MANAonline
Minister urges councils to assist government's programs
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, February 19, Mana: Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda has urged district councils to be at the forefront ensuring that people in the country are not multiple beneficiaries of government's programmes.
Chimwendo Banda made the remarks Sunday at a rally at Nkhunga Police Ground in Senior Chief Kanyenda in Nkhotakota.
According to Banda, some beneficiaries of government programmes access support from various programs, including Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CSPWP) and Social Cash Transfer, while others are not benefitting from any.
"Council officials should identify beneficiaries at the local level to assist people who can access such support in their districts as government is committed to making sure that all Malawians are well supported," said Chimwendo Banda.
He, therefore, assured people in the district of government’s continued support such as construction of police houses at Nkhunga Police.
Meanwhile, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) aspiring candidate for Nkhotakota North Constituency, Dorothy Chikonje, asked government to put much effort in assisting people in the area in various projects like construction of secondary schools, among others.
Presidential Advisor on Education, Dr Ellias Chakwera, assured people in the area that what Chikonje highlighted would be delivered to the President.
MCP positive of 2025 elections
By Innocent Chunga
Nkhotakota, February 19, Mana: Malawi Congress Party (MCP) believes it will continue ruling the country come 2025 as people in the country are fully supporting the leadership of President Dr Lazarus Chakwera.
MCP Director of Youth, who is also Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, made the remarks on Sunday during a political rally at Nkhunga Police Ground in the district.
He said the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), which President Dr Chakwera presented during the opening of the 2024/2025 budget meeting of Parliament, shows true leadership to serve Malawians.
He said, as a party, they have embarked on a mission to disseminate President Chakwera's SONA to the rural masses for them to understand government’s plans.
Banda said President Chakwera is on track in running the country and it is worth giving him another term as he has laid a good foundation.
"Even the country's economy is on track; no fuel shortage, no blackouts and we have also started the mega-farms. These are some of the things that show that the President is on track," said Chimwendo Banda.
Presidential Advisor on Education, Dr Ellias Chakwera, urged party supporters to ensure they register to vote in the 2025 general elections saying participating in an election is crucial in a democracy.
During the rally, the party welcomed Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Councilor for Liwaladzi Ward, Charles Banda, who joined the party.
Myths, misinformation affecting delivery of adolescent supplements
By Doreen Chiwalo
Mwanza, February 19, Mana: Implementation of the distribution of Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) nutrient supplements to adolescent girls in Mwanza is negatively being affected by myths and misinformation in the district.
This was disclosed by Civil Society Organization Nutrition Alliance (CSONA), Early Childhood Development Coalition (ECDC) and Mwanza team lead, Martin Kadaona, on Monday at an interface meeting with Investing in Early Years Project (IEYP) implementation team and communities.
The meeting was aimed at enhancing community engagement in the implementation of the project in the district.
“We have requested duty bearers to take necessary action to address the knowledge gap so that all the bonafide adolescent girls are reached out to with the supplements so that the objective of the intervention is achieved,” said Kadaona.
He said adolescent girls are prevented by parents and guardians from receiving IFA due to reproductive health related myths and misinformation.
However, Kadaona commended the project for doing well in areas such as promotion of exclusive breast feeding, cooking demonstrations, door to door visitation to enforce responsive parenting and nutrition, among other areas.
Mwanza District Council Director of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Fred Kumwenda, said the Council will enhance awareness activities in the action plan so that the target group is not obstructed from receiving the nutrient supplements.
“We are going to work with relevant stakeholders such as traditional leaders and other relevant community structures to address the problem of myths and misinformation,” said Kumwenda.
The nutrient supplement tablets are given to adolescent girls aged between 10 and 19 for them not to develop iron deficiency in their bodies due to menstrual blood loss.
New, old school music to fill up Club 24/7
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, February 19, Mana: Giddes Chalamanda, Skeffa Chimoto, Mlaka Maliro and Joe Gwaladi have teamed up to perform at Club 24/7 located at Chileka Roundabout in Blantyre on March 1, 2024 under the theme "Old School and New School".
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Sunday, organizer of the show Thomas Madulira said the event is trying to reminisce the good old days when the place used to host big music concerts.
He said the theme is aimed to create the sense of urgency and the need of old and new day vibes in order for people to get what they deserve.
"Entertainment lovers have not had that feeling and closeness of new music and old school music for a long time. People will enjoy music from Skeffa, Mlaka Maliro, Giddes Chalamanda while at the same time music lovers will enjoy sounds from Alleluya Band. It is all a mixture of different genres.
"We expect a mixture of people too like the elderly and the youth to have different tastes of music on the same day. We are urging them to come in large numbers as they will fully be satisfied,” said Madulira.
He, therefore, said the combination will allow the audience to interact directly with the artists as a way of motivating other people who might want to learn how new and old music is done and remind the elderly of their old music vibe.
