Malaria is said to be prevalent among under-five children at Chimombo Health Post in Nsanje district, a visit to the health post by the Ministry of Local Government Unity and Culture has established.

A Health Surveillance Assistant (HSA), Maganizo Gavi who oversees the health post said they serve at least 34 people per day since they started the operations in January this year.

“So far, children seeking medical care present with malaria symptoms and we have been able to assist them accordingly, apart from ante-natal and family planning services,” Gavi said.

Nsanje district has high malaria cases, which can be attributed to swamps that emanate from floods.

Gavi however, pleaded with authorities to ensure they address electricity issues at the post so that they continue to provide health care services to children without hurdles.

“In the long term, we would like to have electricity at this place so that the health post is secure, we also need an incinerator and bicycles to ensure we reach out to more people in hard-to- reach areas,” he added.

Reacting to the concerns, Director of Health and Social Services for Nsanje district council, Dr. Gilbert Chapweteka said they have already applied for electricity from the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi and that they are just waiting for response from the utility body.

Chapweteka, however, was quick to mention that the fridge that is available at the facility, which stores vaccines, runs on solar.

“Plans are in the pipeline to steadily expand the health post to a health Centre. So, all of the problems that are being faced currently will be addressed as we progress,” said Chapweteka.

By Hastings Yobe

Lilongwe, July 11, Mana: Renowned environmental activist in Malawi, Mathews Malata, has lambasted companies still producing thin plastic bags despite government efforts to ban their production. Malata singled out foreign-owned firms, accusing them of disregarding the country's laws and prioritizing profits over environmental and public health concerns.

On his Facebook page, Malata urged Malawians to shun plastic bags and opt for eco-friendly alternatives.

"We don't need irresponsible investors who pollute our environment and put our health at risk. Our wealth lies in our soil, and we must protect it," he emphasized.

Principal Secretary for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. Yusuf Mkungula, echoed Malata's sentiments, warning that thin plastic bags pose a significant threat to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. He reiterated that companies producing or using plastic bags with less than 60 microns are operating illegally and will face legal consequences.

“As per court ruling, we will start enforcement on July 8, 2024 to ensure that the initiative is properly and effectively implemented.

"This is aligned well with Malawi 2063 Vision, specifically Enabler 7 on environmental sustainability which provides that Malawi shall have a safe, clean, secure and sustainable environment,” Mkungula said.

As of July 8, 2024, the government will enforce a ban on thin plastic bags, aligning with Malawi's 2063 Vision for environmental sustainability.

Mkungula encouraged Malawians to embrace reusable and recycled materials for carrying groceries and other items.

By Lisa Lamya

Blantyre, July 11, Mana: Parliamentarian for Nsanje Lalanje, Gladys Ganda says the construction of Phokera police unit in her constituency will help curb theft and murder cases which are rampant in the area.

Ganda made the sentiments during a supervisory tour of various development projects funded by Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD), District Development Fund (DDF) and Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Nsanje.

Ganda disclosed that Phokera police unit project has been constructed to the tune of MK43 million using CDF and all works took six weeks to be completed.

“An area that has good security brings peace to the community members and this helps them to go out and carry out development activities freely. I am pleased that this police unit is here now so that people can focus on other important things,” said Ganda.

She however, urged community members to ensure they guard jealously against the police unit and develop a good working relationship with the police serving at the formation.

One of the community members, Joe Masauli said they are ready to work with the police so that the area is free from crime, adding that they requested for the project. He expressed pleasure that the project has been delivered.

“I believe that this police unit will enable us to do away with crime, mostly people steal livestock and this is a setback because some of us rely on livestock business to survive, we are hoping things will improve,” Masauli said.

By Clarabella Chipolonga

Chiradzulu, July 11, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud has said government is focused on providing quality health care services to its citizens by building high standard health Centre’s across the country.

Speaking in a briefing on Wednesday after visiting Malaya Health Post in Chiradzulu district where the construction of a borehole is underway, Daud said health posts and safe water remain crucial in delivering quality health services to the community.

