MANAonline
Chief Kaomba wants intensified irrigation farming
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, April 14, Mana: Senior Chief Kaomba of Kasungu has called for more investments in irrigation farming to avert the famine that threatens thousands of families in the district following poor rains in the 2023/24 season.
He said this on Saturday during a field day organised by Seed-Co Malawi at Chilanga in Chipala Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Kasungu district.
Kaomba said it is hard to fight hunger when farming is only done in three to four months in a year followed by eight to nine months of idleness.
He said: “Farmers must get into clubs, establish anchor farms and start serious irrigation farming. We must ensure that every irrigable land is put to full use so that farmers are busy throughout the year.
“With the climatic changes, farmers must be keen to follow advice from the Ministry of Agriculture through extension workers on the use of modern farming techniques including manure making and planting hybrid seeds.”
Kaomba said when farmers get into groups, they can easily access irrigation equipment through Agriculture Commercialization (AGCOM) and the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to enable them produce enough crops for food and commercial purposes.
Seed-Co Malawi Agronomy Manager, James Mtiyesa, said they organized the field day to showcase to farmers the hybrid varieties that can be adopted in the face of changing climatic patterns.
He said: “Our key message is that we have a variety of hybrids for farmers and we urge these farmers to adopt them because they are very good in terms of tolerance to dry spells.
“We want farmers to make money out of their work and this can be achieved if they adopt hybrid seeds which are on their own a promise that whoever plants them will have a bumper harvest and make money out of their farming.”
Kasungu is one of the 23 districts where President Lazarus Chakwera declared a state of disaster due to dry spells induced by El nino weather condition.
The dry spells have affected about 750, 000 hectares of maize representing 44.3 percent of the country’s crop area, putting at least 2 million farming households in the line of famine.
Senior Chief Kapoloma of Machinga dies
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, April 14, Mana: Senior Chief Kapoloma of Machinga has died, Machinga district council has confirmed.
The chief died in the late hours of Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre where he was receiving medical attention.
Senior Chief Kapoloma, real name, Mabvuto Ahmadu was installed as Traditional Authority on December 6, 2014 and was elevated to Senior Chief in the year 2020.
He was born in 1952 and is survived by two wives, 25 children and 56 grandchildren.
His remains are expected to be buried today, Sunday April 14, 2024 at his Kapoloma headquarters.
NMC engages UNILIA students on networking
By Blessings Preston Memena
Mzuzu, April 14, Mana: Nyika Media Club (NMC), Friday engaged students pursuing Journalism and Development Communication Studies at University of Livingstonia (UNILIA)- Kaning’ina Campus on the importance of networking by among others joining media clubs.
President for NCM, Feston Malekezo said that joining such clubs opens a lot of opportunities for the students as they have an opportunity to be mentored by the club members and practicing journalists.
He said the club decided to engage the students to increase the club's membership base besides allowing them to have hands on experience through engagement with NMC's members in various media houses.
“What we learn in class, it’s only theory, so we encourage them to interact with professionals who have been in the media industry for a long time. We have a lot of things to offer to them. These include tailor made trainings,” said Malekezo.
In his remarks, Head of Department for Communication Studies at the university, Muyanga Ziba hailed the club for offering the students what he described as a rare opportunity.
He said the engagement was important for the students to sharpen their career paths and gain the practical aspect of the profession.
Chisomo Sumani a fourth year student ant the institution, commended the club for organizing the engagement meeting, saying it will go a long way in motivating them in their studies.
NCM was established in 2003 and currently, has membership of over 150 drawn from northern region.
Bridging communities to social services
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, April 13, Mana: Matamando Matseko (not her real name), aged 22, from Funachina Village in Traditional Authority Kalumbu in Lilongwe district, named her first born son Kamizere for giving birth between rocky ridges in a maize field.
“Picked on kabaza bicycle during odd hours, soaked in heavy rains mixed with lightning and thunders, with agonizing labour pains, we failed to cross Mlinda River which rainy water had burst its banks to Ntenthera Health Centre about five kilometres away.
“Women who were escorting me to the health centre couldn’t do otherwise, but assist me to deliver my baby in a maize garden, while men were waiting patiently at a distance. By God’s grace, the baby boy was born. Immediately, I called his name Kamizere for being born in a maize garden,” she narrates.
Matseko says with what had happened to her, she doesn’t have any interest to have another child any time soon.
“I am still traumatized; I am not healed yet mentally. Memories are still fresh in my mind, more especially when I pass this river going to the market.
“Thanks now to Governance for Enabled Service Delivery (GESD) project for constructing a K24 million bridge on Mlinda River. I am so happy and I will now give my son a middle name called Chimwemwe, to show my appreciation to this development,” she narrates with a smile of joy on her face.
