MANAonline
DC hails community's climate change counter measures
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, August 3, Mana: Dedza District Commissioner, Thomas Chigwenembe, has hailed communities under Traditional Authority (TA) Kasumbu in the district for conserving land and water to address hunger and other climate related challenges.
He made the remarks Friday during Dedza District Council Integrated Catchment Conservation and Management Campaign launch at Mpotola Village.
Chigwenembe was impressed with a 19 hectare pine tree woodlot of about 10,000 trees; a 4.5 hectare natural regeneration forest with soak pits; a 15 hectare river diversion irrigation scheme, swales construction, gully reclamation and other initiatives.
Most of the initiatives were pioneered by the communities and supported by MASAF-4 project about eight years ago.
“It is very encouraging to hear from the communities that these efforts have contributed to water retention. Despite drought in the past farming season, many say they have done well in their fields and are now continuing with irrigation farming,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the integrated catchment management launch will bring similar impact across the district.
Village Headman Mpotola said the interventions date back to 2015 following guidance from an extension worker from the area.
He said proceeds from the pine trees will be used to construct primary classroom blocks in the community to reduce the 5-kilometre distance learners walk to Kayenda in pursuit of their education.
TA Kasumbu said she would leave no stone unturned to ensure the interventions are sustained warning that she will continue taking to task anyone contravening by-laws including chief's directions.
Dedza District Land Resource Conservation Officer, Franklin Gomani, said various land reclamation and soil conservation interventions in the district are bearing positive fruits.
“Around 2014, Dedza was losing 29 metric tons of soil per hectare per year. We have not done any research recently but we have noticed a reduction in floods and fewer siltation, which means we have managed to reduce surface run-offs.
PRISAM signs MoU with Emmauel University
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, August 3, Mana: Private Schools Association of Malawi (PRISAM) has entered into partnership with Emmanuel University to elevate standards of early childhood education in the country.
Under this collaboration the university will, among others, deliver training and capacity building initiatives for nursery school educators from PRISAM member institutions.
Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lilongwe on Friday PRISAM President, Ernest Kaonga, lauded the alliance as a significant stride towards enhancing quality of nursery education in Malawi.
Kaonga encouraged schools to enroll with PRISAM to afford their educators an opportunity to partake in the training programs.
"This agreement signifies a momentous achievement in our quest for excellence. We take pride in our affiliation with Emmanuel University and anticipate a fruitful partnership that will advantage our educators, students and the nation as a whole,” emphasized Kaonga.
Recently, PRISAM also forged a partnership with Malawi Assemblies of God University (MAGU) with an objective of enriching educational prospects and refining pedagogical practices.
Musa re-elected as Mchinji District Council Chairperson
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, August 2, Mana: Councillor Dorothy Musa of Namnjiwa Ward has been re-elected as Chairperson for Mchinji District Council in a decisive victory during the council elections held on Friday.
Musa, who served in the same role last term, secured 15 votes.
Also vying for the position were Msitu Councilor, Spesha Fungulani, who garnered a single vote, and Chimimbe Ward Councilor, Aaron Chidzanja, who received two votes.
In her acceptance speech, Councilor Musa expressed delight and gratitude for the trust placed in her by her colleagues.
"I am honoured to have been re-elected as chairperson. This means that people have trust in me and have seen fruits in me,” said Musa.
Musa described the elections as a manifestation of women's empowerment since her deputy is also a woman.
Mkoma Ward Councilor, Martha Dzanja, emerged victorious as vice chairperson, defeating Councillor Henry Banda of Liweredzi Ward with a vote count of 12 to six.
Commenting on the outcome of the elections, Executive Director of local women-focused organisation Women’s Hope for Change Organization, Hellen Makukula, said the polls signify people's trust in women in Mchinji.
“In the past Mchinji never had belief in women as leaders but now we have seen many women getting leadership positions which is a sign of gender equality,” said Makukula.
