MANAonline
NPC engages media in accelerating MW2063
By Rosalia Kapiri
Lilongwe, January 26, Mana: National Planning Commission (NPC) Director General Dr Thomas Munthali has called on the media in the country to hold duty bearers accountable and report on crucial matters affecting the country in order to accelerate efforts towards achieving the Malawi 2063 (MW2063).
Munthali was speaking at Eden Estates and Resorts in Lilongwe on Friday during a media seminar on the MW2063 and the first 10-year implementation plan (MIP-1) implementation, coordination and tracking of progress.
Munthali said the media is a key gate keeper on national issues and as such journalists need to follow up on issues in all sectors without relenting until action is taken.
“We felt that media should be kept abreast on how we are performing in as far as implementation of the vision is concerned. Media has a role to make sure that we accelerate action’s efforts.
“Time is fast ticking and we need to hold each other accountable. We have to make sure that we report more on the positives that are accelerating growth of the economy so that those who are doing it should be encouraged to do more and the media is best placed to do this,” explained Munthali.
He added that media should desist from sensational reporting saying it cannot grow the economy and that investors need to read more on the country’s economy saying that is what will attract more investors.
In its implementation, Munthali said NPC is working towards MW2063 goals although they are not yet there but the focus is pushing on the three enablers of the blueprint which are mindset change, effective governance systems and institutions and enhancing public sector performance.
In her presentation, NPC Development Planning Director Dr Grace Kumchulesi said the aim is that by 2063 Malawi should have a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$4,045 per capita by taking development to where the people are.
Chief of Party of Banyan Global (consultants under United States Development Agency), Dr Francis Okello said USAID’s passion was putting in resources to enhance NPC’s capacity particularly in the areas of measuring results and ensuring that the results are used to enhance development effectiveness.
USAID is a partner in the implementation of MW2063.
“Media should increase awareness of the implementation of the vision. If we only concentrate on reporting fully on what is working well then were are missing the point but we need to balance up and also report on what is not working well. In so doing, we will be able to push for the betterment of that particular sector that is not working well thereby pushing for success,” said Okello.
The MW2063 lies on three pillars of agriculture productivity and commercialization, industrialization and urbanization.
Ministry impressed with community participation in health initiatives issues
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, January 25, Mana: Ministry of Health has applauded people in the area of Traditional Authority Kampingo Sibande in Mzimba District for their commitment in up taking immunization against diseases and other related health services.
Speaking Thursday at Chikhwengwe Health Post, Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daudi said that construction of house for a health surveillance assistant (HAS) and an under- five clinics through Chikhwengwe Mother Group was evident enough to demonstrate the community members value health services.
“I am impressed with the community’s level of commitment in ensuring that there is easy access to health services here.
I have taken note of all the challenges which have been listed including absence of potable water at the facility and I assure that we will assist accordingly,” said Daudi.
Chairperson for Chikhwengwe mother group Melifa Phiri said women used to cover long distances to and from the nearest health centre which is a 30 to 45 minutes’ walk and that, that led to an increase in immunization defaulters.
“When we saw the need for a health facility and a house for an HAS, we approached our traditional leaders for the support in coming up with the structures and lucky enough, they welcomed the idea, together we worked on the two projects.
Ever since we started working with the Ministry of Health and Malawi Health Equity Network in monitoring adherence to health seeking behavior, we have noted increased uptake of immunizations,” Phiri said.
Director of Health and Social Services for Mzimba North District, Dr. Naomi Mulwafu added that since establishment of Mother Groups in 2019, there has been increased adherence to immunization with current uptake rate being at about 91 percent.
The health post has a refrigerator for vaccines storage which Chikhwengwe Mother Group advocated for.
Whistleblower Protection Law in the offing
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, January 25, Mana: Malawi is expected to have a Whistleblower Protection Law following extensive stakeholder consultations which have been conducted by Special Law Commission on the Development of the legislation.
Speaking Thursday in Mzuzu during a stakeholder consultation meeting, chairperson for the Special Law Commission, Justice John Chirwa said the commission is expected to be ready with an encompassing draft legislation for submission to cabinet by February 2025.
“However we cannot guarantee that, as sometimes we face funding challenges,” said Justice Banda
Justice Banda added that there is need for stakeholder and public participation to enhance transparency and accountability in the law development process, hence the consultation meeting.
He said whistleblowers are sources of information with high value which can never be sourced through any formal system and that whistleblowing is encouraged in the fight against corruption and other irregular public administration issues.