Matseko is just one of the many women who have been giving birth in their homes and in the bush for failing to cross Mlinda River during rainy season.
The absence of a reliable bridge on Mlinda river also impeded children’s right to education during rainy season as they could not go to school.
Head teacher of Mataka II primary school, Chris Chawanda, says in the past leaners who were crossing the river, were unable to attend classes during rainy season because they couldn’t cross the river.
“Memories are still fresh, we lost two leaners on this river when they were trying to cross the river as they were coming to school during rainy season. Up to date, their bodies are not recovered. A dark cloud engulfed the whole school and the entire community.
“No one could believe that we have lost young learners just like that, we really thank the government for constructing this bridge here, our learners do not have any challenges when coming to school these days,” says Chawanda.
He further says the construction of a bridge on Mlinda river has also assisted in reducing absenteeism among learners more especially during rainy season, as parents could not allow their kids to risk their lives to cross the river.
Such memories also crept in the minds of Group Village Headman Funachina and his kinsmen as they walked on new Mlinda Bridge.
The traditional leader recalls: “It was a far-fetched dream to access health care services without challenges. Poor road network affected all aspects of our lives here from livelihood to human rights.”
Joy has overwhelmed communities in this part of Senior Chief Kalumbu who have to cross the river to access social services at Nkhoma and Kamphata respectively.
Apart from bringing new lease of life, Funachina says the new bridge is an asset to the development of his subjects.
“This bridge will allow us to enjoy our rights and be productive. As farmers, we rely on Kamphata market to sell our farm produce, but now our markets have widened.
“I am optimistic with this development, the livelihood of the people in this area will be totally transformed as they will be able to sell their farm produce to the right markets rather than selling to vendors at a loss as they have been doing,” he says.
The Area's Ward Councilor, Davison Mangani, says the initiative has allowed the duty bearers to serve communities with basic needs for their sustainable development.
He says: "The bridge is an answered prayer. People could not believe it when the construction of the bridge was announced during an Area Development Committee (ADC) meeting. Its completion has indeed reaffirmed their hope of more developmental activities coming to the area.
“We are so thankful to the government for this development. Good road network enhances socioeconomic development of an area. This bridge will now give people access to a lot of social services like schools, hospitals and agricultural markets,” says Mangani.
He says the construction of the bridge has also assisted in promoting cross-border trade between the people from our country and those from Mozambique as it only takes few hours to be in Mozambique where people go and purchase various commodities.
However, Mangani says there is need for government to think of constructing another bridge on Diaphwi river, which connects people of Lilongwe to Dedza up to Mozambique as the people are still using canoes to cross the river going to Mozambique.
“Should government construct a modern bridge on Diaphwi river then it will boost the cross-border trade between the two countries [Malawi and Mozambique] as currently the root is being used by vendors to run away from paying taxes for their goods,” says Mangani.
He added that if a new bridge can also be constructed on Diaphwi river, it will save the lives of many people who have been dying after drowning into the river from the canoes they are using.
“We have been losing a lot of people on that river. And when they draw into the river, their bodies are rarely recovered because the river is full of crocodiles,” says Mangani.
He has since urged communities surrounding the newly constructed Mlinda bridge to enhance protection of the river’s catchment area by among other things avoiding cultivating along river banks.
One of the kabaza motorcyclist in the area, Noel Maseko, also applauded the government for constructing the Mlinda bridge saying it has assisted in boosting their business as they are now cycling on the road without many challenges.
“It was boring when we reach here, customers were told to cross the river on their own, by foot and meet them on the other side of the river, a tendency that was time consuming,” he said.
Maseko adds that in the past they were not making a lot of money, but these days they are able to make reasonable amount of money because they are able to operate on the road several times in a day.
He further said the new bridge has also assisted farmers to be connected to agricultural markets at Kamphata and even in Lilongwe central markets, thereby reducing the poverty levels of the people.
Recently, Lilongwe District Council approved the new GESD and District Development Fund (DDF) projects which will be implemented in the 2024/2025 financial year.
Lilongwe District Council Vice Chairperson Dominic Banda said the projects that have been approved will prioritize the 11 constituencies that did not benefit from the funds previously.
However, Banda said despite prioritizing the 11 constituencies, the council will also be able to allocate at least one project in all constituencies from the funded money.
Banda then asked Members of Parliament, councilors and traditional leaders to take a leading role in supervising the progress and quality of the projects, saying the quality of the projects should tally with the funds allocated.
“I am happy that in this financial year, once we start our projects, they will never stop and we will honour the due dates because we will have the funds readily available. We don’t want to see projects such as classroom blocks without toilets. Let us be vigilant and love our country,” says Banda.
