MANAonline
Karonga rice milling plant to be operational next month
By George Mponda
Karonga, February 25, Mana: Infrastructure Development Manager for Greenbelt Authority (GBA), Synoden Kautsi, has disclosed that a rice milling and processing plant at Nthola Ilola Irrigation Scheme in Karonga is set to start operating in two weeks’ time.
In an interview on Friday, Kautsi said construction works at the milling plant have been completed.
He added that Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) gave a list of required materilas for them to connect electricity and GBA has already engaged an electrical consultant.
"The facility is now at 99% complete and we are just waiting for electricity connection. It will also have its own transformer and once these are brought in by ESCOM, the plant will be operational within two weeks," he said.
Kautsi said, once fully operational, the plant will be able to mill 50 tonnes of rice per day and employ 100 workers.
2,500 anchor and out-grower farmers are expected to benefit from the plant.
Sub Traditional Authority Mwangolera commended GBA for the plant saying it will improve people’s livelihoods in his area.
"This is the first project of its kind in the northern region. I am glad that people from my area will be employed at the factory and farmers around Nthola Ilola Irrigation Scheme will have a place to process their rice," Mwangolera said.
President for Nthola Ilola Water Users Association, Oswald Gondwe, said for a long time they have been processing their rice manually and the coming of the plant is a relief.
Construction of the K773 million plant began in May 2022.
Government launches distribution of maize flour to vulnerable households
By Andrew Mkonda & Rennie Tembo
Lilongwe, February 25, Mana: Government has assured people heavily affected by hunger in the country of its commitment to serve the situation by reaching out to those affected with relief food.
Minister of Mining, Monica Chang’anamuno, made the assurance at Malembo Community Day Secondary School ground in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Chiwaula during the launch of the distribution of maize flour to vulnerable households.
She said it is sad that about 336,000 households in the district are food insecure due to effects of climate change that resulted to natural disasters such as floods and drought.
“President Dr Lazurus Chakwera does not want anyone to die of hunger. That is why we are launching this program today. Let me, therefore, appeal that the maize flour we are distributing today is not for sale and should be used for the intended purpose.
“Any beneficiary who sells this flour will be struck off the list of beneficiaries forthwith; and reported to security personnel for further action,” she said.
Chang’anamuno thanked various governments and humanitarian partners, specifically the World Bank, for providing financial support for procuring maize flour and World Food Programme (WFP) for assisting in logistical arrangements for the importation of the flour.
TA Chiwaula thanked government for the initiative saying it will go a long way in easing the challenges that the people are facing.
He urged his subjects to cultivate diversified food crops to reduce reliance on maize as El Nino threatens this year’s growing season.
One of the beneficiaries, Miness Malembo, said the maize flour will rescue her family from hunger.
She assured government to use the donation for the intended purpose.
At least 81,333 households have been affected by hunger in Lilongwe and earmarked to receive relief maize flour.
DoDMA launches 2nd phase of 2023/2024 LSFIRP in Mangochi
By Shaffie Bakali
Mangochi, February 25, Mana: Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) on Saturday launched the second phase of the 2023/2024 Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme (LSFIRP) in Mangochi with distribution of fortified maize flour in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Mtelera in the district.
The 2023/2024 LSFIRP is expected to bail out 74,000 households in the district.
Speaking during the launch at Mchokola Primary School ground, DoDMA Deputy Director for Disaster Response, Fyawupi Mwafongo, advised beneficiaries to properly utilize the items.
"We are encouraging beneficiaries to refrain from selling the flour. We mobilize resources from different organizations that can lose interest in helping government if beneficiaries are not grateful,” Mwafongo said.
He hailed World Food Programme for uplifting the burden of transportation of the relief items.
Chairperson for Mangochi District Council, Hassan Chikuta, hailed government for distributing ready for use food.
"I would like to thank government for bringing maize flour in the second phase. During the first phase, people received maize which required financial resources to make it a final and consumable product," Chikuta said.
He encouraged local authorities, responsible for distribution, to ensure that the programme is benefiting the intended audience.
One of the beneficiaries, Jumo Anubi, expressed gratitude for the initiative saying it is a timely rescue.
Over 2,000 Ntchisi households get relief flour
By James Mwale
Ntchisi, February 25, Mana: At least 2,300 locals of Senior Chief Kalumo in Ntchisi district have received 50 kilogramme bag of maize flour each under the Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC) of the 2023/2024 Lean Season Food Insecurity Programme.
Speaking during the launch of the distribution exercise at Senior Chief Kalumo, Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) Deputy Director for Resilience, Hastings Mwanjoka, said the intervention is an indication of government’s commitment to making sure no one dies of hunger during the lean season.
“Government, through the World Bank funded initiative, is making sure that the most vulnerable and hunger stricken households get food relief. It will be unfortunate if any of the beneficiaries are found selling the relief food; and, if found, they will be taken to book,” he said.
