MANAonline
Regional Police registers a decrease in cases of drugs abuse and trafficking
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, June 28, Mana: South West Police Regional Headquarters in Blantyre has acknowledged a decrease in cases of drug abuse and trafficking between January to June this year as the region registered 38 cases compared this year, compared to 91 cases registered in the same period last year.
Assistant Regional Public Relations Officer for the region, Inspector Edith Kachotsa said in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Friday that in 2023 the region registered a high number of drug abuse and trafficking due to limited resources to track down suspects as the region covers Blantyre, Limbe, Mwanza and Neno districts.
She also disclosed that out of 38 cases, 37 suspects were arrested and appeared before court, saying intensified public awareness on dangers of drug abuse, police investigations and prosecution of suspects was a major factor that led to the reduction.
“The reduction of cases was due to a number of strategies which were put in place, Currently South West Regional Police continues with the strategies and we are also working hand in hand with various stakeholders to make sure this comes to an end,” Kachotsa added.
She said police are expecting the National Drug Policy to balance the drug users' rights as well as the rights of the law enforcers when discharging their duties and encourage all Malawians to work together in the fight against drug abuse.
The police publicist bemoaned the tendency by some drug users who mix drugs to make a new one with no name, observing this has serious implications on health.
In separate interview, National Programme Officer for the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime-Malawi, Maxwell Matewere highlighted the need for the country to move fast in coming up with Drug Control Policy that should help deal with drug abuse and trafficking, saying drug and substance abuse affect mental health among users.
“As a country, we have to accept the fact that issues of drugs is there so as a way forward let’s raise awareness. We should advocate for a policy, facilitating dialogue and collaboration to enhance evidence based prevention, promote and empower the youths to have skills that will help to address the malpractice,” said Matewere.
MERP to improve basic education
By Patience Longwe.
Lilongwe,28 June, Mana; Principal Secretary (PS) Responsible for Basic Education, Dr Rachel Chimbwete Phiri has said the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP) aims at improving learning environment in primary schools by constructing additional classrooms for learners.
Speaking on Friday at the Ministry of Education offices in Lilongwe, Chibwete- Phiri said MERP project wants to construct 10,900 classrooms across the country.
She said, as government they want to ensure that pupils have safe learning environment, that is why they are having different activities taking place like school improvement grants (SIG) which are meant to directly support schools.
“We want to solve the existing primary school problems that is why we came up with this project as a tool to address education issues in the country,
“We also look at the issue of recruitment of auxiliary teachers, as education sector we need to have 1 to 60 teacher, pupil ratio in the primary schools”, She said.
She further said they is need for cooperation in the education sector, saying education is very important to the development of the country that is why efforts should be made to promote the education system.
In her remarks MERP desk Officer for Salima, Tereza Sibande Commended the program saying that it will help to improve education standards in the district.
“We have an activity in the MERP project called learners mentor whereby we help leaners who dropped out of school, many schools here are close to the lake so learners prefer to go to the lake than school. But with this activity we haves sensitised children to come back to school “, Sibande said.
MERP has several components which include school leadership programme (SLP) targeting 10,600 school leaders across the country, construction of 1000 sanitary rooms, hiring 4200 auxiliary teachers, and supporting administration of Common Zonal test, among others aimed at improving primary education.
Creck Sporting to play Chitipa United
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, June 28, Mana: Lilongwe based Creck Sporting Club will play against Chitipa United on Sunday June 30 at Karonga Stadium in the first round of elite TNM Super League fixture.
Last weekend Creck Sporting Club played against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, a game that ended in tears to see-saw supporters for the peoples; team who failed to claim 3 points and managed to walk away with 1 point after a 1-1 draw.
Chitipa was left frustrated by MAFCO FC with 2-0 defeat at Chitowe Stadium in Salima making MAFCO to strictly maintain position 12 on the log table as Chitipa maintained its position in relegation zone of TNM Super League.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday Creck Head Coach, Mc Donald Njinde Mtetemera express optimism that his team will correct maximum points saying that they have prepared very well and his boys are in good shape.
“We have prepared very well and everybody is ready for this game and knows how vital these points are,” he said and urged his players not to be obsessed with their past performance saying that it was a different game and they were playing against a different team.
“Bullets is another team and Chitipa is another team. We cannot take the performance of bullets to apply on Chitipa. The two approach the game differently,” he said.
Chitipa United, Head Coach, Christopher Nyambose said they have done their homework after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Mafco FC in his first game at the touch line as Chitipa’s mentor and is hoping to get his first win on their home ground when they host Creck.
“The full squad is ready for the game. We tried to close gaps which can lead us into destruction and we are geared to battle because if we drop points on this match day, it will not be a good thing. The win will be much more important for our team,” Nyambose said.