The K24 million Mlinda bridge was constructed through the Governance for Enabled Service Delivery (GESD) project implemented through the National Local Government Finance Committee, with funding from the World Bank.
Centenary Bank supports Pediatrics Trust with K2 million
By Moses Nyirenda
Lilongwe, April 13, Mana: Centenary Bank has supported Pediatrics Trust with K2 million to help enhance provision of assistance to children in need of pediatric treatment.
Speaking during the cheque donation in Blantyre on Friday, Centenary Bank Head of Retail, Mayamiko Kalizang'oma, said his Bank decided to provide the support to the Trust as its work complements the Bank's commitment and mission.
“Centenary Bank is honored to give support towards the Trust, a cause that is close to our hearts and aligns with our commitment to supporting the well-being of our community's most vulnerable members especially children.
“The vision of Pediatrics Trust is in line with our mission of transforming lives through inclusive, convenient, simplified and sustainable financial solutions,” Kalizang'oma said.
He added that the donation signifies the Bank's steadfast dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of children in need.
Kalizang’oma said every child deserves access to quality healthcare and support, and through the contribution to the Trust the Bank is taking a meaningful step towards ensuring that its vision becomes a reality.
He said the support to the Trust was made to reflect on the Bank’s core values on corporate social responsibility as they believe in giving back to the community and supporting causes that create a lasting impact.
“As a bank, we are committed to standing with Pediatrics Trust in their mission to provide essential care and resources to children in need of pediatric treatment,” he said.
He, therefore, urged other organizations in the country to join hands with the Trust to support in uplifting and transforming children’s lives.
Pediatrics Trust Administrator, Venancio Kapalamula, appreciated Centenary Bank for the support.
“Our hospital provides surgical services for children and we operate children from all over Malawi among other pediatric treatments and our goal is to provide free services as such we reach out to partners for help.
“For this reason we reached out to Centenary Bank and they responded. The donation will go towards the purchase of medical supplies,” Kapalamula said.
Pediatrics Trust was established in 2017 and has a clinic located at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Blantyre which conducts over 1,000 operations among children per month.
50 percent of camps decommissioned in Nkhotakota
By Innocent Chunga
Nkhotakota, April 13, Mana: Nkhotakota District Council officials have disclosed that 50 percent of camps accommodating people who were affected by the recent flash floods in the areas of Senior Chief Mphonde and Kanyenda in the district have been decommissioned.
The Council’s Acting Disaster and Risk Management Officer, George Zibophe, said victims have been provided with various resources to assist them as they recover in their respective communities.
Zibophe made the remarks on Friday in the district when Old Mutual Blantyre Foundation Trust handed over medical supplies to the district council valued at over K10 million to assist with provision of treatment to people that were affected by floods in the district.
Trustee for Old Mutual Blantyre Foundation Trust, Brenda Mwale, highlighted that their support came in after observing people’s needs in quality health care.
"When we saw the devastation that happened on television, heard on radio and read on social media and in newspapers, we reached out to relevant authorities for guidance on what they needed the most and they guided us on how best to support them," said Mwale.
According to Mwale, Trust has also donated items like clothes to assist survivors after observing that some people had lost everything.
Director of Administration for Nkhotakota District Council, Victor Chithabwa, said the help has come at the right time and has since asked other companies, Non-Governmental Organizations and well-wishers to continue assisting the survivors to return to their respective homes.
According to a report from the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), the recent flash floods affected over 14,000 people, displaced over 10,000 and claimed eight lives in the area of Senior Chief Kanyenda in the district.
Local entrepreneur embarks on a tourism project
By Brighton Chimsinde
Mchinji, April 13, Mana: The Ministry of Tourism has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing construction of the Pumula River View Lodge, a project spearheaded by a local entrepreneur, Levi Nhlane.
The lodge, situated in Mchinji at the Boma, is expected to cost over K300 million.
Ministry of Tourism Public Relations Officer, Joseph Nkosi, said ministry representatives have conducted multiple site visits at the lodge and are highly impressed with the progress and quality of the ongoing works.
"The new lodge in the district is a boost for the local economy, promising job creation, increased government revenue and enhanced infrastructure development, all of which will benefit the surrounding communities," Nkosi said.
Nkosi said Ministry of Tourism applauds and supports such initiatives, eagerly anticipating further advancements within the tourism sector.
Proprietor of the lodge and Director of Malen General Suppliers, Levi Nhlane, explained that the project aligns with Malawi 2063 to bolster the tourism industry.
"The idea for this lodge arose from the observation that Mchinji lacks a modern, high-standard lodge. Upon completion, the lodge will be a standout feature in the district," Nhlane said.
He pledged to collaborate closely with relevant government systems and private partners at both local and national levels to ensure the lodge achieves its envisioned modern standards.