Malawi receives $11.2 million drought insurance payout
By Linda Moyo
Mzuzu, August 2, Mana: Malawi government has received a $11.2 million drought insurance pay-out from the African Risk Capacity (ARC).
Receiving the cheque, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera highlighted that the payout underscores the power of collaboration in addressing challenges posed by climate related disasters.
The effects of the disaster have severely impacted rural communities, particularly those reliant on farming.
"There is a pressing need to support people and strengthen food production in the country,” said Chakwera.
The President indicated that funds from the payout will be able to enhance food security, support livelihood initiatives for Malawians and also ensure that refugees and host committees are better equipped to withstand the adverse effects of drought.
ARC Board Chairperson, Maxwell Mkwezalamba, said the pay-out will cushion Malawi from El Niño effects which has affected 23 districts in the country.
"We want these funds to help Malawi build community resilience and help farmers increase food production,” he said.
Minister of Finance, Simplex Chithyola Banda, emphasised the importance of the payout, stating: "This funding will significantly aid in building community resilience and improving our response to disasters, mitigating the impact of natural events like El Niño which have left close to 5.2 million people food insecure in the country.”
Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) and the World Food Program (WFP) will be responsible for the implementation of initiatives of the funds.
Salima communities geared toward restoring the environment
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, August 2, Mana: Communities in Salima district have described environmental restorative efforts being implemented by the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSPWP) as life changing.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday, a participant of the programme from the area of Senior Chief Kambalame, Hassan Phiri, said he has been in the programme for four cycles since 2022 and fruits of the work are now seen as most bare grounds are now covered by vegetation.
Phiri said for the past four cycles they have been focusing on swale construction, ridge realignment, stone bunds as well as natural tree regeneration to tackle climatic challenges such as soil erosion, low crop production and deforestation, among others.
"I have been in this area for the past 20 years and I can attest that I have seen different projects being implemented on environmental restoration but have not seen a project of this magnitude, with diverse interventions targeting different environmental issues," he said.
Another community member from the area of Senior Chief Kambwiri said, as a community, they have united to restore soil fertility in their area which has seen severe disasters in the past years due to runoff of water.
"Our crop production has dwindled, we have lost property due to floods, this has been a driving force for us to upscale interventions that are aimed at restoring our environment, we need to have our fertile soil back and enjoy bumper harvests. We are hoping that it is possible through the programme," he said.
Desk Officer for CSPWP in the district, who is also the Land Resource Officer, Gift Majawa, said Salima has made significant strides in implementing the programme because communities continue showing their commitment.
"We now have 18 catchments and it is pleasing to note that all the catchments are finalizing implementation of projects in good time. In all the projects, we have been successful in contouring, walleye construction, developing infiltration pits, tree planting, including manure making," he said.
Majawa said in most catchments, the work will upscale so that floods that affect the district may be prevented and provide immediate and long-term benefits to the community.
The public works initiative is being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee with support from the World Bank and Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
Ministry calls for commitment to promote breastfeeding
By Lekereni Chinkhota
Salima, August 2, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daudi, has called on stakeholders to promote exclusive and optimal breastfeeding to babies until they are six months old before they start being given any supplementary food and water.
Daudi made the call on Thursday at Mwalala Community Ground in Salima, during the official launch of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week commemoration, which takes place from 1st to 7th August each year.
Daudi said it every person’s role to take part in promoting optimal breastfeeding for children to grow healthier citing that breast milk provides all the required nutrients to children for their growth and survival.
“When a child is born, it is supposed to be given breast milk within the first 30 minutes. The first yellow milk is important for growth of the child until the child is six months old without being given any food or water,” she said.
Daudi applauded the commitment men are showing in assisting breastfeeding women to practice optimal breastfeeding by assisting them with various tasks that would distract their schedule to breastfeeding.
“It is very exciting to see men taking part in these interventions; something we did not have before. We used to see women going to hospitals alone to receive guidance and training on breastfeeding, but men are also taking part now,” she said.