In a separate interview, Mlaka Maliro, said entertainment lovers should experience new things every year as such combination of artists will refresh people's memories and feed music legacy to new kids on the block with music desire.
"Having a combination like this in music is not easy. The mixture of old and new experiences will bring best performance and this means more fun and huge entertainment," said Maliro.
A fan of Mlaka Maliro, Jenifer Julius from Blantyre, appreciated the organizer for the show saying she has never witnessed such a combination before and cannot afford to miss it.
"I am expecting an energetic performance from the artists due to heavy relationship messages they spread through music. I can say the combination of old and new ones is just a thing which I have never seen before," she said.
Paul Subili, Rhod Valamanja and Sean Tefelekaso are some of the supporting artists to perform as DJ Damex will make people shake with hot mixtape.
M'mbelwa District Council sets budget at K49 billion
By Austine Patrice Kachilika
Mzimba, February 19, Mana: M'mbelwa District Council has given its nod of approval to a K49 billion budget for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
Speaking Saturday during a full council meeting, the council’s finance service committee chairperson, Yolanda Ngwira, said the 2024/2025 financial plan reflects the council's commitment to improving infrastructure, social services and economic opportunities within the district.
“This year’s budget aims at addressing key priorities such as the well-being and progress of the district's residents through community development, agriculture, health, gender and health, among others.
“Recognizing the importance of education and healthcare in driving socio-economic development, the district council has earmarked a significant portion of the budget to go towards construction and renovation of schools and health facilities as well as provision of essential services and equipment,” said Ngwira.
According to Ngwira, 89 percent of the budget will be funded by government, 10 percent will be donor funded while one percent will be generated from local revenue.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Mzimba South, Emmanuel Chambulanyina Jere, hailed the Council for ambitious aspirations in the budgets.
He, therefore, asked the Council to be transparent and accountable in budget utilization.
He said: “M'mbelwa District Council should be committed to fostering transparency through public consultations, regular progress reports and community engagement mechanisms to build trust and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and equitably.”
Traditional Authority (TA) Kampingo Sibande urged MPs to prioritize development rather than politics in the implementation of earmarked projects.
Rumphi District Council launches investigations into collapsed ablution facility
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, February 19, Mana: Rumphi District Council has launched investigations into a collapsed ablution block to uncover root causes that will guide it on subsequent actions to take.
The ablution block, containing shower and toilet facilities, which was built to serve patients' guardians at Rumphi District Hospital collapsed on Friday, February 16, 2024.
It was constructed by Chigomezgo and Bongani Investments in 2021 under District Development Fund (DDF) at a cost of K16 million and was handed over in 2022.
Rumphi District Commissioner, Emmanuel Bulukutu, said the Council will take necessary measures to ensure that all facts are known and where laws were broken, appropriate sanctions administered.
He said during procurement of the contractor and subsequent construction of the block, relevant officers gave approval of the processes undertaken and assured all stakeholders that the structure was done according to prescribed standards.
Bulukutu disclosed that auditors from the Auditor General's Office are expected in the district on Monday to assess the structure and produce a report on the same.
"The structure will be audited to ensure it was done according to specifications.
"There were also officers who were responsible for procurement and supervision of the project and where it is established that they did not do their job, necessary sanctions will be applied in consultation with Ministry of Local Government to ensure that government resources are protected," he said.
Bulukutu expressed concern that lack of engineers at the Council is a big challenge that affects public works.
He said they have tried to recruit engineers on a number of occasions but they never report for work once successful.
Rumphi District Council Chairperson, Harry Munyenyembe, said during construction of the project councillors raised concerns with the structure but relevant officers did not listen to them.
He said although the officers, who led the procurement process and supervised the construction of the projects, are no longer based at the Council they can still be sanctioned if it is established that they were at fault.
Civil Society Organizations and community members in Rumphi raised concerns on the quality and cost of the project before it was handed over.
At some point the project attracted the interest of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) after some people complained.
One of the Senior Managers for Chigomezgo and Bongani Investments, who refused to be named, said the facility was built according to designs and specifications provided by the Council.
Thyolo District Council to introduce e-ticketing at Goliati Market
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, February 19, Mana: Thyolo District Council plans to introduce electronic ticketing system of collecting market fees at the newly opened Goliati Market in the district.
District Commissioner for Thyolo, Hudson Kuphanga, disclosed this Saturday when he toured the newly opened market to appreciate how businesses is faring.
"We want to introduce e-ticketing as one way of maximizing our revenue collection. The current system of manual ticketing is prone to corruption as huge sums of money collected goes into the revenue collectors’ pockets for personal gains other than the Council benefiting," said Kuphanga.
Kuphanga expressed hope that, once the new system is installed, the Council will improve on efficiency, monitoring and reporting.
He was optimistic that the opening of Goliati Market will boost the council’s revenue thereby enabling it to operate swiftly.
"We are excited knowing the Council will collect more money. We will be open to the public on how much we collect and how we use the money," added Kuphanga.