The game is coming when Creck Sporting Club is on position 6 at the log table after playing 10 games, managing to correct 15 points while their Sunday’s opponents are stuck at position 15 with 5 points from same number of games.
In other TNM Super League fixtures on Saturday, Kamuzu Baracks FC will host FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Civo Stadium, Fomo will play against Moyale Barracks at Mulanje Park Stadium, Baka City will welcome Bangwe All Stars at Karonga Stadium.
On Sunday Civil Service Club will battle with Silver Strikers in a capital city derby at Civo Stadium, Mzuzu City Hammers will play Mafco at Mzuzu Stadium, Dedza will welcome Karonga at Dedza Stadium and coming from a 2-2 draw against league leaders Silver Strikers.
Mighty Wakawaka Tigers will face Mighty Mukuru Wanderers who defeated Civil Service Club 3-0 at Kamuzu Stadium.
NICE Trust urges more investigative reporting on governance
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, June 28, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has asked journalists to write more investigative stories on governance issues particularly those brought in the public domain by social media influencers.
The organization’s District Program Manager for Rumphi and Mzimba North, Freency Mapanga made the remarks on Thursday in Mzuzu during an orientation workshop for journalists drawn from the city and surrounding areas.
Mapanga said it is the duty of trained journalists to investigate issues reported by social media influencers so that the general public gets verified information.
"Due to increased flow of information to the general public, more people are taking up the role of citizen journalists by reporting issues taking place in communicates on various platforms including social media.
"However it is only journalists that can verify that information and even investigate deeper into the issues, hence the refresher training organized to facilitate the same," said Mapanga.
One of the trainees and Chairperson for Nyika Media Club, an umbrella body for journalists in the northern region, Feston Malekezo commended NICE Trust for the training.
He acknowledged that, even though social influencers may be good whistle blowers, the information they share needs trained journalists to investigate.
"We know that with increased access to information, there is a flood of information being shared by citizens on various forums. However, journalists have a duty to follow up on such tips and investigate because a majority of Malawians rely on formal media institutions to confirm some claims," he said.
Amongst other things, the training involved discussion of ways in which citizen journalism and investigative journalism can work together to ensure proper information dissemination.
National Youth Council of Malawi Empowers Young Entrepreneurs in Agriculture
By Patience Kapinda
Lilongwe, June 28, MANA: The National Youth Council of Malawi (NYC) says it is committed in empowering young entrepreneurs in agriculture through its Empowering Youth in Agriculture (EYA) programme.
Director of Programmes at NYC, Williot Lumbe said the organisation has helped over 500 youths by providing them with loans to expand their businesses and supporting them to export their products outside the country.
"We are not just giving them cash, but we are buying equipment equivalent to that money, Our goal is to empower them to become successful entrepreneurs and contribute to the country's economic growth." He said
NYC has partnered with various organizations, including the National Enterprise Empowerment Fund (NEEF), Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), Centenary Bank, and others, to provide loans and support to young entrepreneurs.
"We are ensuring that government is taking a big part in this initiative," Lumbe added.
The programme recently organized a business pitch competition where youths from various districts, including Mchinji, Mzimba, and Ntchisi, gathered to showcase their innovative ideas and products.
The competition aims at identifying and supporting talented young entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector, providing them with the necessary resources to grow their businesses.
The winners of the competition will receive equipment worth K3.5 million, which will be used to enhance their production capabilities.
Chairlady of the Chimwemwe Youth Club Mphatso Gondwe, one of the participating groups, expressed her gratitude to NYC for the support.
"NYC has taught us how to empower ourselves, We came up with soya milk and coffee products, which are unique and of high quality." she said.
Gondwe expressed her hope about the possibility of winning the competition, which would enable them to purchase a machine to increase their milk production to 5,000 liters per week and irrigation equipment to enhance their farming capabilities.
She said by providing them with the necessary resources and support, NYC is helping to create a new generation of successful entrepreneurs who will contribute to the country's economic growth and development.
Chilomoni Assemblies of God opens branch at Maliya
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, June 28, Mana: Chilomoni Assemblies of God church has opened a new branch at Maliya, Traditional Authority Kuntaja in Blantyre.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, newly appointed Pastor, Harold Sasani who has been assigned to pastor the new church said people at Maliya and surrounding areas should expect spiritual growth, healings and more blessings.
He said the congregation and other community members should also expect more community and social development activities, ranging from construction of a new prayer house to charity works for underprivileged, among others.
“As a pastor l like working with chiefs and the community besides preaching the word of God. Maliya Assemblies of God church has a vision of finding partners that will assist in fundraising to assist the needy,” he said.
