MANAonline
CISONECC calls for increased budget allocation for disaster risk management
By Salome Gangire
Neno, February 12, Mana: Civil Society Organizations Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) has urged policymakers to advocate for increased budgetary allocation toward disaster risk management (DRM).
CISONECC Board Vice Chairperson, Melton Luhanga made the appeal on Tuesday at Mwanza Hotel during an engagement meeting with Members of Parliament, councilors, civil society organizations and community representatives in Neno aimed to push for greater financial support for DRM activities.
“With more funding, there is hope for better management of disaster aftermaths and building resilience in communities,” said Luhanga.
He noted that Malawi has recently experienced various disasters including droughts, prolonged dry spells, floods and cyclones, emphasizing the need for increased budgetary support.
“Currently, the budget for disaster risk management is less than one percent of the national budget. We are advocating for an increase to at least five percent,” he said.
Luhanga also stressed the importance of equipping various government departments with adequate resources as they play a key role in disaster response.
Neno District Council Chairperson, Councilor Joseph Chiphaliwali of Ligowe Ward, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to lobbying for increased DRM funding.
However, he pointed out that the council is constrained by budget ceilings set by the central government.
“Neno is prone to disasters. As we speak, the district has experienced prolonged dry spells, forcing farmers to replant maize three times this growing season, which will have devastating effects on food security,” said Chiphaliwali.
He noted that councils cannot allocate funds beyond the set limits, calling on non-governmental organizations to include infrastructure rehabilitation in their programming rather than focusing solely on community capacity building.
“The district still has damaged infrastructure, such as Matope Bridge in Traditional Authority Symon and a school block at Mankhamba in Traditional Authority Dambe, which were destroyed by Cyclone Ana and remain unrepaired due to a lack of funding,” he added.
Chiphaliwali further appealed to the government to ensure timely disbursement of funds, as councils often go two to three months without receiving funding, severely affecting service delivery.
According to Neno District Disaster Risk Management Officer Brighton Mphinga, out of the council’s approved K20.8 billion budget, only K33,728,934—representing 0.163 percent—has been allocated to DRM.
CISONECC, in partnership with the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) and with financial support from Christian Aid, is implementing the Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Energy in Malawi (CCASE) project in Neno.
The initiative aims to develop anticipatory, absorptive, adaptive, and transformative capacities while financing risk-reduction measures to prevent, minimize, and address loss and damage. Ultimately, the project seeks to strengthen national and local resilience to disasters and promote sustainable development.
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi commends LWB for reform progress
By Rosalia Kapri
Lilongwe, February 12, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has praised the Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) for its commitment to implementing reforms that enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Speaking during his visit to the board on Wednesday, Usi emphasized the importance of measurable progress and collaboration in reform implementation.
“We hope that the presentation you have made allows you to take a moment to commend yourselves for implementing reforms and being a model for excellence,” Usi said.
The Vice President highlighted the importance of evaluating the impact of reforms, stating that success should not be measured by the number of activities undertaken but by tangible outcomes.
“So the reforms compel you to look at what exactly you have achieved by doing all that you have been doing. It is very critical that activities are carefully selected, because activities mean resources. Whatever activity is being implemented should be questioned, what impact is it going to have?” noted the Vice President.
He called on the LWB to enhance public engagement and educate communities about the difficulties in water supply management.
“The public needs to understand the challenges associated with water supply. When they do, they will be more willing to report vandalism and work with you to protect water infrastructure,” he said.
Usi also addressed concerns about customer service, particularly regarding water disconnections. He urged LWB officials to handle such matters professionally and with empathy.
“When people have their water disconnected, what hurts them most is not just the disconnection but what is said to them. The approach matters. Let’s ensure that we educate people on the importance of paying their bills rather than just punishing them,” he advised.
The Vice President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accountability in public service. He warned against shielding underperforming or corrupt officials, stating that political connections should not protect anyone from consequences.
Usi commended the LWB for its initiatives in financial stability, renewable energy, and increased water supply coverage, urging the board to maintain its high standards.
Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia, highlighted LWB’s transformation into a modern and customer-focused institution, attributing its success to strategic thinking, innovation, and dedication.
“One of the most exciting milestones under the Reforms Programme is the Bottled Water Plant project. This initiative is a game-changer for the LWB, enhancing financial sustainability while ensuring high-quality drinking water,” she noted.
She also praised the board’s digital innovations, including a call center, a customer mobile app, and an automated sales system, all of which have improved service efficiency and revenue collection.
LWB CEO, Sili Mbewe, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to service excellence, financial sustainability, and innovation, emphasizing its remarkable progress under the ongoing reforms.
