Phalombe, June 4, Mana: Habitat for humanity has donated shelter materials to 430 Cyclone Freddy survivors’ households from Traditional Authority Jenala in Phalombe district to help them construct temporary houses.

The materials donated include timber, robes, hammers, panga knives, hoes, blankets, shovels, nails, tents among others amounting to K160 million.

Speaking in an interview on Saturday  during the donation, the organization’s Country Director Anock Kapila said shelter was the worst affected sector during cyclone Freddy and the donation is one way of fulfilling the organization's vision of providing decent house to everyone.

He explained: " We are going to teach them how to construct temporary houses using the materials provided and also how to construct better houses when they have resources to reconstruct their houses."

Speaking earlier, Director of Planning and Development for Phalombe Kelvin Harawa thanked the organisation for the timely assistance saying this will go a long to assist survivors whose houses were destroyed.

He added that in the meantime, Phalombe Council is appealing to  well-wishers to continue supporting the district for resilience in all sectors of education, health, agriculture, housing among others.

“Crops were washed away during Cyclone Freddy and this affected nutrition status of the affected population. Further, school enrollment has also been affected,” he added.

Harawa then asked the beneficiaries to use the materials received for intended purpose saying once found selling, the law will take its course.

He said, "whether you are going to sell in Limbe, we are going to trace you with assistance from police."

One of the beneficiaries Enifa Basikolo thanked the organisation for the assistance saying she has been staying with relatives in a kitchen together with her three children since Cyclone Freddy started and the materials will help her to relocate. 

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LILONGWE, May 31, Mana: Four elderly women aged between 55 and 80 were spotted sitting together at Nyachirenda Evacuation Camp in Nsanje during a sensitisation meeting on gender based Violence (GBV), Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) that Malawi Irish Consortium on GBV organised weeks after the disaster.

The expression on their faces was, not surprising thou, that of despair and resignation as they peeled what, from a distance, looked like a darker variety of Irish potato.

Like hundreds of others at the camp, and in many Cyclone Freddy Camps, the four women had lost almost everything, including the food they had in their houses, and the food they were yet to realize from the crops in their fields.

The camp had, at the time of the visit, exhausted the food that the Department of Disaster and Management Affairs (DoDMA) had supplied and it was an every-man-for-himself; God-for-us-all affair as they awaited the next supply.

"The situation is dire here," complained one of the elderly women, Jessie Million, when this reporter engaged them in an interview.

"We've run out of food and this is all we can make do with," she added, showing this reporter the presumed 'dark variety of Irish potato'.

"We call this Nyika, and it is common food here in Nsanje, although we do not eat it by choice because its taste isn't all that pleasant," explained Million, who hails from Thaundi Village, GVH Ngulume, TA Ndamera in the district, just like the other three.

According to the elderly women, Nyika grows in marshes, or on river banks, and the plant comes in handy as food during lean periods, despite its unpalatability.

Most of the camps that the Malawi Irish Consortium on GBV visited for sensitisation in Nsanje, Chikwawa, Blantyre and Thyolo, reported insufficient food supply as key challenge facing them.

At one camp in Chikwawa, Mission for Africa, in Traditional Authority Lundu, Cyclone Freddy survivors there claimed that they had stayed for a week living on porridge and beans.

"We received porridge flour and beans: So what we are doing is to harden the porridge a bit so that it replaces nsima as we take it together with the beans," explained one, Ester Chapepa.

But while the survivors have had to endure food shortages for days before more supplies from DoDMA and other humanitarian organizations and individuals, it is life after the camp that scares the internally displaced persons (IDPs) a lot.

The future is grimmer to the elderly like Million and her fellow three senior citizens at Nyachirenda Camp; single mothers looking after their families, and children looking after themselves.

One such displaced person is Dorica Green, a single mother who hails from Group Village Headman Kasambwe, Traditional Authority Makhuwira in Chikwawa, and she was among the displaced people at Livunzu Primary School in the East bank.

Green survived the disaster together with her four children aged between 12 and two.

