By George Mponda

Karonga, February 24, Mana: Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda, has addressed concerns from the Karonga District Council regarding the high number of officers in acting positions.

On Sunday, Karonga District Council Chairperson Bellium Msukwa expressed worries that the high number of officers on acting positions is hindering effective service delivery in the district.

"The Karonga District Council has been facing challenges in delivering services due to the high number of acting officers. We have acting District Commissioner, Director of Public Works, Director of Planning and Development and Director of Finance which are all crucial positions and this is affecting service delivery," Msukwa said.

In his response, the Minister acknowledged the council's concerns, saying it is important for officers to be settled in leadership positions.

"Government is working to fill the vacant positions as soon as possible. However, the process of recruiting and appointing new officers takes time and must be done under the relevant laws and regulations and we recently conducted interviews so soon results will be out," Chimwendo said.

The Minister also reminded the council members of the importance of differentiating between political and administrative powers.

"Let me emphasise that politicians should support the controlling officers, such as District Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers, in their work. However, one cannot just command the ministry to appoint officers because there are protocols which must be followed when making government appointments," he added.

Banda advised council members and administrative officers to work together and deliver services to the community.

By Bazilio Chingoli

Ntcheu February 24, Mana: Farmers in Ntcheu district have been encouraged to adopt beekeeping as one way of income generation.

The call was made by the Senior Assistant Forest officer for the district, Clotrilda Kandota, during a media engagement meeting and field visit organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with farmers from Nsipe, Tsangano and Njolomole Extension Planning Areas (EPAs) in the district.

Kandota said there is a mutual environmental relationship between bees and trees, and as such, it is important to conserve forests to attract bees and generate income in turn.

"As part of ensuring agriculture and food systems transformation, through the AREECA project, we are encouraging farmers to practice sustainable natural resources and environment management by practising afforestation, natural tree regeneration as well as planting flowering plants that attract bees and covering bare lands to control soil erosion", Kandota added.

On their part, farmers have commended FAO for its technical support, capacity building and inputs, saying the support has helped them to change their mindset and become food secure.

Philip Matoliwo, a farmer from Kamuuzeni village within Njolomole EPA agreed with Kandota stressing that bee farming has proven to be an ideal way of supporting natural tree regeneration and protecting forests.

"Since we started beekeeping in our area, we have seen a remarkable change in the degree of deforestation due to bylaws we put in place to protect our trees," he said.

However, Matoliwo expressed worry about ants that disrupt the stay of bees when they enter the beehives.

Meanwhile, Madalo Chunga, Assistant Forest officer for Njolomole EPA advised beekeepers to use natural remedies such as ash to deal with the problem.

As part of ensuring sustainable forest management and catchment management for Mpira dam, FAO through the AREECA project has given farmers bee hives, supported irrigation schemes by constructing weirs, and provided goats under the pass-on program, among other interventions.

AREECA project is implemented by the Government of Malawi through the Department of Forest and is funded by the Government of Germany.

By Maston Kaiya

Ntcheu, February 24, Mana: Communities in the area of Sub Traditional Authority (STA) Tsikulamowa in Ntcheu have said the construction of the staff house at Manjawira Health Centre in the district is a blessing to the locals for accessing timely medical treatment.

Chairperson for STA Tsikulamowa Area Development Committee (ADC) Marmathy Wasimbwa said the house will reduce the burden of late medical care where, in some cases, patients could die from preventable deaths.

Wasimbwa said the facility in Charge was travelling about two kilometres daily to attend to patients hence challenging the provision of quality health care.

"The house is timely as the medical assistant will be at our doorstep. In the past, patients could easily die due to the absence of a house as he was renting within the communities," she said.

However, Wasimbwa has called on the communities to provide security for the personnel while serving the area.

Manjawira health centre In-charge Innocent Kabudula has expressed his excitement, saying the house was long overdue.

"We work 24 hours to provide medical treatment to patients. However, the work was sometimes compromised due to the absence of the house," he said.

Kabudula has since called on the authorities to construct additional staff houses, stating that a workforce of over 20, which includes nurses and support staff, stay in rented houses.

He said the facility serves a catchment population of at least 7,528 people.

Ntcheu District Council has constructed Manjawira Health Centre staff house at a total cost of K57 million from the World Bank-funded Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project.

The project is facilitated by the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Finance, and the National Local Government Finance Committee(NLGFC) as key lead partners.

By George Mponda

Karonga, February 24, Mana: Government has elevated Group Village Heads Mwandosya and Mwambero from Karonga to Sub Traditional Authorities at a function presided over by the Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda.

Speaking at Lulindo Primary School Ground in Karonga on Sunday, Banda said chiefs have a crucial role to play in supporting government's development agenda.