“Our vision is to be a financially viable water and sanitation utility in Africa, and we are proud to say we are making significant strides. Since 2019, our goal has been to enhance customer satisfaction, and we have exceeded our initial target, achieving an 80% satisfaction rating,” Mbewe stated.
Mbewe highlighted LWB’s recognition at the regional and national levels, including being ranked the second-best water utility by the Eastern and Southern Africa Water Regulators Association and the best-performing MDA in Malawi for the 2022-2023 financial year.
“Our water supply coverage now reaches 95% of Lilongwe’s population, with over 142,200 meter connections as of December 2024. We are also expanding our sewer network, currently at 150 kilometers, to improve sanitation,” he noted.
The CEO also outlined key infrastructure developments, including the recent rehabilitation and expansion of the Kamuzu Dam, which has increased storage capacity by an additional 7 meters.
He said LWB is working hard to address the challenges of urbanization, aging infrastructure, and increasing demand for water.
“With Lilongwe’s population growing each year, we are constantly adapting to meet the demand. Our focus is on expanding infrastructure, improving efficiency, and ensuring that every Malawian has access to clean and reliable water,” he said.
The Vice President’s visit reinforced the government’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and service excellence. With continued reforms and collaboration, the Lilongwe Water Board aims to set a benchmark for water service delivery, not just in Malawi but across Africa.
K12 million Thyolo Police rehabilitation to improve service delivery
By Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo, February 11, Mana: Thyolo Police Station, Officer-in-Charge, Francis Chisoti, has expressed gratitude to Eastern Produce Malawi Limited (EPM) for providing K12 million that was used to rehabilitate office and construct new toilets to improve service delivery at the facility.
Chisoti told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday that it is important for Thyolo Police Station as the new toilets will improve sanitation and address some of the hardships suspects have been enduring.
“The rehabilitated offices provide a more conducive working environment for our officers, enhancing efficiency in service delivery,” he said.
The Officer in Charge therefore commended EPM for fulfilling its corporate social responsibility and urged other stakeholders to do the same.
Thyolo Police, Station Executive Forum, Chairperson, Darlington Kawawa, also hailed EPM for the support, expressing hope that the rehabilitated office and construction of new toilets will address long-standing challenges at the station.
“We are extremely grateful to EPM for the maintenance works and the construction of modern toilets and shower rooms for both officers and suspects,
“This intervention directly responds to our plea for support and will greatly improve sanitation at the station," he said.
Kawawa further appealed to other partners to extend similar support to police units in Masenjere, Ntambanyama, Makwasa, and Goliati, which are facing challenges.
Government committed to reducing non-communicable diseases from tobacco products
By Thom Ali
Lilongwe Feb 11 Mana: Deputy Minister of Health Noah Chimpeni has said government is committed to tackling the harmful effects of tobacco use and improving the lives of Malawian citizens.
Speaking during the stakeholders meeting of the needs assessment exercise for the implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) framework convention on tobacco control (WHO - FCTC) in Lilongwe, the Minister said government through the Ministry of Health recognizes tobacco use as a significant risk factor for non -communicable diseases and also recognizes the importance of tobacco control by reducing public health effects from tobacco products.
"As a Ministry, we prioritise tobacco control in addressing the harmful effects of tobacco, and this is reflected in the national health strategies and development plans, Chimpeni said.
The Minister also indicated that the Ministry of Health is at the forefront of developing different programs and strategic documents in preventing chronic conditions such as cancer and other NCDS in Malawi, by among others developing the National Cancer Control Strategic Plan 2019-2029, and the National Health Financing Strategy 2023-2030 which supports using tobacco taxes as an innovative health.
Chimpeni further commended WHO and various partners for the efforts being made in complimenting governments efforts in promoting activities to prevent non-communicable diseases in Malawi.
In his remarks. Secretariat for WHO FCTC Andrew Black said that the assessment, which is being undertaken jointly with the Ministry of Health and WHO, will among others help to identify gaps and opportunities for more to be done to protect the health of Malawian citizens from tobacco use, including protecting children and young people.
"Our priority is to support Malawi to protect young people from becoming addicted to tobacco use and support adults to be able to quit tobacco completely”, Black emphasised.
WHO Representative Dr Newman Rusibamayila Kimambo hailed the Malawi government for allowing the exercise to be conducted, as it demonstrates the country's continued high-level political commitment to combating the global tobacco epidemic and prioritizing public health well-being.
She noted that setting up a functional Tobacco Control Programme is crucial, as it contributes to reducing the burden of diseases caused by tobacco.
“As WHO, we welcome this initiative, which will guide tobacco program implementation and protect citizens from tobacco smoke,” Kimambo said.
The WHO FCTC is an international treaty that helps countries to reduce the health risks of tobacco use.
