MANAonline
Chambo urges Chingale communities to own development projects
By Emily M'mangisa
Zomba, March 19, Mana: Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo, has called on people at Chingale in Zomba to own development projects to ensure sustainability of such projects when they phase out.
Chambo made the call on Tuesday when he visited Mlooka Irrigation Scheme at Sub Traditional Authority Nkapita in Chingale where farmers grow rice and maize.
“Organizations come and go. What people should understand is that whatever has been invested will remain theirs for good. Therefore, taking good care of development initiative fosters meaningful development," he said.
He said government is committed to ensure food security at household level through promotion of good agricultural practices.
President of Water Users Association (WUA) for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme, Asante Ndomondo, said the Minister's call is in line with the communities’ vision to sustain the scheme through irrigation farming for agribusiness and food security.
"We used to depend on rain-fed agriculture but with irrigation, we are harvesting three times a year,” he said.
District Irrigation Officer for Zomba, Elason Musaiwa, said farmers within and around Mlooka Irrigation Scheme have shifted from food seekers to food providers as they expect to harvest over 365 tons of rice in the current growing season.
Mlooka Irrigation Scheme is sitting on 158 hectares of land and is benefiting thousands of people in Zomba, Machinga and surrounding districts.
Thyolo hails provision of 254 classrooms
By Tikondane Vega
Lilongwe, March 19, Mana: Mikalati, Mpeni and Naminyanga junior primary schools in Thyolo district will soon be upgraded to full primary schools following the completion of new classrooms that government, through the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), has constructed.
Authorities have described the development as a positive stride as far as access to education is concerned.
Speaking to the Malawi News Agency (Mana), Tuesday, at Mikalati Junior Primary School, Flocy Kapyola, Primary Education Advisor (PEA), for Luchenza, said the construction of the new classes is timely as learners were travelling long distances to access standard 7 and 8 after standard 6 at the school.
Kapyola said the development will also reduce congestion in the nearest schools such as Luchenza Primary School, which mostly was used as a referral school.
“Even learner to teacher ratio will be reduced. The construction of these classes will also end double-shift system of learning that was happening due to the shortage of classes.
“We commend government for the provision of these classes because schools like Mikalati have been operating as junior for so long and deserve the promotion. It is my wish that this should be extended to other primary schools,” she said.
Concurring with Kapyola, Fancy Ngulo, PEA for Mpinji Zone said Mpeni and Naminyanga in his area will also soon be upgraded to full primary schools due to the completion of classes constructed under MERP.
Ngulo said the development has also reduced congestion and shortened the distance learners were travelling to access further education after standard 6 in these schools.
“Thyolo has poor topography as such many travel long distances, crossing rivers, forests as well as hills to access education. The new classes are a game changer for our children in this zone. Children will no longer be learning under trees,” he said.
On his part, Director of Education, Youths and Sports in the district, Rabson Kawalala, said Thyolo has benefited a lot with MERP as the district has received 254 classes from government of which many have been completed.
Kawalala said the construction is being done in 58 primary schools across the district making the learning environment more conducive for learners.
“MERP has brought huge changes in the district. I applaud government for considering us here in Thyolo and this is no mean achievement. We are looking forward to more developments and ready to work,” he said.
MERP is a project undertaken by the Government of Malawi, aimed at enhancing the learning environment within public primary schools with a budget of USD $210 million and is being executed from 2021 to 2025, supported by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) across all 34 educational districts in Malawi.
Usi urges Malawians to remain peaceful ahead of the 2025 elections
By Augustus Nkhwazi
Mzuzu, March 18, Mana: Vice President of the Republic of Malawi Dr. Michael Usi has urged Malawians to remain peaceful as the country prepares for the 2025 general elections.
He made the call on Tuesday upon his arrival in Mzuzu.
Addressing a crowd that gathered at ShopRite roundabout in the city, Dr. Usi said Malawians should be watchful of leaders of various political parties that come to seek for votes.
He warned that many will come just to deceive people hence the need to be cautious.
The Veep hinted that his visit to the north will focus on reaching out to the rural communities where people are suffering and help alleviate their problems.
Women applauded for their role in national development
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, March 18, mana: A local non-governmental organization, Sprodeta, has emphasized the crucial role of women in the country’s development.
Speaking on Tuesday during the International Women's Day (IWD) commemoration at Chisenga Primary School Ground in Chitipa, Sprodeta Executive Director Allen Kumwenda highlighted the significance of the event in providing women with a platform to interact and discuss issues affecting them.
He also added that the day offers a platform for people in all sectors of society to appreciate the role women play in accelerating development at various levels.