“We received submissions from the Anti-Corruption Bureau on the need for this law. We therefore intend to develop a comprehensive Whistleblower Protection Law to deal with retribution which is currently very high against whistleblowers,” he said.
He said the idea is to come up with an encompassing universal legislation for the nation which covers all areas to protect whistleblowers and that they are assured of protection.
“Currently we have provisions in the Corrupt Practices Act and Financial Crimes Act among others. Hence, people take it that the provisions in such Acts only pertain to the specific Acts,” he said.
According to Executive Director of Ulalo, James Gondwe, the law will be very important in addressing issues of corruption and all forms of crime.
“At the moment whistleblowers are always afraid of retaliation as we do not have operational mechanisms in this area,” said Gondwe.
He proposed to the commission to come up with a specific body which will be mandated to tackle issues of whistleblower protection besides developing a proper monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that the law is once in place is followed.
Government to support development cautious chiefs
By Martha Simchimba
Lilongwe, January 25, Mana: Minister of Local government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda has urged traditional leaders in the country to spearhead government development projects in their jurisdictions that are aimed at uplifting their subjects living conditions.
Chimwendo Banda was speaking on Wednesday at Malembo ground during the elevation ceremony of Sub-Traditional Authority Msinde to Traditional Authority(TA), Sub-Traditional Authority Chiwaula to Traditional Authority (TA) Chiwaula and Group Village headman Malembo to Sub-Traditional Authority.
He said government is committed to support all traditional leaders across the country who are determined to support the government in its developmental agendas by giving them the much required resources.
“President Chakwera acknowledges the critical role traditional leaders play in spearheading social and economic development in the country. It is therefore important for the traditional leaders to give the president the much needed support as he is developing this country.
Chiefs are the custodians of development, social cohesion and cultural heritage preservation,” he said.
He then condemned some traditional leaders who engage themselves in corruption that have potential to destroy the much needed development their subjects are in need of.
“Government will not tolerate leaders who engage themselves in corruption by denying their subjects development projects that may help them to be uplifted from poverty,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of other traditional leaders, Senior Chief Khongoni thanked government for elevating traditional leaders across the country regardless of the region or tribe they are coming from.
Khongoni further thanked the government for various development projects that are taking place in the district and promised to take a leading role in supporting government development agenda.
He then urged the newly elevated chiefs to be exemplary to their subjects in preserving Chewa cultural values.
RA seeks audience with contractors over construction delays
By Leonard Masauli
Lilongwe, January 25, Mana: Roads Authority says they are not happy with progress of some roads implemented by local contractors across country saying the works so far, does not match with the timeline set according to the contracts.
The Board Chairperson for Roads Authority, Rev. Dr Matilda Matabwa expressed her dissatisfaction during an interface meeting with local contractors to hear their challenges and discuss way forward at Lilongwe Hotel on Wednesday afternoon.
Matabwa said sadly, RA is not happy with the progress of the roads construction by the local contractors and hence an audience with them to appreciate their challenges and chat way forward.
" I am not happy with the progress of the construction works because such delays cost a lot of money. Some projects were supposed to be handed over in July last year but still they have not been finished.
" We have an example of Malomo Ntchisi road as well as M1 rehabilitation as delaying despite contractors being given Contracts to do the work but we still see potholes along the road," said Matabwa.
However, representative of the local contractors, Engineer Dr Rocky Kaunda of Dika company, said the delay has come due to a harsh economic environment due to price changes because of devaluation which has become difficult for contractors to work.
Kaunda said some of the contracts being done were tendered in as far as 2021 and it will be difficult to work on prices of 2021 where devaluation has taken place.
"We are also faced by a challenge of delay of payment where it takes longer period for government to pay. You issue an invoice today and it will take five to six months to get paid yet you have some works to do," lamented Kaunda
Dr Kaunda said he hopes RA will consider on devaluation issue because it is an exceptional event which no one has a control over.
SMES, cooperatives and farmers to benefit from USADF and GoM Partnership
Written by Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe January 24, 2024 MANA; The Unites states of America African Development Foundation and the Government of the Republic of Malawi have agreed to extend partnership with up to US7.5 million dollars’ commitment over next five years for Agricultural Development.
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the US African Development Foundation (USADF), Travis Adkins said the renewal of the funding partnership aims at improving broad scale sustainable economic growth and enhance the living standards of people in this country.
Adkins said the renewal of this partnership has targeted Malawian small holder agricultural producers, cooperatives, farmer groups, Small Scale agribusiness and Small and Medium sized enterprise (SME’s) because they are cornerstones of Malawian economic growth.