Situated along M12 in Mchinji, the lodge is expected to be completed this year, accommodating up to 30 guests in a conducive environment.
AICC, FARMSE disburse K1.6 billion seed capital
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, April 13, Mana: About 1,277 households in Dedza and Ntcheu districts can now breathe a sigh of relief following disbursement of K252,500 to each individual as startup capital while some will use it to boost their small-medium businesses under Tatukule Project.
The project is being implemented by African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC) and Financial Access for Rural Markets, Smallholders and Enterprise Programme (FARMSE).
AICC Project Manager, Henry Mlinde, made the remarks Friday during a field visit to some beneficiaries in Dedza.
According to Mlinde, the beneficiaries are vulnerable individuals under the Social Cash Transfer Program (SCTP).
The project targets 2,500 beneficiaries in both Dedza and Ntcheu and the 1,277 is the first batch.
"The program intends to graduate 2,500 vulnerable households. In total they will be getting K505,000. Currently, in the first batch, they are receiving K252,500 with another K252,500 coming their way in the first quarter of second year beginning this May," said Mlinde.
He said the cash will enable the beneficiaries not to solely depend on SCTP as the businesses will also help them graduate from poverty.
He, therefore, appealed to the beneficiaries to use the money for the intended purpose.
The beneficiaries have been mentored and coached for a period of nine months in readiness for the seed capital.
"With that expertise, we are hoping that the money is going to be used for the intended purpose. But we will also continue monitoring them," he said
One of the beneficiaries, Tiadalire Lekiyasi, from Lingaka Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Kachere in Dedza, expressed gratitude to the two organizations with hope that her Irish potato selling business will thrive and be able to provide for her household.
The initiative is being funded by IFAD and Malawi Government through the Ministry of Finance.
Lcc advises youthful employees to uphold integrity
By Moses Nyirenda
Lilongwe, April 13, Mana: Mayor for Lilongwe City, Richard Banda, has advised Lilongwe City Council (LCC) youthful employees to uphold integrity in order to help maintain the Council’s good reputation.
Banda made the remarks at Eden Park in Lilongwe Friday during the Council’s Annual Employee Award ceremony.
The ceremony was done to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of the Council employees throughout the 2023/2024 financial year.
Banda said, among other things, the youthful employees should desist from involving themselves in corrupt practices saying corruption affects the growth of the institution as well as tarnishing its image.
“Corruption affects growth of an institution and also affects its good image. As LCC, we are striving to fight corruption so that resources for the Council should be utilized for its intended purpose,” Banda said.
The Council also appreciated 88 retirees for their years of service and dedication.
The Mayor, therefore, appealed to the Council’s youthful employees to emulate the good example portrayed by the retirees throughout their period of service.
“Many of the retirees got their first job at the Council and have served it for many years which is impressive as they have set a good example,” he said.
In addition to honoring the exceptional employees and retirees, LCC also awarded best performing Primary Schools, best teachers and best students in Lilongwe City based on the 2023 PSLCE performance evaluation.
One of the best students, Walusako Mtambo, applauded LCC for the award saying it would motivate the students to continue working hard to achieve great results.
Minister reiterates commitment to raise funds for SVTP
By Leah Malimbasa
Chikwawa, April 13, Mana: Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, has reassured Malawians that government is working towards raising a US$150 million deficit needed to complete phase 1 of the Shire Valley Transformation Program (SVTP).
Kawale was speaking in Chikwawa after inspecting works at the SVTP site and interacting with members of Kambadwe Cooperative on Friday.
“We visited SVTP site to witness first-hand the progress of the construction. We are aware of the delays which occurred due to the cyclone, but today I’ve seen tremendous progress,” Kawale said.
On concerns over availability of resources, Kawale disclosed that discussions were ongoing with some development partners for the project.
Kawale said the recent passed 2024/2025 budget, resources were allocated for the project and development partners are eager to ensure the programme's completion.
The Minister is optimistic that the vision of having a food-secure nation will become a reality through the SVTP.
Senior Chief Kasisi concurred with Kawale that food security will only be achieved through irrigation farming.
“Currently, we only harvest once a year but once the SVTP project is completed, these cooperatives will be having multiple harvests in a year,” said chief Kasisi.
Secretary for Kambadwe Cooperative, Anne Kholophethe, said the project will transform lives as they already identified markets for the cash crops they will be producing as a cooperative.
“We have been trained on how to run a cooperative and, currently, we have saved K2.8 million to invest in our 294 hectares of land,” said Kholophethe.
After interacting with farmers at Kambadwe Cooperative, the minister visited Nkhate Irrigation Scheme and interacted with farmers under Nkhate Water Users Association and Nkhate Cooperative.