“Today, we have brought female role models from the Malawi Police Service, health, and education sectors to inspire young girls still in school. Our aim is to encourage them to excel in education and grow into future drivers of the country’s development,” Kumwenda said.
Kumwenda then urged other NGOs to be transparent and accountable in all their activities, ensuring that such initiatives make a meaningful impact and improve people's well-being.
District Commissioner for Chitipa, MacMillan Magomero, commended Sprodeta for being a true partner in development in the district.
Magomero said Sprodeta plays a pivotal role in promoting women's rights amongst other interventions.
“Let me urge women to be in the forefront in promoting and protecting each other. In doing so, we will empower and love one another,” Magomero said.
One of the members of Women Action Group, Getrude Ng’ambi observed that child neglect is a major challenge in Chisenga area adding that her grouping has managed to bring to book men who refrain from caring for their children.
The IWD is celebrated on March 18 annually commemorating women's fight for equality and liberation along with the women's rights movements.
The day was commemorated under the theme: ‘Accelerate Action: For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment.’
MP Urges Ministry of Lands to allocate prime land for diaspora investment
By Patience Longwe and Lesnat Kenan
Lilongwe, March 16, Mana: Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Mpenu, Collins Kajawa, has appealed to the Ministry of Lands to allocate 300 hectares of prime land to Malawians living in the diaspora.
The move aims to encourage investment in Malawi, particularly in rural and suburban areas, and contribute to the country's industrialization effort in line with the MW2063 agenda.
Speaking during a supplementary question in parliament, Kajawa said the allocation of prime land is expected to empower Malawians living abroad to invest in their home country, fostering economic growth and development.
"This initiative also aligns with the Ministry of Land’s mission to create an enabling environment for efficient, effective, and sustainable provision of land and housing management services," he said.
Kajawa added that the continental development blueprint emphasizes the importance of industrialization and economic transformation in Africa. By allocating prime land to diaspora investors, Malawi can leverage the expertise and resources of its citizens living abroad to drive growth and development in the country.
In his response Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba said the government has acquired 200 hectares of prime land in Area 54, earmarked for allocation to Malawians living in the country.
"This initiative is part of the government's efforts to achieve Malawi 2063 agenda, which aims to transform the country into a prosperous and self- reliant nation," he said.
He added that government has set aside nine billion kwachas for compensation to facilitate the allocation of land in Lilongwe, Dunduzu, and Blantyre.
"In Dunduzu, 50 hectares of land are available, requiring three billion kwachas in compensation. Additionally, land in secondary cities like Bangula and Salima will be allocated to investors," he said.
He therefore encouraged Malawians living in the diaspora to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their home country, assuring that the allocation process will be transparent and efficient.
"By investing in Malawi, diaspora investors can contribute to the country's development and growth while also exploring lucrative business opportunities," he said.
Red Cross bails out cyclone victims in Kasungu
By Abubakar Kanjoka
Kasungu, March 18, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society has distributed various items and money to 673 families who were affected by Cyclone Chido in Kasungu District.
The items included blankets, solar lamps, pots, mat, tarpaulins, hygiene packs for women and money amounting to K180, 000 per household.
In December last year, heavy winds and rains induced by Chido tore off roofs from houses and institutions, uprooted trees and billboards, and caused widespread destruction, leaving at least 980 households destitute, primarily in Kasungu townships.
Speaking during the distribution of the relief items at Chankhanga in Kasungu on Monday, Head of Disaster Management for Malawi Red Cross Society, Patrick Phiri, said lives for the victims has been hard following the destruction of their houses and property.
He said the charity organization managed to mobilize aid to lessen the life pressures that have been there since the disaster struck.
“We are not here to please anyone but to give some relief to the disaster victims who are going through very tough moments.
“I urge each one of you to use the relief aid for the intended purpose. Whatever is given out should be used for the best interest of the family,” Phiri said.
He said he expects the benefiting households to use the donations as a starter pack for rebuilding their lives.
Chief Planning Officer for Kasungu District Council, George Mtengowadula, hailed the society for the assistance saying it has come at the right time when many of the victims had lost hope that they would be assisted.
“Almost 70 percent of affected families are now relieved that they have received something as a starting point in the reconstruction of their homes.
“As council we will still engage our implementing partners in the district for help to make sure that all the affected families have been supported in one way or the other,” Mtengowadula said.
Chifundo Chalema, a beneficiary from Juma Township said life has been tough since the disaster occurred.
She expressed gratitude to Malawi Red Cross Society, saying that the money received will help to roof her house which she already started renovating.