"We lost everything, except these clothes which we’re putting on till today," explained Green, cradling her youngest child who was half naked from the waist upwards. "I really don't know where to begin from after leaving this camp," she added.

The issue of food insecurity among the displaced people is a cause for worry to the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, too, as, according to the ministry’s spokesperson, Pauline Kaude, the situation creates room for GBV.

Kaude observed that food insecurity in camps puts pressure on household heads some of whom consequently resort to abandoning their families: a form of GBV.

“Food insecurity is also linked to GBV since it leads to high levels of sexual Exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH) of survivors in camps by both the people with positions in there, and community members surrounding camps,” she added.

The spokesperson said her ministry, together with partners, will continue to carry out GBV and PSEAH awareness campaigns, consistently, while enhancing women economic empowerment to enable them to ably provide needs for their households.

Statistics indicate that the impact of Tropical Cyclone Freddy weighed heavier on women than it did on men.

According to DoDMA's Tropical Cyclone Freddy Emergency Response Plan, out of the 2,267,458 people who were affected by the disaster, 1,156,819 were women and girls of reproductive age, accounting for 51.0 percent.

The Response Plan further notes that approximately 202,095.5 hectares (ha) of cropped area belonging to 467,958 households were destroyed and, of the affected households, 241,535 (representing 51.6 percent) belonged to females.

Furthermore, according to the Response Plan, those affected and rendered food insecure, in one way or the other, were 1,637,351 people from 363,856 households where 794,399 belonged to males, while 842,952 belonged to females, respectively accounting for 48.5 and 51.5 percentages.

“The situation is critical for people who are living in camps as they lost almost all their items, especially food,” reads the Response Plan, under ‘Food Security’ section.

It adds: “Owing to this situation, there is a need to urgently support the affected people with food assistance: Priority food items to be supplied are cereals, pulses, and oil; and corn soy blend for under-five children, pregnant and lactating women for the prevention of malnutrition.”

The DoDMA’s three-month Response Plan, which was released in March, is targeting the 363,856 households (1,637,351 people) who were highly affected by the Cyclone.

The plan’s key aim is to address “the immediate survival needs while restoring basic socio-economic services, and facilitating the affected people’s transition to early recovery”.

According to DoDMA, the successful implementation of the Tropical Cyclone Freddy Response Plan requires MWK147.8 billion and the agriculture sector alone requires MWK21.1bn to help the displaced people and those who lost their crops recover.

The Response Plan intends to immediately support 279,517 affected farming households out of the overall 467,958 affected farming households.

The targeted households include 168,956 (with a total area of 50,429 hectares) with maize seed and fertilizers for winter cropping to improve the households’ food and income security to sustain their livelihoods.

Additionally, DoDMA plans to support 110,561 affected households with sweet potato vines and bean seed, on a total area of 33,000.8 hectares, according to the Response Plan.  

According to DoDMA spokesperson, Chipiliro Khamula, as of Monday, May 29, 2023, only 75 camps remained un-decommissioned in 9 councils from the initial 749 camps that DoDMA established in 16 councils to accommodate 659,278 displaced people.

The remaining camps are in Zomba (1), Machinga (8), Thyolo (5), Chikwawa (22), Mulanje (7), Phalombe (1), Chiradzulu (1), Mangochi (1) and Nsanje (29).

“In collaboration with various humanitarian partners, we are providing the affected people with a return package, which includes food and non-food items such as tarpaulins, plastic sheets for temporary roofing, maize flour, clothes and in some cases, cash,” explained Khamula in response to this reporter’s brief questionnaire.

He added: “Plans are also at an advanced stage for the provision of cement, through councils; to selected marginalized households for reconstruction of houses in safer places.”

For the displaced people in some areas such as the Lower Shire, with the winter cropping season now at hand, timely provision of farm inputs such as seeds and fertilizer, as highlighted in the DoDMA Response Plan, is a most welcome idea.

“We farm all year round, here” explained Million, one of the senior citizens at Nyachirenda, gathering the Nyika food she had been peeling together with her three other contemporaries.

