By Doricah Mkwapatira

Machinga, June 17, Mana: The Machinga District Council handed over contract agreements that will see contractors working on K600 million worth of projects, ranging from school infrastructure to bridges, to improve child education and mobility in the district.

The contract agreements were signed on Tuesday at six sites where contractors, Fumba Construction Company, will construct a learning block at Mgonachawa School, Pen Investment to construct Lingoni concrete bridge, and Cheyeka Construction Company will construct staff houses at Ntaja Rural Hospital.

The agreement will also see First Born Construction Company constructing Mpotola Community Day Secondary School staff houses, Manjawira Construction Company will be responsible for Chipinda Bridge, while Erid Building and Civil Construction Company will be at Naminga School to construct a classroom block.

Director of Public Works, Francis Chipojola, was grateful for the start of the projects and expressed optimism that the projects will be completed in good time, urging the contractors to honour their contractual agreements.

“This marks a significant milestone in transforming our district. I expect all stakeholders to ensure these projects succeed. I also urge contractors to commence work within two weeks, failing which their contracts will be terminated,” he added.

In his remarks, Machinga District Council Chairperson, Councillor Simplex Diwa said the projects will be of great impact once completed, citing the construction of education and health facilities.

“Infrastructure like Chipinda Bridge will also improve access to schools and health facilities, especially during rainy seasons when rivers normally flood. These projects will greatly benefit our communities,” he added.

Maxford Chikuni of Erid Building and Civil Construction Company assured the council of quality work, speed and transparency in the course of the work.

“We will construct durable infrastructure and engage local communities during the works. We will work to meet project deadlines,” he said.

On behalf of traditional authorities in Machinga, Senior Chief Chamba lauded government for bringing the infrastructural projects in the district, describing the initiative as “investment in the critical sectors of the society”.

He added that the infrastructural projects were relevant in responding to the real situation on the ground, expressing hope that the infrastructure would contribute to the district's overall development.

Construction in the six sites will be done under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project with funding from the World Bank.

By Tikondane Vega and Patience Longwe

Zomba, June 18, Mana: Principal for Domasi College of Education Dr Arkangel Mtipe Yambeni has commended government for improving infrastructure development at the institution, saying this has created a conducive environment for both teachers and students.

Dr Yambeni said this at the institution on Tuesday when journalists visited the school to appreciate several developments that have taken place in the past months.

The Principal said, for example, the construction of an office complex with 26 offices has created space for both Deans and lecturers, as previously the school was still using infrastructure that the Teachers Training College (TTC) had used.

“Despite being a big College, the infrastructure was the same that was left but the current government has made it possible to give us this office complex that can accommodate our staff in a safe environment. As this is not enough, government has also constructed a two-floor library.

“The library accommodates 570 students at once.  It comprises a digital library, discussion section, and electronic catalogue. This replaced our old library, which was small and could only accommodate 150 students. During the reading week as we got closer to the examination period, it was even worse as students were sitting on the floor. The new library has created a good environment for students here,” said Yambeni.

He further said the construction of two lecture theatres at the school is another milestone that the current administration has brought to the school saying previously the institution had a small theatre that could only accommodate 50 students.

According to the Principal, each new theatre accommodates 150 students, which has also increased learning space at the school.

He said,” We also have three lecture rooms that accommodate 50 students each. Government also gave us a computer lab that can carry 60 students at once. All these have created space for learning and improved environment at the school.

“We have also received six hostels for girls and each accommodates 20 women. This has given space for more females to enroll with us. Besides all these, government has given us six science laboratories with physics, biology and chemistry using two and each room accommodates 60 students at once. The laboratories have state-of-the-art microscopes that others come to use.

He said all these have helped over 4000 students that are currently at the school to do their education better without facing difficulties adding the good news is that all these infrastructure developments are disability friendly.

One of Domasi College students Trizzer Jafali said the old library was not enough to accommodate all the students adding even the laboratories lacked sufficient equipment making it difficult for students to learn effectively.

“The coming in of new infrastructures has made learning to undergo a significant transformation. The construction of new hostels has been a game-changer for students, particularly females. It is a big opportunity for female students like me to learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Higher Education spokesperson Gift Chiponde has said the new infrastructure at Domasi College of Education strongly aligns with the Ministry’s strategic priorities.

“The resource centre and library foster academic excellence by providing access to up-to-date learning resources and modern research facilities. The administration block enhances institutional efficiency, improving governance and the delivery of essential services.

“The newly constructed hostel alleviates accommodation challenges, thereby broadening access to higher education, especially for students from rural and underserved areas,” said Chiponde.

He said the developments underscore unwavering commitment to strengthen teacher education and creating conducive learning environments.

“Collectively, they represent a significant step forward in our efforts to elevate the quality, relevance, and inclusivity of higher education across Malawi,” Chiponde added.