Apart from destroying infrastructure, Cyclone Chido also killed seven people and affected at least 34, 741 in 20 councils.
With financial support of about K304 Million from International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), Malawi Red Cross in Partnership with the Government of Malawi is implementing the Cyclone Chido relief aid response in four districts of Phalombe, Blantyre, Zomba and Kasungu.
CTS introduces digital system for efficiency
By Mirriam Bwanali
Blantyre, March 18, Mana: Chisurija Transport Services (CTS) has disclosed that the company will go digital from April 1, this year to improve its courier services.
CTS Managing Director, Jacqueline Msiska Bokosi told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday that CTS is moving from manual way of doing transactions to digital system, saying this means that customers will be able to track their parcels through a mobile app to locate places of collection.
“At first we were using manual system whereby we were writing receipts manually, but this time around data entry clerks will only be capturing customer’s information and the system will be doing the rest,” she added.
Bokosi disclosed that CTS had lost a lot of money in refunding customers as scammers were making duplicate receipts to dupe customers, saying that the digital system will make it harder for scammers to steal from customers and the courier company.
“CTS courier now has 25 branches and eight of them are in Blantyre, some are in Lilongwe and Zomba. Our license is for cities only but soon will go in the districts because a lot of people are asking for CTS branches in the districts," she added.
CTS intends to open new branches at Ginnery Corner and City Centre in Blantyre and Lilongwe respectively to bring the service closer to the people, according to Bokosi who assured customers that the digital system will help to make service faster, smart and more efficient.
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Board Chairperson, Bridget Chibwana encourages courier service providers to embrace technology to meet the evolving landscape.
“By embracing technology, courier companies can play a key role in driving the industry forward,” she said.
Minister urges chiefs to foster peace and unity ahead of general elections
By Charlie Ligomeka
Machinga, March 18, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo has urged traditional leaders in Machinga to promote peace and unity and avoid acts that can ignite violence and divisions as Malawi prepares for general elections in September.
Chitsulo made the call on Monday during installation of Dailesi Allan as Senior Chief Liwonde and Kapinda Dailesi as Traditional Authority Sitola at Machinga Community Council Ground in Liwonde Township.
“Machinga is a hub of various organizations and activities. This can easily tempt chiefs to favor certain families over others.
“As a result, there is higher risk of corruption among chiefs. This should not happen,” the Deputy Minister added.
She also said there was need to promote girls’ education in Machinga, observing that girls tend to perform poorly compared to boys.
“We expect more girls to complete their education. As chiefs, you are key to their future,
“Reject any activities that hinder their education. Promoting girls’ education benefits not only the country but also your communities,” Chitsulo added.
Paramount Chief Kawinga of the Yao, also called on the chiefs to advocate for peace other than tolerating acts that could spark political violence.
He said that chiefs should remain impartial and provide equal opportunities to all political parties to hold political meetings.
“We shouldn’t deny any political party a venue for their campaigns or gatherings, by being open to all parties, we can prevent violence and ensure peaceful elections,” the Paramount Chief added.
He thanked President Lazarus Chakwera for promoting traditional leaders in Machinga.
Council Chairperson for Machinga District, Simplex Diwa, pledged to work closely with the newly installed chiefs, saying collaboration is key to community development.
Dailesi Allan who was once Traditional Authority Sitola moved to Liwonde Headquarters to take up Liwonde chieftaincy.
Allan’s installation as Senior Chief Liwonde is part of a succession system in the Liwonde Clan, which necessitated him to step in after the death of Buluhani Kanyenga who until his death in 2023 was Senior Traditional Authority Liwonde.
Before moving to Liwonde Headquarters Kanyenga also served as Traditional Authority Sitola before Allan came in.
New Namapanga bridge eases travel, boosts safety for communities
By Salome Gangire
Neno, March 17, Mana: For years, residents of Mlauli, Leketa, Chitimba and Benelita Villages in the area of Traditional Authority Dambe in Neno District faced daily struggles crossing the Namapanga River. Their only link to essential services such as hospitals, schools and markets was a fragile wooden bridge—barely wide enough for pedestrians, let alone motorcycles or vehicles.
55-years old Idesi Saidi, from Chikalema Village, vividly recalls a terrifying experience in September 2024 when she nearly fell into the river while crossing the old bridge.
“I didn’t see the motorcycle coming until it was too late. The bridge was too narrow for both of us, and I was nearly knocked into the river. Though I sustained injuries, I was lucky to survive,” she says.
She adds that accidents were common, especially during the rainy season when the bridge became even more dangerous.