"Chiefs are instrumental in bringing forth development because they are custodians of the law in local communities. By ensuring that there is peace and tranquility, that's when government development projects progress impressively in the local communities," Banda said.

"Government is bringing a lot of interventions in the local communities like Social Cash Transfer, Affordable Inputs Programme and Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme. So, it is your duty as chiefs to ensure that people who deserve to be beneficiaries are considered without any corrupt practices," he said.

Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa hailed government for elevating the two chiefs who are both from his area.

"My appeal to these newly elevated Chiefs is that they should help maintain peace in the communities for our country to develop.

“Chiefs have a duty to guide people in their communities hence it is important that they discharge their duties diligently whilst supporting government's development agenda," Kyungu said.

Kyungu asked government to construct official houses and offices for Karonga Traditional Authorities to help them discharge their duties effectively.

By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, February 24, Mana: Group Village Head (GVH) Katutula of Senior Chief Mwabulambya in Chitipa has urged youths in the district to refrain from abusing and violating human rights of older persons accused of witchcraft.

He made the appeal Saturday during a football bonanza organized by Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) aimed at raising awareness on evils of human rights violations on older people and those with albinism.

He noted with concern that most people's human rights, especially the elderly and people with albinism, are being violated.

“We have intensified awareness campaigns on the evils of violence against the elderly. We are encouraging our children and youths to respect rights of old people. If a person is old, the youths think that he or she is a witch. No, that is not the case,” GVH Katutula said.

He further said that he has been encouraging chiefs under his jurisdiction to raise awareness on the evils of suspecting elderly people of being witches.

CHRR Chitipa District Coordinator, Smith Movete, said they decided to organise the bonanza as a way of raising awareness on dangers of violation of human rights.

Movete said his organisation has had a number of awareness campaigns and cases of human rights violation are reducing unlike in the past.

“Youths are most targeted in this awareness campaign because they are the ones who commit a lot of felonies in our communities. Our expectations are that they have taken the message and they will be transformed and even be change agents,” Movete said.

In the football bonanza, Katutula Football Club beat Namuyemba Football Club 5-4 in post-match penalties after a goalless draw in 90 minutes.

By George Mponda

Karonga, February 24, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo, has appealed to communities to desist from politicization of development projects saying it affects service delivery for Malawians.

Chitsulo made the remarks Sunday in Karonga when she inspected the newly constructed K146 million Mlare Maternity Wing in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu in the district.

"While government is working hard to deliver quality services for Malawians, there are some individuals, including councillors and lawmakers, who are deliberately sabotaging government projects to gain political mileage.

“I have been inspecting various projects around the country and I came across cases whereby a three-month project took almost a year to be finished because some individuals were deliberately influencing the contractors to delay the projects to make government look like a failure," Chitsulo said.

She said Malawians deserve quality service delivery hence the need for chiefs and all stakeholders to step in and help monitor various development projects being implemented so that they can be finished on time.

"Mlare Martenity Wing constructed with Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) funds should be an example of infrastructure we want in our country if we want to improve health service delivery," she said.

Director of Health Services for Karonga, David Sibale, said the construction of the facility will help reduce long distance covered by pregnant women in accessing maternity services.

"We have 23 health facilities in Karonga. However, five maternal deaths are being recorded annually which is a very worrisome trend. Bringing these health facilities close to where people reside is essential in ensuring that mothers’ lives are not at risk when giving birth," Sibale said.

By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, February 24, Mana: Senior Chief Malanda in Nkhata Bay has commended government for its commitment to bring health service facilities close to the people, saying this will improve health service delivery in the district.

He said this Sunday at Jaluvisi Community Ground during a groundbreaking ceremony for construction of four new health posts.

He said construction of health post in his area and others will ease mobility challenges people face to access health services due to topography of the district.

"I am grateful to government for always prioritizing people's health in communities. We have a number of projects completed and others currently underway across all sectors, including construction of Chintheche operating theatre ongoing in my area," he said.

Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, said the launch is a continuation of development projects in the health sector, which was started by President Dr Lazarus Chakwera when he came to power in 2020.

"We did mapping to see where people walked more than 15 kilometres and found the need of about 900 health posts across the country. Almost 200 health posts have been constructed," she said.

According to Kandodo Chiponda, funds for construction of the health posts are already committed, and the health posts will have a complete package needed for functionality.

"We are happy as a ministry because we are in line with attainment of Sustainable Development Goal number three which says every person should have good health and good well-being. That can only be achieved if people have access to health facilities.

“These health posts are in very hard to reach areas. People will be able to access safe motherhood services, youth friendly services among others hence improved health service delivery, " she said.