Leader for Chilomoni Assemblies of God church, Rev. Maxton Chipungu said Malawi Assemblies of God is a mission oriented church which believes in reaching out to people and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
“We do door to door evangelism apart from crusades. Many people receive Christ while some get delivered and healed,” he added.
He said Malawi Assemblies of God was looking forward to see Maliya church growing and offering more to the community in body and spirit.
“We have a new pastor stationed at Maliya Assemblies of God church. This is a person who is approved by the Malawi Assemblies of God,” he said.
Chilomoni Assemblies of God led by Rev. Chipungu established Maliya church which currently has 27 members to continue evangelizing.
Stakeholders play crucial role in water resource management-NWRA
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, June 27, Mana: The National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) Senior Civic Education and Public Relations Officer, Masozi Kasambala has said stakeholders in the water sector play a critical role in managing and conserving water resources.
Kasambala made the remarks in Mchinji on Tuesday during a stakeholders meeting aimed at equipping them with the necessary technical knowledge so that they are empowered to properly conduct their role in water resource conservation.
"As you know, Malawi 2063 vision serves as our development blueprint; under the Agenda we must achieve urbanization, industrialization, commercialization, and agricultural productivity. Sustainable water resources are essential for attaining these pillars, which is why it is imperative for all stakeholders, including Area Development Committees (ADCs), to be well-versed in water resource management," said Kasambala.
Principal Community Development Officer for Mchinji, Joyce Mtukuso expressed gratitude to the NWRA for engaging the ADCs on water resource issues.
"As a council, we rely on ADCs for any development matters. I am pleased that they have been briefed on their responsibilities and expect them to implement what they have learned," said Mtukuso.
Chipiliro Phiri, chair of the ADC from Traditional Authority (TA) Zulu, thanked the NWRA for organizing the meeting.
"We were not aware that we needed to register if we need to use water resources. Now we have a better understanding of many aspects of water resource management, including where to obtain a license after registering to use government water resources," Phiri said.
The NWRA established in 2013, operates under the laws of the Malawi government, focusing on the sustainable management and conservation of the nation's water resources.
Council concerned with increase in GVB cases
By Mwai Kumanda
Lilongwe, June 27, Mana; The Lilongwe District Council has expressed concern over the increase in Gender Based Violence (GBC) cases in the district.
Speaking on Thursday during a stakeholders meeting, Lilongwe District Gender Officer, Gertrude Simwaka said the district recorded 6,859 GBV cases from April 2023 to April 2024.
Simwaka attributed the increase to poverty and lack of self-reliance, as some of the factors contributing to the high rate of GBV in the communities.
She said out of the 6,859 GBV cases recorded, 5,429 involved women while 1,430 were males.
"These figures are very worrisome, considering several intervetions government and Non-Govermental Organisations (NGOs) are implementing in the district.
“The cases recorded mainly include; physical, sexual, economic and emotional abuse and 80 percent of the victims are women." she said.
Lilongwe Police Station Community Policing Coordinator, Sub Inspector Laudan Kaira called on the general public to report GBV cases on time.
“There is need for women empowerment, as many of the women falling victim have high reliance on men and have no choice but to go back to the same marriage and live with their abuser. There is need to encourage and link women to groups that will empower them financially,” said Kaira.
Speaking earlier, Coalition for the Empowerment of Women and Girls (CEWAG), Project Officer, John Kachere said his organization will continue to raise awareness to empower women and girls by introducing a revolving fund so that they venture into small scale businesses.
Capital City giants in a ‘do make or break battle’
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, June 28, Mana: Capital City football rivalry will be back in fold when traditional bragging rights are on play on Sunday during TNM Super League when Civil Service United will rock horns with current league leaders, Silver Strikers at Civo Stadium in Area 9, Lilongwe.
Could it be Civil’s year to use home advantage to contain the pressure and come out of shell to register the first defeat of the season to the Central Bankers?
Maybe it will be the usual fixture fulfilling but the visiting Bwandilo Boys have an advantage over their rivals looking at their rich form of vein.
Civil had travelled to Blantyre last Sunday where they were beaten 3-0 by Mighty Mukuru Wanderers with Christopher Kumwembe claiming a hat trick while Leaders were held to a painful 2-2 draw after leading the game twice and the last minute strike by the hosts was a killer punch.
Civil are lying on position seven with 14 points from 10 games while Bwandilo Boys are leading with 26 points from the same number of game and head to head record favours the Bankers but 90 minutes will tell.
Kamuzu Barracks will came face to face with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Civo Saturday on Saturday coming from a 0-0 draw against Baka City in Karonga.
Bullets displayed luckless football against Creck Sporting despite creating close chances to earn them maximum points.
