Items filtered by date: May 2025

By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, April 14, Mana: Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara, has assured people of Likoma that a port which is under construction in the district will be ready for use within 30 days to reduce transportation challenges.

Hara said this on Sunday in Likoma during a funeral ceremony for two women who died Saturday together with nine others when the boat they were sailing in capsized in the waters of Lake Malawi at Jalo in the district.

“We needed a specialist who could do underwater welding of the beams, which were placed underneath the water. As it stands now, it’s not safe, because with any shock, those beams can fall out of place.

“I am happy to report that we have identified technicians and specialists from South Africa who will be coming to the country to make sure that they do the underwater welding of the beams on the port. Once that is done, we will open up the port to the public for use,” said Hara.

He added that his ministry will ensure that MV Chilembwe should be sailing between Likoma and Nkhatabay, though at a higher cost, thereby reducing traffic on the Lake.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Likoma, Ashems Songwe, said the tragedy which occurred on Saturday is a painful loss to many families.

“What has happened is heartbreaking to the deceased families. We also have survivors who have lost everything in the accident. We therefore ask you, our honourable minister, to do the needful for them,” said Songwe.

In addition, the MP asked for patrol boats, which can be helpful during such emergencies.

The remains of the deceased Loveness Khonje from Ulisa Village and Diana Jacob from Madimba Village in the area of Senior Chief Mkumpha III were laid to rest at St Peter’s cemetery in Likoma.

By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, April 14, Mana: Member of Parliament for Ntchisi South, Ulemu Chilapondwa, has commended President Lazarus Chakwera for increasing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has brought significant development to his constituency.

Speaking during a development rally on Sunday in Ntchisi, Chilapondwa said the CDF increase from K40 million to K200 million, and now at K220 million, has been instrumental in driving developments.

“Using CDF, we have constructed 51 bridges in the past 12 to 15 months in Ntchisi South Constituency under senior Chief Kalumo. In education infrastructure, we have numerous school blocks and teachers’ houses,” he said.

“We have maintained over 13 roads, improving infrastructure and accessibility “, added Chilapondwa.

Chilapondwa therefore requested additional development for his constituency, saying he plans to construct a house for the Traditional Authority (TA) Kalumo, one of the longest-serving TAs.

According to Chilapondwa, a modern office for the chief is also in the pipeline, with the local government minister’s support.

Minister of Local Government, who is also the Secretary General for the Malawi Congress Party, Richard Chimwendo Banda, assured people of Ntchisi South that government has put in place strategic plans in the budget to support people who have faced poor crop yields in the country.

“This move demonstrates the government’s commitment to address food security challenges faced by its citizens,” he said.

By Max Medson

Salima, April 14, Mana: Malawi Boxing Association (MABA) has elected a new executive board tasked with revitalizing boxing sport at all levels in Malawi.

Speaking during an Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Salima, Regional Sports Officer and representative of the Malawi National Council of Sports, Fanny Phiri, emphasized the significance of the AGM in revamping boxing.

“The last AGM was held in 2019. This meeting was crucial, not only because we elected a new executive board, but also because we discussed ways to bring about positive change to boxing sport in Malawi,” Phiri said.

The newly elected MABA President, Francis Kadzalowa, unveiled the ambitious plans of launching a nationwide boxing league at district, regional, and national levels, drawing inspiration from Uganda’s successful model.

“To take boxing to the next level, we will introduce a boxing league at district, regional, and national levels. This approach was used in Uganda, and has proven effective,” Kadzalowa explained.

Kadzalowa also underlined MABA’s commitment to achieving financial independence through commercialization.

“We strongly believe that we will find ways to generate our resources, rather than depending solely on government support. That is why we will pursue commercialization,” he said.

Kadzalowa concluded by affirming MABA’s ongoing collaboration with the Sports Council to promote boxing in schools and nurture young talent.

MABA aims to revitalize boxing in Malawi at all levels and aims for increased international participation.

By Beatrice Bangula

Blantyre, April 14, Mana:  Minister of Trade and Industry, Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba has promised to bring sanity in businesses, saying his ministry will not hesitate to close down businesses operating contrary to President Chakwera’s administration's vision.