Speaking during the meeting Akins further disclosed that this is a five year US co-funding partnership which commits up to US$1.5 million a year in quest to alleviate Malawi citizenry living standards through SMEs, Malawian Small holder agricultural producers, small scale Agribusiness among others.
“This Partnership will benefit Small Scale Malawian Agribusiness, farmer groups, cooperatives and SMEs,” he said.
In his reaction after signed on the partnership, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Simplex Chithyola Banda assured partnership by saying Tonse-led administration will use better this funding to expand Capital SMEs in order to increase export earnings, hence improving forex generation.
He however, urged recipients to use the funds with the intended purpose.
“Because we believe, with proper management we are going to make the difference and make Malawi better,” he said
Since 2008, this partnership has collectively awarded US$5 million in grant funding, supporting 35 small scale Malawian agribusiness, farmer groups, cooperatives, and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Rains destroy houses in Mzuzu’s Chibavi West Ward
By Tawonga Moyo
Mzuzu, January 24, Mana: Houses belonging to about 35 people in Mzuzu City's Chibavi West Ward have been destroyed, following prolonged rainfall which the city has been experiencing for the past two weeks.
Chibavi West Ward’s councilor Gabriel Mwaungulu disclosed this on Wednesday and added that he is currently discussing with block leaders and members of the disaster ward protection committee, as the magnitude of the damage is being assessed.
“We are still assessing the situation on the ground to determine the exact number of the affected households, but, so far, I can confirm that close to seven houses have been destroyed,” said Mwaungulu.
Meanwhile, Mwaungulu has expressed worry on whether the affected households will receive help any time soon, claiming that the current system which Mzuzu City Council uses in responding disaster survivors is not favorable.
“Each time there is a disaster, the disaster desk office at the council gives us conditions which are very questionable. For instance, they say that they can only come in when the affected households have reached a certain number.
“This is very unfortunate, because we expect assistance without attached conditions as such incidents affect lives of people,” said Mwaungulu.
He further said when last year’s floods occurred, those whose houses were built near riverbanks offered to relocate themselves if the council could provide them with land, a thing which he alleged was not fulfilled.
In his remarks, Disaster Desk Officer for the city's council, Precious Mandala, said his office has not yet received any disaster related report, and that if there will be any, the council won’t hesitate to offer assistance.
“The Department of Disaster Management Affairs supports any council with relief items once a report of damages is made and so far, we are yet to receive formal report of cases of flooding within our jurisdiction,” said Mandala.
Mandala then disputed Mwaungulu’s allegations that the council never provides land in times of disasters for the evacuation of survivors.
He said the council provides temporary housing units and that there have always been mixed reactions on the relocation subject.
“When the council gives safe land to the survivors, many are adamant and argue that they are poor and cannot afford to buy land from the council. Some also say that they cannot leave their custom parcels of land,” he said.
Nkhotakota launches 2023/2024 tree planting season.
By Wongani Mkandawire & Innocent Chunga.
Nkhotakota, January 24, Mana: Nkhotakota District Council on Tuesday launched the 2023/2024 tree planting season at Dzikonilonse Primary School in area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Kalimanjira.
The launch came with call for the people of the district and various stakeholders to take part in the exercise of taking care of these trees to increase their survival chances.
Speaking in an interview, Principal District Forestry Officer George Zibophe said the district plans to plant 1.3 million trees in various areas in the district in order to bring back the district's lost vegetation and fight land degradation.
Zibophe said about 70 percent of tree seedlings that were planted last year have survived, adding his office has since encouraged various stakeholders to join hands in the exercise of planting and caring for these trees.
"Stakeholders should take part in addressing some gaps in the exercise, but our office will continue providing technical expertise for increased survival rate of the trees in the district." Said Zibophe.
Chairperson for Nkhotakota District Council, Councilor Charles Chimzukuzuku, said the council is committed to ensure the tree planting exercise taken at community level is in line with environmental conservation activities in the district.
T/A Kalimanjira commended the exercise, observing that this will create natural assets in his jurisdiction which will benefit his community now and generations to come.
Various stakeholders, including government of Iceland, African Parks, Ripple Africa, Umunthu Plus, Bathu Premium Water and Wildlife Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM), supported the tree planting activity in the district.
The country is expected to plant 34 million trees this season under the theme “Forest Innovation in Action: Reforestation for Sustainable Tomorrow" and the exercise is expected to end in April this year.
First Lady champions educational equality for all
Glory Msowoya
Blantyre, January 24, Mana: First Lady Monica Chakwera has called on private sector, both local and international, to rally behind transformative initiatives aimed at promoting equality in education.