CSEPWP participants in Mchinji hail frequent wage payments
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, January 12, Mana: Participants in the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) in Mchinji, have commended the programme’s positive progress, highlighting the improved timeliness of wage disbursements.
Unlike in the past, beneficiaries say they no longer have to wait too long to receive their earnings after completing each phase.
Esther Chimangeni, a participant from Wifi Catchment in Traditional Authority (T/A) Pitala, expressed her excitement, saying she received her wages soon after getting her Phase Two payments not long ago.
"I am happy that I have my wages now. The payments are coming on time, unlike before. With this money, I am going to buy food for my family," she said.
Another participant, Emmanuel Bikoko from Nzula Catchment in T/A Zulu, also hailed the efficiency in wage payments, noting that the improved system has brought relief to households.
"This time, the wages have not taken too long to come, and that has helped us. I am going to use part of the money to buy food and some fertiliser to mix with manure for my crops," he said.
Mchinji District Commissioner (DC) Lucia Chidalengwa expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of the programme, saying it has an impact on both environmental conservation and household welfare.
"The programme has helped to take care of the degraded environment and has also helped the people to get something in the form of wages," she said.
CSEPWP is being implemented with support from the World Bank and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF).
Joint effort to boost Malawi's economy
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, January 11, mana: Vice president Dr. Michael Usi on Tuesday jointly engaged with top officials from the ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade, Malawi Revenue Authority and Reserve Bank of Malawi to address the country's economic concerns.
Speaking during the engagement meeting at Capital Hill in Lilongwe, Usi said they discussed a number of issues and that it is a work in progress.
"We will be meeting again and will keep on meeting, looking at short- term solutions and long-term solutions at the issues that are rocking the economy of Malawi," he said.
Earlier today, the Vice President met with the Judge-in-Charge of the High Court Commercial Division to discuss the progress of the purpose-built High Court of Malawi Commercial Division building in Blantyre. He commended the stakeholders for their coordination and efforts since his intervention on January 17, 2025, to ensure the project’s completion.
Concluding the meeting, the Vice President announced that the implementation phase was now underway and stated that he would await a final report once the building is completed and occupied.
MACRA raises awareness on Data Protection Act
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe, February 11, Mana: Principle Secretary for Ministry of Information and Digitalization, Baldwin Chiyamwaka, has described the Data Protection Act awareness as a milestone towards safeguarding the digital rights and privacy of Malawians.
Speaking on Tuesday during the opening of Data Protection Act awareness and compliance workshop in Lilongwe, Chiyamwaka said Malawi as a country recognizes the protection of personal data as not merely an issue of security but also a human rights issue.
He said, in an increasingly interconnected world, where digital interactions are at the heart of personal, professional and society lives, the importance of protecting the data and privacy of people cannot be overstated.
“Our ministry is committed to ensuring that the fundamental right to privacy is respected and upheld in the face of rapid technological advancement,
“The establishment of the Data Protection Authority is a significant step towards our journey that data is collected, processed, and used in a way that respects the privacy of Malawians,” Chiyamwaka said.
He further said, the Data Protection Authority will oversee the implementation of data protection laws, monitor compliance and ensure that individuals’ data is handled with transparency and accountability and respect.
“The authority will serve as a critical institution in Malawi, with the responsibility to protect individual privacy rights, promote accountability, educate and raise awareness, regulate and enforce compliance,” he added.
He therefore said, by enacting and enforcing data protection measures, they are not only protecting individuals, but also creating an environment where business can thrive.
In his remarks, Director General of MACRA, Daud Suleman emphasized the need for the authority to work together with various stakeholders in operationalizing and raising awareness of the Data Protection Act.
“As you are aware that the Data Protection Act was passed in 2024 and this means the law is relatively new. Therefore, we have embarked on a series of these workshops to raise the necessary awareness amongst the stakeholders, those that are holding data, but most importantly on Malawians, so that they must understand that they have rights with the data they provide to processes,” he said.
Nkhata Bay chief pleased with K11.5 billion council budget
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, February 11, Mana: Senior Chief Nyaliwanga in Nkhata Bay has lauded the district council’s 2025/2026 financial year budget describing it as people centred.
Senior Chief Nyaliwanga was speaking on Tuesday after a full council meeting approved K11.5 billion meant for various projects in the upcoming financial year.
He expressed satisfaction with the budget stating that the financial blueprint had prioritised the needs of community members.
“It is a good budget covering the needs of all the six constituencies and 19 chiefs. Looking into it closely, most of the projects are leading to completion of already existing projects to start functioning like construction of staff houses at Kanyazuka clinic and procurement and installation of a transformer at Chituka dispensary giving hope to community members,” the chief said.