Vice Chairperson for Goliati Market Committee, Felix Tambwali, applauded the Council for its determination to open the market which has been idle since its completion two years ago.
Tambwali said the new market gives a conducive environment for business and has all the sanitation as well as security features.
"We have waste dumping sites as well as good toilets, among others, things that were lacking in our old market," he said.
Goliati Market was constructed with funding from KFW of Germany through More Income and Employment in Rural Areas (MIERA) project to the tune of K400 million.
FAWEMA calls for collaboration in promoting science education among girls, women
By Innocent Chunga
Nkhotakota, February 19, Mana: Forum for African Women Educationalists in Malawi (FAWEMA) says there is a need for collaboration among stakeholders to address challenges that girls and women face in science subjects under the promotion of girls' education in the country.
FAWEMA Monitoring and Evaluation Manager for Kuyenda Collective Project, Thokozani Phiri, made the remarks on Saturday at Matamangwe Primary School in Nkhotakota during the commemoration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
She said by addressing the learning Crisis, through the Systems Strengthening (Kuyenda Collective) Project, FAWEMA in partnership with various stakeholders is working towards addressing such challenges.
The project is being implemented in Nkhotakota and Nkhatabay districts.
"The event is meant to raise awareness on the gaps that women and girls face in science education and to assist them in voicing out their challenges," said Phiri.
According to Phiri, official statistics show that only one in five girls and women perform well in science-related subjects in the country.
She added that, as an organization, they are committed to continue supporting and encouraging girls in science subjects through various interventions.
Nkhotakota District Council Principal Education Officer, Willard Magunda, said the event was an eye opener to mobilize stakeholders in the district to play their role in girls' education.
Magunda said girls face challenges in science subjects as they lack support from household level.
"We are going to take the message further to stakeholders to make sure that we support girls in as far as science subjects are concerned," he said.
With financial support from OXFAM IBIS, through Education Outloud, FAWEMA organized the event under the theme: “Closing the Gender Gap in Science, Accelerating Action.”
Luso Pa Top Project Launched in Chiradzulu
By Clarabella Chipolonga
Chiradzulu, February 18, Mana: Chiradzulu local based Youthnet Organization, The Determinants, has urged different stakeholders in the country to come up with more initiatives that can promote the welfare of the youths.
Founder and Executive Director for The Determinants, Chikondi Njaya said this on Friday during the launch of Luso Pa Top Project which is a cross impacting project aimed at engaging the youth in creative works and address challenges they face.
"This project has two overall dimensions which are promoting talents for the youth and generating income for our education basket which is intended to carter for needy students who are in universities and secondary schools,” said Njaya.
He said by involving youths in different activities, the project seeks to reduce malpractices that can happen due to idleness.
"Many youths are idle and this is leading to many of them committing suicide due challenges they are facing. The idleness is also dragging them to be involved in transgender sexual relationships which leads to sexually transmitted infections as well as issues to do with gambling.
“Therefore, this project will prevent them from doing such practices because they will be engaged in creative works,” Njaya added.
Council Chairperson for Chiradzulu District, Charles Chigwenembe applauded The Determinants for the initiative saying the project will empower youths and his office is ready to support it.
"My office will fully take part in this very important initiative and I will lobby other stakeholders to come in so that they can reach out to as many youths as possible,” said Chigwenembe.
Among other activities that happened during the launch includes tree planting, panel discussion, dancing competitions among others.
NKhata Bay District Council hands over GESD market kiosks
By Margret Praise Kalua
NKhata Bay, February 18, Mana: Nkhata Bay District Council has handed over five market kiosks worth K23 million to business people at Chintheche Trading Centre in the district.
Acting Director of Trade and Commerce for the council, Thanila Gondwe disclosed during the handover ceremony on Friday that the market kiosks were constructed using Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) funds.
Gondwe said the kiosks will not only ease business and access to basic needs for the people of Chintheche, but will also help raise the council's low revenue base.
"The council is trying to create a good business environment for vendors who are currently doing their businesses along the road which is not safe and conducive. As a council we understand that the five Kiosks are not enough but will at least make a difference," he said.
Gondwe also revealed plans to expand the market further by constructing more shops through Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
He however asked Chintheche vending community to not only rely on the council in expanding the market avenue, urging those with capacity to construct shops in line with set standards to come forward and sign a deal with the council.
Senior Group Village Head Msundu commended the council for considering building the market kiosks, saying they will create a good and safe environment for vendors and requested for more infrastructure.
"Chintheche has more vendors who can not be accommodated by the current market structures. It is my plea that additional shops and market sheds be constructed so that all the vendors along the road can move inside the market premises," he said.
Commenting on the development, Chintheche ward councilor, Spencer Khuni asked the council to consider renovating the already existing market shades.
Government to Enable Service Delivery Projects are implemented by councils through National Local Government Finance Committee with funding from World Bank.