Relief has come following the construction of a new concrete bridge, funded through the District Development Fund (DDF) and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) at a cost of K53.2 million.
Before the new bridge, business people and farmers struggled to transport their goods to market, as vehicles could not pass, forcing traders to take longer and more expensive routes.
“Now, with a wider and stronger bridge, vehicles can cross easily, making it more convenient for farmers to sell their produce and access essential services. The improved road network has also made healthcare more accessible,” Saidi says.
For many residents, particularly parents, the greatest relief has been the safety of their children.
Lekeleni Ndaule from Namandwa Village recalls how parents used to worry every time their children crossed the old bridge, especially during the rainy season when it became slippery and unstable.
“With the new bridge, they can cross without fear. Many children from Chitimbe, Binje, and Kachere Primary Schools rely on this bridge to get to school, and their journey is now much safer,” she says.
She adds that in the past, patients often arrived late at hospitals because they had to take a long detour. Today, they can reach health facilities much faster, potentially saving lives.
Matthew Shonga, 28, from Chikalema Village, is among those who have welcomed the development.
“Motorcycle accidents were frequent on the old bridge due to its narrowness, but with the wider structure, such incidents have significantly reduced,” he says.
He believes the bridge has not only improved safety but has also enhanced access to social and economic opportunities.
Councilor for Chilimbondo Ward, Councilor Montfort Bwanali says the bridge now links communities under Sub-Traditional Authority Chikalema and Group Village Head Soka, making travel between villages much easier.
“People from Soka Village cross the bridge to get to the Boma or the hospital at Mission, and those from Chikalema also use it to reach Mwanza. Previously, when the government distributed relief maize or other aid, people from Soka had to struggle to reach the distribution center at Mission. Now, this challenge has been eased,” Bwanali, says.
Senior Chief Dambe acknowledges the bridge’s life-saving role, saying many people had previously been swept away while attempting to cross the river.
“The new bridge has prevented numerous tragedies. In the past, lives were lost as people tried to wade through the river during the rainy season. Now, mobility has greatly improved, linking different communities and enabling safer travel,” he said.
According to Neno District Council Director of Public Works, Pemphero Chikuse, the Namapanga Bridge was funded through DDF (K46.5 million) and CDF (K6.6 million), totaling K53.2 million.
“In the 2024/25 fiscal year, the council has constructed three bridges—Mkulumadzi and Kaphudza, funded through CDF, and Namapanga Bridge, funded through DDF,” Chikuse elaborates.
The investment has already made a significant impact, improving transport, trade, education, and healthcare access for thousands of people in the area.
For the communities that rely on it, the new bridge is more than just an infrastructure project-it is a lifeline, a symbol of safety and a step toward progress.
Nacala corridor to promote trade facilitation
By Thom Ali
Lilongwe, March 18, Mana: Secretary for Ministry of Transport and Public works Eng. David Mzandu, has underscored the strategic significance of the Nacala Development Corridor to the Republics of Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia, noting it is crucial for facilitating trade, enhancing transport connectivity, and fostering the socio-economic development for the three member states.
Mzandu made the statement on Monday during the final session of the 9th Tripartite Meeting of the Nacala Development Corridor Management Committee (NDCMC) in Lilongwe.
He said it is incumbent upon each member state, both individually and collectively, to sustain the momentum in implementing comprehensive interventions, encompassing both infrastructural and regulatory enhancement, and to elevate the operational efficiency of the Nacala Development Corridor.
"We must harness the numerous agreement that have already been ratified, the harmonized regulations and standards established across various sectors, and the institutional mechanisms put in place to promote trade facilitation and deepen regional integration through this strategic Corridor," Mzandu said.
Mzandu further commended the Mozambican government for its positive gesture in granting land for dry ports to Malawi and Zambia at the Port of Nacala.
Permanent Secretary for Mozambique's Ministry of Transport and Logistics Ambr'osio Adolfo Sitoe pledged his government’s commitment towards the advancement of the Nacala Development Corridor.
Sitoe added that through the NDCMC session, the Mozambique delegation has had the opportunity to exchange ideas and align strategies with the Malawi and Zambia delegation on matters of improving the facilitation of trade between the three Nations.
He further commended the World Bank, through Southern Africa Trade Connectivity Projects (SATCP) for their unwavering technical and financial support in the development of the Nacala corridor.
Zambia's Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Fedrick Mwalusaka said the Nacala Development Corridor will among others scale up efficiency in cross border services.
He added that the Zambian government is geared in promoting regional integration for the benefit of both Nations.