Chief of Nutrition for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Malawi, Dr Charity Zvandaziva, pointed out that different reasons are contributing to failure to achieve exclusive breastfeeding in both rural and urban areas.
She said breastfeeding should be supported and women facing challenges to breastfeed their babies should be given a conducive environment so that they can comfortably breastfeed their babies.
"Some parts of the country were hit by drought and these areas will be food insecure. Therefore, households with breastfeeding mothers should be supported with relief food," she said.
Member of Parliament for Salima Central, Gerald Kapiseni Phiri, underscored the important role that breastfeeding plays in the lives of babies, citing that development of the country relies on healthy citizens which starts with healthy babies.
Phiri has called upon duty bearers in the country to champion in policy making regarding breastfeeding and participation in order to uplift the welfare of babies on issues of breastfeeding.
The theme of this year’s breastfeeding week is “Closing the gap: breastfeeding support for all”
Gwengwe launches K57 million-market shade
By Mwai Kumanda
Lilongwe, August 2, Mana: Minister of Trade and Industry, who is also Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Msinja North, Sosten Gwengwe, has launched a K57 million market shade at Nathenje.
Speaking at Mwatibu Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Chadza on Thursday, Gwengwe said it is crucial to bring different developments and projects to people as it allows them appreciate what government is doing.
“We all know that President Chakwera has been advocating for rural development, so we decided to build this market shade to allow the community feel and appreciate such development.
“We thought that using Constituency Development Fund we can come up with a magnificent market in the constituency,” he said.
Gwengwe noted that the market shade is a huge upgrade from the old one, which is going to accommodate 56 business people and has a life span of 50 years bringing history to the people of Nathenje.
“This market is patronized by so many vendors but most of them stay outside and during rainy season it becomes difficult for them to do their business. So, replacing this shade with the old one will make it easier even during the rainy seasons,” he said.
Council chairperson for Lilongwe District, Dan Mtayamanja, said the new infrastructure emphasizes the importance of having people who are passionate about developing the country saying Malawi can only do better if people work together.
“I am happy to see that some of the legislators in our district are now doing big things in the communities, a market shade is a need in every community,” he said.
Chairperson for Nathenje Market, Idrissa Kalembo, thanked Gwengwe for the development saying the new infrastructure will accord businesspersons in the area to have a conducive environment.
“The opening of this new market shade is a welcome development as it represents not only a business space but also symbolizing growth and prosperity for our community,” he said.
Communities in environmental conservation drive
By Memory Kutengule Chatonda
Blantyre, August 2, Mana: Community members in Traditional Authority (TA) Kapeni in Blantyre have vowed to continue with environmental conservation works to restore degraded landscapes in the area.
The communities participate in various environmental conservation activities such as tree planting, construction of the swales, check dams and gully reclamation under the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP).
Speaking in an interview during a media tour, Chairperson for Chilambalare Catchment Conservation Committee, Harrison Tsonga, said before they started implementing the activities especially swales under the programme, communities realized low crop yields, which resulted in food insecurity at house hold level.
“We are usually hit by dry spells which result in low crop yields. To mitigate this, the CS-EPWP has taught us how to conserve our environment through re-afforestation, construction of swales, gully reclamation and check dams.
“In the past, there was also heavy run off during the rainy seasons, our fields were washed away which resulted in low crop yields. Now we use swales to control and collect rain water in our fields and this ensures that our fields have enough ground water and now we can harvest more,” he said.
One of the farmers, Dolla Morris, said communities understand effects that come with climate change, adding that this prompted them to put more efforts in environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Blantyre District Land Resource Conservation Officer, Charles Mthyoka, said that farmers in Blantyre are seeing the benefit of environmental conservation in their respective catchments.
He said: “In this area, effects of climate change have been very large in the sense that farmers were not harvesting enough because most of the land was degraded with little soil fertility. Since the implementation of this activity farmers now harvest at least enough of their farm produce.”