She was speaking on Wednesday during the Shaping our Future Foundation (SOFF) 2023 Top Malawi School Certificate of Education Performers Award Ceremony that took place at Blantyre Secondary School.
The event was aimed at awarding outstanding students benefiting from SOFF scholarships in different schools across the country.
Chakwera said there is need for concerted effort from all stakeholders to empower both girls and boys as one way of fostering an environment where they can thrive academically.
She said the call for inclusivity resonates strongly with a commitment of ensuring that education reaches girls with disabilities, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and those residing in remotest areas.
“As partners, we must create an enabling environment that equally encourages girls and boys to attend school, stay in school, and thrive academically. As First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, I pledge to lead and support efforts of advancing girls' education while supporting vulnerable boys.
“Equal chances for boys and girls will yield equal performance, as witnessed today, with two students achieving high points regardless of gender,” she said.
In her remarks, Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima commended SOFF scholarships, praising its alignment with government efforts of supporting underprivileged students across the country.
“We have witnessed vulnerable girls and boys benefitting from SOFF scholarships. This signifies significant positive outcomes for our country.
"As Malawi, we allocate a budget to assist needy students. However, on our own, we cannot reach out to a broader spectrum of students. We earnestly seek additional partners to collaborate with us and alleviate the number of students in need," she said.
Representing SOFF donors, Country Director for Plan International, Mwape Mulumbi, expressed her organization’s unwavering commitment to support the youth through SOFF.
Mulumbi emphasized that mere monetary support is insufficient to truly motivate a child. Instead, she stressed the importance of incorporating inspiring role and innovative models to ignite the flame of motivation within each student.
“I am urging you to see education as a journey that extends beyond the confines of secondary schooling. Go and continue working hard in tertiary education, persevere in your academic pursuits and would like to remind you that your efforts today lay the foundation for a better tomorrow, " she said.
Zainab Mustafa, speaking on behalf of the SOFF beneficiaries, expressed deep gratitude to the First Lady for the timely and impactful sponsorship that has significantly shaped their educational pursuits.
In a passionate plea, Mustafa emphasized the importance of sustaining these crucial programmes to ensure more individuals should benefit from the transformative power of education.
More than 20 students received laptops, school bags, and financial support as part of their awards.
Since its inception in August 2020, the foundation has awarded over 2,500 scholarships, and it is poised to extend scholarships to more than 1,000 students in the current year.
Chikwawa District Council praised for surpassing revenue targets
By Leah Malimbasa
Chikwawa, January 24, Mana: National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) Senior Budget Analyst Patricia Banda has commended Chikwawa District Council for exceeding its local revenue collection target.
Banda made the remarks during a budget review hearing session at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre on Tuesday, where the council presented its 2023/2024 budget to the NLGFC.
“It is very rare for councils to meet and surpass their targets, so what the council has achieved is not easy,” said Banda after the council’s Director of Finance Steven Kanyerere’s presentation.
In his presentation, Kanyerere highlighted that the council collected K251,150,000, surpassing its set target of K172,000,000.
He stated that this locally generated revenue would significantly contribute to improving sanitation in the district.
“We will rehabilitate our market infrastructure, including toilets, to ensure a conducive environment for operating businesses,” Kanyerere explained and further disclosed that government has committed to supporting the Climate Smart-Enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP) with about K4 billion in the next financial year.
“In addition, we will receive support through Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD); there is a tremendous improvement in the figure that the government is committing next financial year across all sectors, which I believe will greatly enhance service delivery to the people of Chikwawa,” he added.
Apart from the local revenue, the presented budget included funds from other sources, such as the District Development Fund, Constituency Development Fund, and Water Resources Fund from the central government.
It also included donor-funded programs like CS-EPWP and GESD, a performance-based grant incentivizing effectiveness and accountability for the performance of local authorities.
District Commissioner for Chikwawa, Nardin Kamba, expressed gratitude to NLGFC for its support and input during the hearing.
“I would also like to thank our staff members for their dedication in coming up with this budget, and together we will ensure that all the comments from the experts here are incorporated into our final budget,” he said.
Commenting on the budget, NLGFC’s Scalable Mechanism Coordinator, Mulder Mkutumula, praised the district for including payment for CS-EPWP.
“Overall, we can rate the budget at 92 percent; once we collaborate on the new elements introduced, it will be perfect,” said Mkutumula.
Currently, the total budget for Chikwawa is K8,085,119,593, but it may change as the council incorporates NLGFC’s input, potentially adjusting the budget either upward or downward by the submission date.