“Other than rain-fed farming, we rely on winter cropping here using residual moisture; so, if we can be assisted with the required inputs in time, perhaps life after leaving the camp would not be as scary as we are imagining it now,” she said.

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Salima, June 2, Mana: Construction of an Amphitheatre at Gwirize cultural village in the area of Senior Chief Pemba in Salima district is expected to boost tourism through showcasing of different local dances and songs.

The structure which has been constructed with support from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, through More Income and Employment in Rural Areas (MIERA) programme implemented by GIZ, was officially handed over on Wednesday.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Salima, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity, and Culture Dr Elizabeth Gomani Chindebvu, highlighted the significance of culture as not only an integral part of people's identity but also as a potential driver of tourism.

She emphasised that the cultural traditions displayed at Gwirize cultural village reflect the heritage of the area and provide a link to the past, which is essential for preserving a legacy for future generations.

"The government seeks to preserve and promote the diverse cultures of all ethnic groups in our country, fostering national pride, unity in diversity, and cultural tourism, people of this area are known by the Cultural traditions that they display at this cultural village and through that we awaken the past of our ancestors and every step we take ushers us into the past," said Chindebvu.

She also said that one of the major challenges that culture faces is lack of purpose-built infrastructure and the Amphitheatre will go a long way in promoting culture in the country.

Head of Development Cooperation in the Embassy of the Republic of Germany Knut Steffen Gummert expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts between Germany, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Gwirize community.

He emphasised that the Amphitheatre would not only attract more tourists but also generate income for the local population.

"This construction exemplifies the successful partnership between Germany, the Ministry of Tourism, and the people of Gwirize community. The Amphitheatre will not only bring in more tourists but also provide income opportunities for many people," said Gummert.

Gummert acknowledged the negative impact of the pandemic on the tourism sector, which led to a decline in international visitors and subsequent loss of jobs and income for many in the industry.

Chairperson for Gwirize cultural village, Noah Chana expressed gratitude to the Embassy for their support, highlighting the positive impact the infrastructure will have on tourism activities and the overall well-being of the communities.

Gwirize cultural village, established in 2004 and managed by indigenous people from Salima district, stands as a testament to the significance of cultural preservation and economic development in the region.

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Kasungu, June 2, Mana: Commissioner for Central East Police Region, Rhoda Manjolo, has asked police officers in the region to be dedicated and disciplined and forge a cordial relationship amongst themselves in the course of executing their duties.

Manjolo was speaking Thursday during the launch of a K7.5 million Central East Police Region Commissioner’s trophy at Kasungu Stadium.

She said discipline, physical fitness and dedication are crucial traits in a police officer alongside strengthened work relationship. 

Said Manjolo: “This trophy was initiated by our Inspector General Merlyn Yollam to ensure that as police officers we are always physically fit, united and disciplined at all times.

“It is my hope that this sporting competition will promote discipline, unity and physical fitness which are important elements in our work as police.”

The commissioner also courted prospective partners to support the initiative through donation of sporting furniture like balls, boots, among others

Regional Operations Officer for the region Mike Sitolo said the launched trophy will motivate police officers and help them cool off when off duty.

“We are thankful to the Commissioner for this trophy as it will promote good health in us and at the same time keep us busy,” he said.

Among the sports disciplines to be competed in the trophy are football, netball, volleyball and tag of war. Two district finalists will compete at national level at a date yet to be set.

During the launch which was spiced by a march from the regional police headquarters and supported by First Capital Bank, Central East regional football club played against Dowa Police in a match that ended one all draw.

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Thyolo, May 31, Mana: Police in Thyolo are keeping in custody a driver and 10 others for allegedly being found transporting metal scraps suspected to have been stolen from Limbe- Sandama Railway Line.

Deputy Public Relations Officer for Thyolo Police Station, Rabecca Kashoti  confirmed the arrest of the people and identified the driver as a 55-year-old Kenneth Adam of Kanji Village, Traditional Authority Likoswe, in Chiradzulu district.