From a draw, training boycott and snatching of team bus by sheriffs of the High court due to non-payment of court ruling characterized the people’s team’s week in short.
From the grapevine, there are indications that Bullets’ shameless performance for the past 10 weeks was that some players were involved in match fixing where they were receiving cash from some officials from their rival clubs.
The issue is with Bullets officials for further investigations and the said players are said on danger of having their contracts terminated or face no renewable.
Lifeless Bullets squad have largely depended on scoring prowess of young and promising winger Patrick Mwaungulu who had scored five goals this season while their main strikers are on goal drought.
His imminent departure to TP Mazembe of Democratic of Congo (DRC) alongside Lanjesi Nkhoma should be cause for worry for Bullets title defensive.
Third placed mighty Mukuru Wanderers, the only that will be looking for a winner over Mighty Waka Waka Tigers.
The Kanjedza Boys are reported to be playing a more attractive football under their coach, Leo Mpulula and they attack in numbers.
Count yourself as winners after 90 plus minutes because they are more danger especially in the dying minutes of the game as evidence when they stopped hot contenders, Silver Strikers at Mecca Stadium before faithful Ganyu fans.
Tigers have pulled two surprised draws against Bullets 1-1 and Silver 2-2 at Kamuzu Stadium while Nomads have a task to change the pattern.
However, Wanderers have maintaining their two winning streak against Premier Bet, Dedza Dynamos 3-1 and Civil Service United 3-0 with Meke Mwase at the helm.
The following are full fixtures for the weekend kicking off at 2:30 pm.
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Kamuzu barracks vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets @ Civo Stadium
FOMO vs Moyale Barracks @ Mulanje Park
Baka City vs Bangwe All Stars @ Karonga Stadium
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Mzuzu City Hammers vs Mafco @ Mzuzu Stadium
Chitipa United vs Creck Sporting @ Karonga Stadium
Mighty Waka Waka Tigers vs Mighty Mukuru Wanderers @ Kamuzu Stadium
Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos vs Karonga United @ Dedza Stadium
Civil Service United vs Silver Strikers @ Civo Stadium
DRTSS warns operators of overloading
By Tione Andsen
Balaka, June 27, Mana: Department of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS) has warned truck owners and operators in the country not to over load their vehicles when transporting goods and services.
DRSS Chief Road Traffic Officer, Larry Chewere sounded the warning Thursday at Balaka Weighbridge during Media Tour on projects being implemented by Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP) under Ministry of Transport and Public Works with funding from World Bank as part of the Nacala Corridor development.
He said most roads are being damaged because of overloading by operators hence they are being subjected to fines.
Chewere dismissed assertions that weighbridges are over charging operators saying they are not meant for income generating but are used for safety measures.
“Weighbridges are not meant for income generating but providing guidance to operators to comply with loading limits for their vehicles. Our fines generally are not small one,” the Chief Road Officer admitted.
“Weighbridges are placed at specific areas in order to check movements of loads. We normally monitor movements of the loads in order to protect our roads from being damaged as a result of overloading by operators,” he viewed.
He promised the Directorate would continue using weighbridges to ensure that right loads are being moved and the project would soon provide mobile weighbridges for spot checks.
Chewere added that they have been conducting workshops, awareness meetings with operators on the dangers of overloading their vehicles and its impact on the life span of the roads.
“Overloading will not only damage the roads but their vehicles are affected as a result of carry goods which are exceeding in weight capacity,” he explained.
The Chief said the fines are being calculated based on current market price and the Directorate usually uses NBS Bank rates for the day.
“If the Directorate will use weighbridges for revenue generation that means compliance is failing. Fines are on there for checks and balances to the operators not to exceed weight limits,” he clarified.
He said once operators adhere to carry recommended loads, they would help government to save funds for maintenance and they would save their vehicles from frequent maintenance.
“We are charge our fines in US$ because they cater for both local and international operators. We normally collect K 80 to 100 million per month. Last year, we collected over K 1.4 billion of the fines at Balaka Weighbridge,” Chewere added.
He disclosed that SATCP would provide funds for the constriction of weighbridge near Machinga Teachers’ Training College (TTC) in order to curb over loading of trucks passing through that road.
He believes that weight bridge at Liwonde would greatly help to curb overloading that operators using roads that have no weighbridges would be controlled
“we are expecting to have two more weighbridges in Nkhotakota and Mwanza inland in order to control follow of goods on the country’s roads,” headed.
Station Manager for Balaka Weighbridge, Richard Sochera said overloading vehicles cause damage to the environment because they produce a lot of fumes.
He said operators should view mobile and permanent weighbridges as a tool to protect the roads from being damaged as a results of carrying excess loads.