Christiana Banda from Lungo Village in Group Village Head Gombo said upon completion they will be able to access health services at any time, save money and time they use to access the same somewhere.

The four health posts will be constructed in the areas of Senior Chief Malanda, Sub Traditional Authority (STA) Siyalimba, TA Kabunduli and STA Mndola.

By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, February 24, Mana: Director of Women's and Children's Ministry for Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church in the North, Ellies Thawe, has advised members of Likoma Women Ministry to be good stewards.

Thawe said this Saturday on the sidelines of the women's ministry advisory meeting held at Chizumulu Island.

The meeting aimed at imparting knowledge to SDA women on good stewardship.

"We came here to encourage women in the church to be good stewards and also to equip them with knowledge on how they can do women's ministry activities and encourage each other spiritually.

“By being good stewards, women will be able to serve others. They will be good leaders at home and at church. Women in church are called to manage resources, care for others and contribute to the growth of the ministry," said Thawe.

She noted that women, specifically from Chizumulu, have potential to grow in church but seem to be neglected due to transportation challenges.

A church member from Chizumulu, Mary Phiri, said the meeting was an eye opener as it provided positive lessons.

"I am happy because I have learnt a lot from this meeting. For example, being a good steward, starts from home then to church and the community. I have also learnt that we need to help those in need," said Phiri.

By Charlie Ligomeka

Machinga, February 24, Mana: Cabinet ministers have expressed satisfaction with the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) fertilizer loans accessed by farmers across the country.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo, accompanied by Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu; Minister of Higher Education, Jessie Kabwila and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Patricia Nangozo Kainga, made the remarks on Sunday when the cabinet ministers toured Mlooka Irrigation Scheme along Shire River in Zomba and farmers in Machinga.

He commended farmers in both Zomba and Machinga for adopting best agricultural practices to achieve sustainable livelihood.

Chambo hailed Machinga District Council, through the Directorate of Agriculture, for providing extension services to farmers that also benefited from NEEF fertilizer loans.

“Your efforts in creating good relationship with farmers are commendable. Prioritizing the agriculture sector will help address hunger in the district.

 “We are committed to supporting initiatives that drive economic growth, improve food security, and enhance people’s livelihoods,” Chambo said.

A tobacco and maize farmer at Kapoloma in Machinga, Loveness Kamwendo, commended extension workers for advising her to adopt good agricultural practices and for accessing the fertilizer loan when she said had no hope to purchase the commodity.

“I am happy that l will have a good harvest of tobacco and maize. This is a great milestone to me,” Kamwendo said.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Patricia Nangozo Kainga, encouraged women to take an active role in agriculture, citing Kamwendo as a good example of women that  are fairing well in agriculture.

NEEF Risks Compliance Manager, Harmony Mwavula, commended the ministers tour saying it provided an opportunity for the delegation to appreciate benefits of NEEF fertilizer loan to farmers.

“This demonstrates impact of our initiatives on the ground. The ministers' satisfaction is a testament to our work,” he said.

Mlooka Irrigation Scheme, which was completed in December 2023, sits on 256 hectares of land.

The scheme got financial support from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and was constructed under Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (PRIDE) project. 

By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, February 23, Mana: The Dowa First Grade Magistrate's (FGM) Court has convicted and sentenced an 18-year-old man to 14 years of Imprisonment with Hard Labour (IHL), for having sexual intercourse with an 8-year-old girl, who is also his niece.

Dowa police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Alice Sitima has identified the man as Anderson Lemekezani of Lichapa 2 village, in Traditional Authority Chiwere in Dowa.

She said the court heard through State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Monica Chafulumira that Lemekezani committed the offence on December 18, 2024 in the same village.

"On the day, the victim went to school but returned at around 9 in the morning. However, the victim's mother was surprised to see her daughter having difficulty sitting down, and when questioned, she failed to explain anything.

"But the following day, when the girl changed her clothes and left them in the kitchen, the mother noticed blood stains and informed her mother-in-law.

"After questioning the victim again, the girl revealed that her uncle had given her juice when she was going to school and later took her to their grandmother's house where he defiled her," said Sitima.

She said the matter was reported to Dowa Police who referred the victim to the hospital for examination where results confirmed penetration.

In court, Lemekezani admitted to the charge levelled against him but during mitigation, asked for leniency arguing he was a first offender.

"The State however asked for a stiffer penalty, arguing that the convict was supposed to be responsible in protecting the victim and other girls in the community, hence the need for a stiffer sentence to deter would-be offenders," she said.

First Grade Magistrate Yohane Nkhata concurred with the state and ordered Lemekezani to serve a sentence of 14 years IHL.