CS-EPWP is a component under Social Support Resilience Livelihood Programme and is funded by World Bank and other social protection multi donor trust fund.
In Blantyre, the project is being implemented in 15 catchment areas with about 17,200 communities participating in the programme.
Retired civil servants cry for their dues
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, August 2, Mana: Concerned Retired Civil Servants (CRCS) have given government a 60-day ultimatum to pay their dues or face nonstop vigils.
CRCS Publicity Secretary, Ben Mitochi, said at a press briefing in Blantyre on Friday that they will name and shame officers that solicit bribes from the retirees in exchange for service.
The briefing was meant to raise concerns over long overdue issues on pension and other benefits.
Mitochi said retired civil servants are currently suffering saying “this is not how government should treat us after working for so long.”
He said most of retirees are languishing in towns and villages, lacking basic necessities of life due to lack of financial pension benefits which the Malawi government is still holding.
Mitochi described the situation as disheartening that few retired civil servants are being paid after paying bribes to some officials in various forms.
“As a result of government gross negligence, we cannot afford basic medical care considering that most of us are sick and old. We are falling to feed ourselves and our families and majority of our children have dropped out of schools due to nonpayment of school fees and cases of family disintegrated have also risen.
“We tried to contact the Budget Director, the Account General, Parliamentary Committee on Social Warfare and all departments responsible for pensions but have borne no fruits. As such, within two months we will involve international human rights organizations and the media to amplify our struggles and bad treatment we are getting,” he said.
He added that K193.17 billion which was allocated for pensioners in the 2024-2025 budget is not enough to be paid to retirees considering that pensioners are many totaling to 6,857 as majority of them are expected to receive the sum of K20 to K100 million each.
In a separate interview, one of the 2021 retirees, Daniel Machine, said government should clear out all outstanding gratuities since they are exacerbating the suffering of many retirees.
He added that the delay is leading to misunderstanding in most families as some family members believe that the retiree had already received pension benefits and used it at the expense of the family.
“I was supposed to receive my pension benefits within three months from the day I retired but now almost three years has gone which is contrary to Pension Act,” said Machine.
He added that investing and empowering pensioners can contribute to economic development of the country through business which can creation jobs.
VP tours Nasolo Bridge in Ndirande Township
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, August 2, Mana: Vice President, Dr Michael Usi has assured Ndirande residents in Blantyre that construction of Nasolo Bridge, which is in bad shape, will commence in less than two months.
Usi made the assurance on Friday after touring the bridge whose state has been a concern for Ndirande residents for quite some time.
Ndirande Market Chairperson, Chancy Widoni, raised the issue about Nasolo Bridge when Usi toured the market recently.
“I came here for the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) programme but the chairperson of the market told me about the bridge and I came to see the situation. The bridge is very dangerous to cross.
“I tried to find out why the bridge was not constructed and it was disclosed that this is due to some government officials whose conduct scare away donors,” he said.
The Vice President confirmed that he has managed to bring back the donors who will fund construction of the bridge and a contractor will start the work soon.
“Engineers have been instructed to come up with sketches right away. The plan is that the bridge should be fit for that purpose and should finish before the rains start,” Usi said.
Blantyre City Deputy Mayor, Isaac Jomo Osman, commended the Vice President for touring the bridge and for government’s commitment to construct it.
He said the bridge has claimed many lives and business people have lost their property.
Osman, therefore, appealed to government to consider other infrastructural projects in the area like maintenance of Ndirande Market stating that the market accommodates a large number of business people contrary to its present capacity.
“Contractors should give us durable roads. Most roads in Ndirande are in bad condition. When doing other development projects, government should also include Ndirande market,” he said.
Ndirande Market Chairperson, Chancy Widoni, thanked Usi for visiting Nasolo Bridge and expressed optimism that the Vice President will push things to ensure that construction of the bridge starts soon and to finish in good time.
“I should thank the Vice President for showing interest to solve this problem after a short notice,” he said.