Mumba made the assurance on Sunday at Njamba Freedom Park in Blantyre during Malawi Congress Party’s (MCP) mega rally, which attracted thousands of people from the south and eastern region.

Recently, the minister took a series of surprise visits to companies and shops that sell bales of second-hand clothes, where he discovered business malpractices ranging from pricing to labour issues.

Mumba told the rally that he will continue to deliver within his trade ministry mandate in line with President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera's vision that seeks to improve the living standards of Malawians.

After being appointed Minister of Trade and Industry, Mumba told the gathering that he engaged with many wholesalers and companies to discuss the price decrease of commodities in the best interest of Malawians.

“I have been engaging with wholesalers such that there will be a reduction in prices of most commodities, such as bread, sugar, cooking oil, and soap, on the market. Discussions with Illovo Sugar Limited are underway, and very soon you will hear something big,” he added.

Engineer Mumba then called for unity and support among Malawians ahead of the September 16 general elections so that President Chakwera should continue leading Malawians.

He said Malawians need Chakwera’s servant and visionary leadership that should see Malawi going forward.

Mumba therefore discouraged tribalism, saying this trend has no room in modern society as Malawi has a development agenda to achieve.

“I am from the northern side of Malawi, but came all the way to marry here in the southern region, and this should give us a picture that we are all one. Let us unite in achieving a better Malawi despite coming from different regions,” he added.

Mumba therefore said he will work hard to ensure that President Chakwera remains President of the Republic of Malawi, come September 16.

“As Vitumbiko Mumba, I will run up and down to ensure Chakwera wins the elections. You all have seen the work of my hands when l was Minister of Labour,” he added.

“I did my best in making sure that our people are not oppressed and their rights are not taken away by their employers,” Mumba added.    

In his remarks, MCP executive member Brown Mpinganjira called on Malawians to trust Chakwera’s leadership, saying Malawi will continue transforming with his leadership, citing infrastructural development in many parts of Malawi.

“Chakwera will continue to rule Malawi with your vote. Give him your vote so that Malawi can continue to move forward.

“This is why Chakwera chose ministers that deliver accordingly,” he said, citing Engineer Mumba’s performance in his ministerial posts.

Before Njamba Freedom Park’s rally in Blantyre, Mumba held a Public Lecture at the University of Malawi’s Great Hall in Zomba under the theme:  People Over Politics    

By Memory Chatonda

Blantyre, April 14, Mana: Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) has embarked on a series of campaigns dubbed, 'Konda Moyo, Konda Blantyre' to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the district.

The campaign, organized by the Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) in collaboration with Blantyre City Council, took the two entities to the Chilomoni Health Centre grounds on Saturday. Spokesperson for the DHO, Chrissy Banda, said the activity was conducted in response to the increased cases of STIs reported in 2024.

Statistics, according to Banda, indicate that Chilomoni Health Centre registered at least 127 STIs cases from October to December 2024, contributing to at least 8000 cases registered from all health facilities in Blantyre during the same period.

“While we are celebrating that new HIV infections are decreasing, the rise in cases of STIs indicates that people are not adhering to other preventive measures for STIs,” she added.

She therefore said the DHO is implementing Blantyre Prevention Strategy campaign, which aims at sensitizing communities on STIs preventive measures, including HIV prevention.

“Through our awareness, we are now promoting dual protection, that is to say, if you are using other preventive measures, make sure that you are also protecting yourself by using condoms,” Banda added.

Group village head Chilomoni acknowledged increased cases of STIs among people under his jurisdiction, attributing the increase to “reckless behaviour”.

Together with her team, Group village head said she will ensure that messages on STIs and HIV prevention are disseminated at every public gathering in Chilomoni.

During the event, which was funded by the National AIDS Commission, various services such as HIV testing, condom provision, and information on PrEP and others were also provided to people.

Another open day talk is also expected to be held at Kachere and Soche in the same district soon to increase awareness.