He, therefore, urged authorities to make sure that only eligible beneficiaries receive the relief food items.
Chairperson for Ntchisi District Council, Arnold Kapolo, was thanked for the assistance describing it as timely.
He urged respective authorities to consider increasing the number of beneficiaries saying the current consignment was not enough to reach out to all vulnerable households in the district.
The maize flour distribution is supplementary to the maize and cash being distributed following the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) report released in July 2023 which projected that at least 4.4 million would face hunger during the 2023/2024 lean period.
Over 12,000 households across all traditional authorities in Ntchisi are expected to benefit from the food relief distribution exercise.
Nkhata Bay records 73 pink eye cases
By Margret Praise Kalua
Nkhata Bay, February 25, Mana: Nkhata Bay District Health Office (DHO) has announced that the district has recorded 73 cases of pink eye disease at Chintheche Rural Hospital since February 14, 2024.
A press statement released Friday signed by Director of Health and Social Services, Dr Topcy Mdolo, says most of the cases are from Traditional Authority (TA) Malanda with some few cases from neighbouring TAs of Malengamzoma and Fukamalaza.
Senior Health Promotion Officer for Nkhata Bay DHO, Christopher Singini, confirmed the development in an interview on Saturday.
Singini appealed to people in the district to avoid going to public places and seek medical attention at the nearest heath facility once they notice signs and symptoms of the disease.
Signs and symptoms of the disease include pink or red eye, swelling eyelid, increased tear production, itchy eye, whitish eye watery discharge, painful eye and visual disturbance.
"There is no specific management of the disease for it is self limiting hence let us avoid sharing personal items such as bath towels, wash hands with soap frequently and avoid rubbing eyes with dirty hands," Singini said.
TA Malanda said it is unfortunate that many traditional leaders in his area are not aware of the outbreak.
"As leaders, we haven't been alerted by health authorities of the disease in the district, specifically my area. It could have been better if we were told about it earlier so that we also sensitize our people on preventive measures,” he said.
Chairperson for Nkhata Bay Pastors Fraternal, Bishop David Mkandawire, said pastors are set to take part in spreading the right messages about the disease to the people through their congregations.
He, therefore, asked people to adhere to precaution measures recommended by health authorities to contain further spread of the disease.
Chakwera hails late Geingob as a great freedom fighter
By Linda Moyo in Windhoek, Namibia
Windhoek, February 25, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has hailed the late President of the Republic of Namibia, Hage Geingob, as an icon and hero of the African continent who played a pivotal role as a freedom fighter.
He made the remarks at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia on Saturday where he attended a state memorial service for the late Namibian President.
"Africa has lost one of its finest sons who believed in change and economic empowerment for his people. Late President Geingob was no ordinary man; he travelled the world sowing seeds of freedom, peace and prosperity for Namibia and Africa," said Chakwera.
Reflecting on his personal interactions with Geingob, President Chakwera described him as a wise counsellor, a brave warrior, a true statesman and a dear friend during the three and a half years of their association.
Former Namibian President, Hifikepunye Pohamba, described Geingob as a Pan-Africanist who made significant contributions to Namibia's liberation struggle.
"Geingob was one of the people who fought tirelessly for the liberation of the country. His role in crafting the Namibian constitution will be remembered by many," explained Pohamba.
Pohamba highlighted Geingob's hard work and determination which enabled him to serve his country as prime minister for two consecutive terms and later as President.
Geingob’s memorial service was attended by dignitaries from around the world, including the President of Germany, Namibia’s colonial masters from late 1880s.
Late Geingob, who passed away at the age of 82, will be laid to rest on Sunday at Heroes Acre in Windhoek.
The Namibian government has declared Monday, February 26, as a public holiday in honour of the departed hero.
Government embarks on distribution of maize flour to hunger-stricken families
By Memory Kutengule Chatonda
Blantyre, February 24, Mana: Government has started distributing maize flour targeting 1.8 million food-insecure people in the districts of Blantyre Chiradzulu, Lilongwe, Machinga, Mangochi, Mulanje, Mzimba, Thyolo, Dowa, Karonga, Ntchisi and Chitipa.
Presiding over the launch of maize flour distribution exercise under the 2023/24 Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme at Chilangoma and Andiseni in Blantyre on Saturday, Minister of Information and Digitalisation Moses Kunkuyu said government is committed to ensuring that no one dies of hunger.
“We are expecting to receive 23,000 metric tonnes of maize flour from Tanzania and South Africa and so far, the first consignment of 1400 metric tonnes have arrived in the country which we are now distributing to the targeted 397,778 households.
“It is the wish of President Lazarus Chakwera who is the Minister responsible for Disaster and Management Affairs to see that no one dies of hunger,” he said.