"It is reported that during the night of 29th May 2023, officers from Masambanjati Police Post working on a night shift were tipped off by a well-wisher that motor vehicle registration number PE 2443 was transporting metal scraps from Sandama Village heading towards Masambanjati Trading Centre

"Upon receiving the information, the police officers mounted an adhoc road block along Makwasa-Masambanjati-Thekerani road. In course of executing official duties around the area they came across a motor vehicle bearing the same registration number PE 2443 loaded with metal scraps as well as five gas cylinders which are believed to have been used in the commissioning of the crime. Upon interrogation, it was found out that the metal scraps were stolen from Limbe-Sandama Railway Line," she said.

Kashoti added that Police officers later communicated with officials from Central East Africa Railways who identified the metals to be of their company.

Meanwhile, the vehicle which was being used to transfer the metals has been detained at Thyolo Police Station and the suspects will appear before court soon.

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Blantyre, May 30, Mana: Police in Blantyre have arrested three people on allegation that they were in possession of fake K5, 000 banknotes amounting to K40, 000.

Southwest Region Police Deputy Spokesperson, Beatrice Mikuwa alleges that the three were found with a laptop, printer and cell phones suspected to have been used to print the notes.

"The suspects wanted to deposit money to a mobile money agent at Chitawira area on Monday who suspected the notes to be fake and alerted the Police who were patrolling the area," she said.

According to Police, the accused are Ishmael Ackim, Enock Likanga Chirwa and Vinkula Kavwenje from Machinjiri, Ntcheu and Ntchisi respectively.

Earlier this year, Police in Mangochi arrested Panganani William, 21 after he was found with K300, 000 fake banknotes.

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Lilongwe, May 30, Mana: Lingazi Police Station in Lilongwe has registered a 12.8 percent upturn in crime rate from January to May this year.

Presenting a report on the state of security in Lilongwe during Station Executive Committee (SEC) meeting on Monday at Ufulu Garden, Officer In-Charge, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Billy Chimbonga said the station has registered 588 criminal cases compared to 521 cases during the same period last year.

Among others, Chimbonga attributed the rise in thefts, burglary and break-ins during the period under review.

He said: “Lingazi Police Station is not doing well in reducing crime looking at how we have fared on theft, burglary and break-in. They are many factors to the rise, but the major one is that the station is under-resourced with only two functional vehicles.

“This means that we are not doing well in patrols. The reason is that Lingazi is still being treated as a sub-station when it was upgraded to a full-station.”

However, the OC said there was a 65.5 percent decline in traffic offences as the station had only 76 cases in the period under review against 116 the same period in 2022.

“Apart from that, we also had a decrease in rape and defilement because of the community court initiative,” added Chimbonga.

SEC chairperson, Matthews Mtumbuka said Areas 10, 43, 11 and 12 were highly targeted for thefts, break-ins and burglary following the presidential pardon of prisoners in the period under review.

“We had problems starting from the time prisoners were released on presidential pardon. Many targeted areas such as 10, 12, 11 and 43 where they know high profile figures live. Of course we are happy to hear most of these suspects were apprehended, but we feel there is more we cans do especially on effort coordination with community policing and neighborhood panels to always be active and act as informant,” Mtumbuka said.

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 Vendors plying their business at Zomba City Market have expressed concern over uncollected garbage by the city council which they say poses a big threat to their heath. According to one of the vendors, Mphatso Kachala, the city council takes time to collect garbage, to the extent that the refuse starts producing a bad smell,” he added. Zomba City Council 

Mchinji District Council Chairperson Musha White has called on organisations in the country to support the council’s efforts to restore forests through tree planting. He made the call at Mchinji Secondary School on Wednesday, when he launched the district forestry season. White urged Mchinji residents to take good care of the planted trees, saying tree planting on its own cannot bring back depleted forests.

Power Market Limited (PML) says diversified power technology has potential to improve the current electricity power generation capacity in the power sector besides balancing the supply-demand balance which the organisation says is a big challenge in the country. In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), PML’s Director of Marketing and Corporate Services, Villant Jana said bringing wind..