By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, April 12, Mana: Nine bodies out of the 11 people who died this Saturday morning in Likoma after the boat they were sailing in capsized have been repatriated to Mzuzu Central Hospital.

Acting Senior Chief Mkumpha said the bodies will be kept at Mzuzu Central Hospital before being dispatched to their respective districts.

"Government through Dodma will buy coffins for all the deceased and the rest will be buried tomorrow where the minister of transport, Jacob Hara and our member of parliament will be in attendance," said Senior Chief Mkumpha.

He said among the nine deceased, two hailed from Nkhotakota, one from Mzuzu, one from Karonga, two from Chitipa, two from Mzimba and one from Blantyre.

Deputy Council Chair, Ernest Gulu said he was saddened by the tragedy which he described was the first of its kind in the district.

"My heart is bleeding with this sad development, some of these deaths are avoidable, we are asking government to hasten the jetty so that people should avoid sailing boats to board the ship," said gulu.

By Blackson Mkupatira

Chiradzulu, April 12, Mana: Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has assured hunger-stricken households in Chiradzulu District that government is doing everything possible to ensure families affected by El Niño receive relief maize.

Speaking on Friday during a symbolic maize distribution exercise in Traditional Authority Nkalo in the district, DoDMA's Director of Preparedness and Response, Rev. Moses Chimphepo said funds have already been mobilized for further procurement and distribution of relief maize for the third phase.

He said that government has already sourced 87 percent of the maize needed for the entire response period which varies in districts according to the findings of the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) which projected widespread hunger affecting about 5.7 million people in the country.

“As DoDMA, we have started distributing 1,550 metric tons of maize to vulnerable communities across the nation. The maize being distributed now in Chiradzulu was purchased using funds from the African Development Bank (AfDB),” he added, and expressed concern that some people were reportedly selling the relief maize, warning that such acts risk discouraging donors.

On the selection of beneficiaries, the director expressed concern over frequent criticisms directed at DoDMA, despite the department's limited role in the process.

“It is often DoDMA that gets blamed when issues arise, but the responsibility for selecting who receives assistance lies with the councils and traditional leaders. Our mandate is to mobilize resources and procure the maize,” he clarified.

On her part, AfDB Senior Agricultural Economist, Doreen Kumwenda, said the bank provided K1.8 billion to Malawi Government to help procure maize for families affected by hunger following the presidential declaration of a state of disaster in March last year.

“We understand the effects of climate change, which reduced crop yields by about 20 percent that’s why we made the donation. The maize we helped purchase will benefit over 31,000 households in Zomba and Chiradzulu,” she added.

Kumwenda also assured government of AfDB’s continued support in tackling hunger and promoting resilience, saying they will continue to work with the government until a time when communities are able to be independent.

Chiradzulu District Commissioner, Francis Matewere disclosed that 26,413 households have been earmarked to receive maize under the relief programme.

Member of Parliament for Chiradzulu South, Joseph Mwanamvekha, thanked DoDMA and AfDB for their support, saying his area suffered three consecutive years of natural disasters.

“Hunger in our area is worsened by erratic rains, farmers’ limited access to fertilizer, and prolonged dry spells. I appeal to DoDMA to consider increasing number of beneficiaries so that more people can benefit,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Traditional Authority Nkalo, whose area also benefited from DoDMA maize programme, acknowledged the support but raised concerns over the pace of distribution.

“We were told that we would be receiving maize for four months starting in December, but this is only the second time we are receiving it. There’s a need to speed up the process so that people should get assistance on time,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Emilida Banda, from Nkalo Village said she did not harvest enough during the 2024/25 farming season due to erratic rainfall, and thanked government for the relief maize, saying it will reduce the hunger her family was facing.

By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, April 12, Mana: Mchinji District Commissioner, Lucia Chidalengwa, has commended the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) programme for supporting the council in developing infrastructure across various sectors.

Chidalengwa made the remarks during the official handover ceremony of GESD-funded projects at Mbingwa Livestock Market in Traditional Authority Mduwa in the district.

She noted that the projects were identified by local leaders elected by the people, and the council utilized available funds to implement them.