The minister then warned people who would want to enrich themselves at the expense of intended beneficiaries that they will face the law once caught.
He advised the beneficiaries not to sell the maize flour but use it for the intended purpose.
“Any beneficiary who sells this flour will be struck off from the list of beneficiaries forthwith; and reported to security personnel for further action,’ he warned.
Kunkuyu, therefore, commended various governments and humanitarian partners, specifically the World Bank, for providing financial support for procuring maize flour, and World Food Programme (WFP) for assisting government in providing logistical arrangements for the importation of the maize flour.
In his remarks, WFP country representative Paul Turnbull described the food distribution exercise as a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to alleviate the plight of vulnerable people who urgently require food assistance.
“Access to food is a fundamental human right, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that no one is deprived of this necessity. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to build more resilient Malawi as we strive to achieve Zero Hunger goal by 2030,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Fanny Luka from Kuntaja area commended government for assisting them with the maize flour saying this initiative will help them to have food at home to sustain their daily life.
Chakwera arrives in Namibia for funeral ceremony Namibian President
By Linda Moyo,
Windhoek, February 24, MANA: President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has arrived in Windhoek, Namibia, to attend the funeral of the former Namibian President Hage Geingob, who died on February 4, 2024.
The President and Malawian delegation will attend the state memorial service at Independence Stadium, paying tribute to the legacy of President Geingob, scheduled for Saturday.
Accompanied by the first Lady, Madam Monica Chakwera, and other government dignitaries, President Chakwera was welcomed upon arrival by Namibian officials, including Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Janet Sande, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Anna Shiweda and Malawi's High Commissioner to Namibia Stella Ndau,
Eighteen world leaders are expected to attend the Funeral Ceremony.
Late President Geingob will be buried at Heroes acre in Windhoek, on Sunday, February 25, 2024.
President Geingob, 82, served as Namibia's president from 2015 until his passing on February 4.
President Chakwera's presence underscores the unity and solidarity among African leaders as they honour the life and achievements of late Hage Geingob
President Chakwera leaves for Namibia
By Rosalia Kapiri
President Lazarus Chakwera has left the country for the Republic of Namibia where he is expected to attend the state funeral for the late President of Namibia, Hage Heingob scheduled to take place on Sunday. 24 February, 2024.
The Malawi leader departed for Namibia, Saturday morning through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe and was seen off by the country's vice president, Saulos Klaus Chilima, Ministers, government officials and traditional leaders.
Speaking to reporters before departure, Chakwera expressed sorrow over the death of a fellow African president describing it a huge loss for the SADC region.
“As Africans we have lost an African giant. We are one and when one of us departs from this earth it is a loss to all of us and we are there for each other in these times,” he said.
Late President Geingob who succumbed to cancer on 4 February, 2024 was first sworn-in as president in 2015, but had served in top political positions since Namibia`s independence in 1990.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Chakwera will return to Malawi on Sunday, February 24, 2024 through KIA.
ATM Strategy to boost Malawi's Economy in 2024/2025 Budget
By Priscilla Phiri
Lilongwe, February 23, Mana: Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Simplex Chithyola Banda, says government has committed itself to recover the country’s economy through Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy.
He said this in Parliament on Friday during presentation of 2024/2025 budget under the theme “From economic recovery to resilience through accelerating production and enhancing the legal and regulatory environment to protect the economy.”
In his presentation Banda highlighted that the 2024/2025 budget has been framed to recover the economy from forex challenges that negatively affected the progress of development as well as domestic revenue of the country through the ATM strategy.
“Government has identified Agriculture, Tourism and Mining as a strategy that will further help to boost domestic revenue in this budget.
“This strategy will have significant allocations and government will focus on developing national legal and institutional frameworks for protecting natural resources,” he said.
According to Chithyola Banda government will continue to invest in various agricultural projects such as mega farms for increased production in the agricultural sector.
He also mentioned various developments in the tourism sector such as visa waivers to 79 countries to facilitate and ease the inflow of tourists in the country, among others.
“In mining sector, government registered the Malawi Mining Company under the Malawi Development Corporations Holdings Limited that will catalyse development of the mining sector,” he explained.
In an interview, Leader of Opposition, Mary Navicha, commended government for removing visa requirements for 79 countries in an effort to boost tourism in the country.
She, therefore, advised government to rehabilitate airports and roads that lead to tourism areas in the country for meaningful development.
In a separate interview, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Malawi, Rune Skinnebach, commended government for allocating 30 percent of the budget to production for the first time saying it is a move in the right direction as the country needs more production and exports.
“I hope government puts in measures that render the lives of the producers much easier by making business and investment climate more conducive,” said Skinnebach.
The 2024/2025 budget has allocated a total of K497.75 billion to agriculture and irrigation development and a total of K4.8 billion to tourism.