By Patience Longwe

Zomba, June 18, Mana: Assistant Registrar Administration at the University of Malawi (UNIMA), Kumvenji Lamba, has underscored the importance of the new administration block that government has constructed at the institution, saying it has addressed the pressing need for more office spaces and enhancing status.

Speaking during a media tour on Tuesday at the site, Lamba said the administration block has streamlined the operations of the University and provides a symbol of excellence.

According to Lamba, as the school continues to grow each passing year, it is important to have state-of-the-art buildings that align with the mandate.

“Over the past years, the University of Malawi has been steadily growing, evidenced by the significant increase in student enrollment and number of staff which is currently at 800. Hence the new building that has provided with 100 offices is crucial.

“I must say with such infrastructures UNIMA has become a source of admiration. University now has a new face and we hope government will continue to support us being a public university,” said Lamba.

He said the university's partnership with government and other institutions, such as the World Bank, will continue to drive growth and development.

Spokesperson for Higher Education, Gift Chiponde said the new infrastructure at UNIMA strongly aligns with the Ministry’s strategic priorities.

Chiponde said the administration block will enhance institutional efficiency, improving governance and the delivery of essential services.

“These developments underscore our unwavering commitment to strengthening teacher education and creating conducive learning environments. Collectively, they represent a significant step forward in our efforts to elevate the quality, relevance, and inclusivity of higher education across Malawi,” he said.

By Solister Mogha

Zomba, June 17, Mana: Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Owen Chomanika, on Tuesday launched Kachulu fish landing site, a fish processing facility in Zomba, which is expected to promote fish business along Lake Chilwa.

Launching the facility, Chomanika said post fishing losses have been an issue for years, lamenting that the losses prevented Malawi to reach its 700,000 metric tons demand.

The Minister disclosed that Malawi currently produces 200,000 metric tons, saying this was far than expected.

“This facility will enable fishers to properly clean their fish and package for various markets. Fish industry has potential to grow the country’s economy,” he added.

Chomanika said the Kachulu fish landing site will also allow fishers to keep fresh fish protected as the new facility will have refrigerated space.

Kachulu fish landing site has been constructed under Sustainable Fisheries Aquaculture Development and Watershed Management project with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Project Coordinator, Robert Kafakoma said the plan to construct the facility was based on fishers’ outcry on post fish harvest losses despite their efforts to avoid losses.

He said the structure provides a better business platform and spur fishing business in the Lake Chilwa area.

“About 15 of these structures have been built across the country and we expect businesses to flourish,” Kafakoma added.

Zomba District Council Chairperson, Councilor Blazio Chinthenga, said the district has greatly benefited from the Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture Development, and Watershed Management Project. He expressed hope that more people, especially the youth, will venture into fish selling for economic empowerment.

“The facility will help in processing fish and package to suit all types of markets in and outside the country,” he said.

Sub Traditional Authority, Lamusi hailed government for introducing the project, saying the facility at Kachulu will improve fish business around Lake Chilwa and beyond.

She said fishing is one of the big and fast growing businesses in the area, explaining that lack of  storage and cooling facilities proved setback in the business.

“At least, we have a place where we can prepare our fish and store them before transporting them to various markets.

Kachulu Beach Village Committee (BVC) Ronie Misokwe said the facility will provide fishers an opportunity to properly handle fish and improve quality, as this was one of the factors that affected business.

“This facility will also connect us to various markets across the country. This will also be a reliable fish market,” she added.

Lake Chilwa contributes 20 percent of the fish catches in Malawi such that in 2024 the lake produced about 25,000 metric tons of fish.

About K300 million was used to set the Kachulu facility.

By Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, June 17, Mana:  Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Basic Education, Rachael Chimbwete Phiri has disclosed positive feedback on the Building Education Foundation through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) program, where learners use tablets in primary education.

She made the remarks at Chinyata Primary School in Mchinji where the PS together with Rwanda delegates conducted an inspection to appreciate the use of tablets by children below standard 4 classes.

She said the ministry is working together with school administrations across the country to introduce and implement the use of tablets among primary schools.

“As a ministry we have mobilised resources for the program and now we have managed to provide tablets to about 960 schools across the country and we have managed to train teachers on it’s usage by placing the program on the curriculum.

“The program has received a lot of feedback as it has brought interest in children to attend classes and many of them are now about to read and write properly,” disclosed Phiri.

Phiri said the Rwanda government brought it’s representative to appreciate the progress of the project in different schools across the country.

Deputy Headteacher at Chinyata Primary School, Teresa Sathawa, commended the ministry for introducing the programme at their school in 2023 as it has attracted and helped many children to enrol at the school.

“We have seen an increase in the number of children enrolling in Standard 1, from 955 to 1,364 learners this year,” she explained.