“Through GESD, we have successfully implemented several projects that are now providing vital infrastructure to our communities. These include market sheds, bridges, a gravity-fed water system, girls' hostels, and this livestock market, which will greatly benefit the local population,” Chidalengwa said.

The handover of the MK66 million Mbingwa Livestock Market symbolized the formal transfer of completed GESD projects to communities in the district.

Mchinji’s Chief Agriculture Officer, Abraham Mhlanga, highlighted the significance of the new market, saying it provides farmers with a formal space to sell their livestock at fair prices.

“This is the first livestock market of its kind in the district. It will protect farmers from exploitation by vendors who offer unreasonably low prices, giving them the power to negotiate better deals,” said Mhlanga.

Charity Tcherani, a local poultry farmer, expressed gratitude for the development, noting that it has eased the challenges of finding customers.

“Previously, we had to travel long distances to look for buyers. Now, they will come to us. This market will help us get better prices for our chickens, rather than settling for the low offers from vendors,” Tcherani said.

Mchinji District Council Chairperson, Dorothy Musa, thanked the World Bank for its support under GESD and encouraged traditional leaders to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure.

“Chiefs should take full ownership of these projects and mobilize their communities to maintain the structures,” said Musa.

Mchinji District received MK1.1 billion through the World Bank-funded GESD programme to implement various infrastructure projects.

By Gift Wahuta

Blantyre, April 12, Mana: Blantyre District Agriculture Development Office has advised farmers in the district not to rush selling all their farm produce after harvesting, saying the best way is to reserve some to sustain their household food stock until next harvest in the 2025/2026 season.

This comes following a press statement on farm gate prices by the Ministry of Agriculture earlier this week.

Chief Agriculture Officer, Lusungu Banda, told Malawi News Agency on Friday that farmers should only sell their surplus after setting aside enough food to last the entire year.

“Farmers should observe food budgets to ensure they have enough food before selling. They should sell their surplus gradually, as prices may fluctuate, allowing them to benefit from better rates later,” Banda added.

To enforce compliance with the new pricing, Banda disclosed that structures have been put in place from the traditional authority level down to group village heads, to sensitize communities, with additional support from law enforcement.

“We will be conducting market inspections with police officers to ensure buyers are using certified scales, as recommended by the Malawi Bureau of Standards. Anyone caught manipulating figures or weighing systems will face the law,” she warned.

In a separate interview, agriculture expert Tamani Nkono Mvula, described the newly set farm gate prices as fair, noting the prices reflect production costs.

However, he stressed the need for immediate market intervention by institutions and concurred with Banda’s appeal for farmers to reserve food for consumption other than selling all the food at the expense of food security at household level.

"Farmers should do proper calculations before selling. If farmers sell everything now, they may end up buying the same maize at higher prices again later. Statistics show there might be a food gap between consumers and industry, and if farmers sell all their food, they will be the ones to suffer later,” he cautioned.

The Ministry of Agriculture introduced the farm gate pricing policy to protect farmers from being exploited by buyers offering low prices.

By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, April 12, Mana: Eleven people have been reported dead as the boat they were sailing in to board MV Chilembwe capsized in the wee hours of Saturday at Jalo in Likoma.

Deputy Administrator for St. Peter's Hospital, Nkhonjera Banda confirmed that the dead bodies; six women, a girl and four men are being kept at the hospital's mortuary.

"I have received the reports that the 11 bodies are being kept at the hospital mortuary. They were brought in this morning and other survivors are receiving treatment at the hospital," said Banda.

Speaking on the hospital bed, a survivor, Elinase Phiri a business lady from Karonga, said the boat had a hole where water was entering into the boat and led to its capsizing.

"We realised very late that the boat had a hole. We confronted the operator to take us back to the shore but he insisted that he would be fast. We shouted but all in vain and the boat capsized.

“By the grace of God, I had to hold tight to the boat, then I was rescued," said Phiri.

Likoma Police Station Public Relations Officer, Enala Kalua confirmed the incident saying that investigations are in the process.