“Also, for the first time people of Thoto will be connected with the NKhata Bay town and access various social services after completion of the K235 million Nsanje –Thoto road that we have seen in the budget and we need such type of projects,” he added.
Chairperson for Finance Service Committee, Osman Phiri, while presenting the budget disclosed that out of the K11.5 billion, K2.5 billion is for recurrent transactions (ORT), K2.9 billion for capital development of which K810 million is for Governance to Enable Service Delivery and K442 million is for Regional Climate Resilience Programme.
According to Phiri, donor funds budget totals K6, 041, 169, 800.00 of which 1.9 billion is for Social Cash Transfer and 4.1 billion is for Climate Smart Public Works Program and K442 million for Regional Climate Resilient Programme.
“Some major projects include construction of Tukombo EPA staff houses at K225 million under Traditional Authority Zilakoma, Mpamba market fence at K95 million under Senior Chief Timbiri and water pumps projects at K90 million in various health facilities,” he added.
In a separate interview, National Local Government Finance Committee senior budget analyst Patricia Banda commended Nkhata Bay district council for championing implementation of model projects saying this is the direction all councils must emulate.
“It is pleasing to note that in all projects from various funding categories, Nkhata Bay has embraced all guidelines to implement projects that are big enough and complete.
‘Their budget is good and we except it to be executed as planned,” she said.
Banda therefore urged the council to continue widening its sources of revenue to meet its target of K284 million on local revenue generation which has been adjusted upwards by 36 percent from the 2024/2025 budget.
District commissioner for Nkhata Bay Rodgers Newa said that the council will strive to follow all guidelines during implementation of all projects and called for support from all stakeholders involved for the council to continue giving out improved service delivery to the people of Nkhata Bay.
Four arrested for armed robbery in Nkhata Bay
By Abednego Sibale
Nkhata Bay, February 11, Mana: Police in Nkhata Bay District have arrested four individuals in connection with an armed robbery that occurred on Monday morning in the district.
According to Nkhata Bay Police Publicist, Kondwani James, the victim is identified as Geoffrey Manda, a businessman from Kavuzi Trading Centre in the district who was hijacked while driving his Toyota Voxy and robbed of K2.5 million.
"The suspects, comprising two Malawians namely Amos Manda, 35, from Nkhata Bay district, and Alex Nyasulu, 42, from Mzimba and two South Africans identified as Marvellous Khowane, 26, and Bnekisipho Mthembu, 41.
"The arrests were made after a joint investigation by Nkhata Bay Police detectives and the Northern Region Police Headquarters,” James said.
He added that during the arrest, the police found two loaded pistols and MK1,226,000 in cash.
James said the suspects have been charged with robbery and will appear in court once the necessary paperwork is completed.
Deputy Minister decries delay in school block construction
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, February 11, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo has expressed concern over delays in the construction of a school block in Thyolo, describing the situation as disappointing and unacceptable.
During a site visit to Thyolo Boma Primary School on Tuesday, the Deputy Minister lamented that the project, which was expected to be completed by January 2025 to benefit learners, remains far from completion due to the contractor’s failure to meet contractual obligations.
“It is really sad. This project was supposed to be completed by January so that learners could start using the structure. Unfortunately, the Malawian contractor who was given this opportunity has not fulfilled what was agreed in the contract,” she said.
She further questioned the significant payments already made to Pyramid Contractors, the firm responsible for the project, saying the work done so far does not reflect the funds disbursed.
“The council paid the contractor a lot of money compared to the work done. This is very unfortunate, especially when the State President is encouraging Malawians to take up business opportunities, yet some are not performing,” she added.
The Deputy Minister therefore suggested that contractors that fail to deliver on their contracts should be blacklisted to prevent them from securing future projects.
“I strongly believe that we need to start blacklisting such contractors to ensure they do not get future contracts. Doing so might push them to improve their performance,” she stated.
She, however, expressed gratitude to the World Bank for funding the project, emphasizing the need to put donor funds to good use.
Thyolo District Commissioner, Hudson Kuphanga disclosed that the council had already paid the contractor MK400 million out of the total contract sum of MK561 million.
“We are very worried about the pace at which the contractor is working. We have repeatedly advised them to increase manpower and extend working hours, but they have been reluctant to do so,” Kuphanga said.
He added that the contract, which started on August 14, 2024 and was initially scheduled to end on January 31, 2025, has now been extended to April.
“If the contractor fails to meet this new deadline, the contract will be terminated. We have clauses in the contract that allow us to terminate if the contractor fails to meet key terms.
“If there is no significant progress by April, we will be left with no choice but to take action,” he added.
Thyolo Boma Primary School construction project is being funded by the World Bank through Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project