One of the representatives from Rwanda, Flora Motezigaju, who is the Deputy Director General for Rwanda Basic Education, stated that the program is highly effective among children here in Malawi.

“I noted that students are very active and very curious on how to use the tablets hence l believe it’s going to help them in their studies as they can navigate the content without having difficulties.

“This is going to improve our Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education back in Rwanda by using the same method taken from Malawi today,” she disclosed.

The ministry aims to introduce the program into 6,000 primary schools by 2029.

By: Andrew Mkonda

Lilongwe, June 17, Mana: Angry villagers from Chisiyo in Lilongwe have vandalized the newly built Chisiyo Police and burnt two vehicles that were apprehended by the traffic police few days ago.

Lilongwe Police Spokesperson, Inspector Hastings Chigalu has confirmed the incident in an interview.

“The cause of this incident today (Tuesday) is that it was on Saturday when two people were found dead and are suspected to be a Kabaza taxi operator and a passenger.

“When this issue was reported to the police, the community managed to arrest one of the suspects and handed him in the hands of the police. Later, members of the community, most of them Kabaza operators came back again demanding the release of the suspect so that they deal with him, but at that time, the police had already sent the suspect to Lilongwe police, this made the angry community to start vandalize the police unit,” he said.

Currently, no any arrest has been made.

Meanwhile, police is informing the general public that it is against the law to take the law in their hands.

By Lesnat Kenan

Lilongwe, June 17, Mana: The Malawi Investment and Trade Center (MITC) Director General, Kruger Phiri has stated the importance of MITC's participation in the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), saying this is crucial for creating trade and investment opportunities between Malawi and China.

In a statement by Malawi Investment and Trade Center (MITC), Phiri said through CAETE Malawian exporters gained critical insights into advanced processing technologies, empowering them to enhance their position in the global value chain in order to boost competitiveness and profitability.

"We have created a strong demand for Malawian products and we have secured significant orders for 100,000 matric tones (MT) of soya beans, 30,000 MT of groundnuts, 10,000 MT of dried chilles, and an open ended contract for macadamia nuts, reinforcing Malawi's reputation as a high quality agro-producer,” he said.

The statement adds that during the event Malawi's precious minerals and gemstones attracted exceptional interest with sales exceeding expectations and showcasing the country's rich minerals wealth.

He further added that three major deals were signed: the direct sourcing of 30 metric tonnes of amethyst, 1,000 metric tonnes of milky quartz, and an open-ended order for mica.

During the event over five tons of inquiries were recorded for Malawi's handcrafted arts and crafts, highlighting global demand for the country's creativity treasures.

Phiri said several investors visited Malawi's pavilion, expressing keen interest in opportunities across agriculture, mining, and value-added industries, solidifying the country’s position as an emerging investment destination.

The statement further said, beyond CAETE, Malawi's permanent pavilion in Changsha will continue serving as a strategic showcase for the country’s products.

Meanwhile, MITC is developing plans for an accompanying warehouse facility to maintain minimum stock level of premium Malawian goods, ensuring sustained market access and seamless trade facilitation with China partners.

The expo has also strengthened Malawi-China economic relations, paving the way for long-term partnership and industrializations.

MITC therefore expressed gratitude to Malawian exporters, partners, and all those who contributed to this resounding success.

The event was held in Chingsha, China under the theme "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernisation.

By Milcah Mathias

Blantyre, June 17, Mana: Communities in Traditional Authorities Machinjiri and Somba of Blantyre have been encouraged to practice integrated homestead farming to enhance food security and nutrition.

This was disclosed on Monday in Blantyre during the joint supervision using Community Behavior Tracking Mechanism Tool (CBTM) conducted by University of Malawi (UNIMA) and District Nutrition Coordinating Committee (DNCC).

Speaking in an interview, Project Assistant for UNIMA, Nailes Ngwira said the tool, which was developed by UNIMA, was used to track the progress of the SUN integrated project, which is being implemented in the areas by Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) with support from KFW.

She said: “This is done by monitoring and evaluating the results through feedback sessions with community members, on best practices of promoting homestead farming and maintaining good hygienic practices.”

According to Ngwira, the project was encouraging communities to have backyard gardens and venture in livestock production from which they could obtain meat and eggs for good nutrition.

“They were also encouraged to grow fruit trees and have in their homes drying racks and hand-washing facilities. So far, we are impressed with what we have seen," said Ngwira.

Village Headman Cham'bwinja 2 from Cham'bwinja Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Machinjiri said the practice has helped supplement his household diet.

A beneficiary of the project, Stivelia Moses from Mkoka Village, GVH Nzeru, TA Somba said the backyard garden has been helping her not only obtain nutritional supplements for her family but also by doing business to make profits.