“When we have more health posts, it means we are reducing congestion and long distances which people have to endure to access health care services at district hospitals.

“If we go to these hospitals, we will find out that they are congested because the small clinics in the community are not completed and many of them are not working,” Daud said.

Daud advised Chiradzulu district council officials and community leaders to monitor the progress frequently during construction of the borehole.

“We have all heard the contractor giving excuses for not finishing construction of the borehole but he has given us four days to finish drilling the borehole and seven more days for the borehole to be ready for use.

“This will need a strict follow up on the contractor in making sure that they have honoured their promise and every progress should be reported to my office,” Daud added.

District Commissioner for Chiradzulu, Francis Matewere commended Daud for the visit, saying it is encouraging to the community and council because it will speed up the construction process.

“Your coming has shown how determined the ministry is on issues to do with health care services in this country which is good because you have appreciated the challenges that are here,” Matewere said.

Traditional Authority (T/A) Nkalo expressed gratitude to the Deputy Minister for visiting his area and for giving them mandate to supervise the borehole construction works.

“From tomorrow, I will be here just to make sure that work has commenced, as you already know water is life, without water it is very hard to practice hygiene and a certain survey showed that 50 percent of the patients in the hospital are sick due to lack of hygiene. We will take care of the borehole,” T/A Nkalo said.

He, therefore, asked the Ministry of Health to consider upgrading Thuchira Health Centre to a rural hospital, noting that apart from serving people from Chiradzulu, the facility also serves others from Mulanje.

“Thuchira Health Centre borders Chiradzulu and Mulanje districts; thereby, communities from the two districts receive their health care services there although it is small, therefore, it will be easier if it is elevated to a rural hospital,” added T/A Nkalo.

Government in collaboration with the Global Fund embarked on a mission of constructing health posts and boreholes in rural areas that do not have access to health care services and safe water.

By Naomi Langisi

Lilongwe, July 11, Mana: The Lilongwe city council has announced the prohibition of illegal sand mining in the city.

In a press release, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Macloud Kadam’manja stated that residents must obtain approval from the city council before engaging in any sand mining activities.

“Any person or vehicle found excavating and loading sand illegally within the city shall be guilty of an offense and liable to a fine or imprisonment according to environmental bylaws,” the statement reads.

Councils commenced a crackdown on illegal sand miners from July 9, 2024, confiscating excavated sand heaps found within the city premises without council approval.

By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, July 11, Mana: Nkhata Bay district council in its efforts to improve health care service delivery, on Wednesday launched construction of two staff houses worth K223 million at Nkhwali Health Centre in the area of Senior Chief Timbiri in the district.

Speaking during handing over ceremony of Chilongozi building contractors to the project site, District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, Rodgers Newa said that it is expected that the health facility will be fully functional once construction of houses is completed.

“We are committed to have all completed projects functional by making sure that they have all the necessary facilities to serve communities better.

“Two years ago, we constructed a clinic block which has not been functioning because there were no staff houses but that will be history since we are putting up two of them,” Newa said.

He added that the council was pleased to have secured funding for a complete package for services of a clinic and expressed optimism that the project will be completed within four months as stipulated.

He warned the contractor against shoddy works, otherwise all necessary measures will be taken to terminate the contract.

Acting Director of Public Works, George Gopani said that apart from constructing the two staff houses at the clinic, the project will connect electricity and piped water to the facility including an incinerator.

“Together with the community members, we will make sure that we support the contractor where need be for standard structures,” Gopani said.

In his remarks Councillor for Mpamba Ward, Joseph Thula commended the council for the project.

“Nkhwali clinic which is expected to serve a population of 12, 000 will now be functional. Today, communities have been given hope that soon after construction works of the medical staff houses is completed, the clinic will be fully functional,” Thula said.

The project is being funded by Governance to Enable Service Delivery through National Local Government Finance Committee with funding from World Bank.