Items filtered by date: June 2025

By Robert Malaya

Chiradzulu, August 8, Mana: Chiradzulu District Council has handed over 15 Community Based Childcare Centers (CBCCs) worth K800 million to communities in the district under Investing in Early Years Project (IEYP).

Speaking during the handover ceremony which took place at Jumbe Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Likoswe on Monday, Vice Council Chairperson Councilor Charles Chigwenembe said the CBCCs will play a critical role in promoting child development education in the district as communities' access to CBCCs has now been upgraded.

"These new CBCCs mean a lot to communities in Chiradzulu. We now have 15 CBCCs spread across the district to offer Early Child Development (ECD) education as part of human capital development in line with Agenda 2063. Now, more children will be accommodated and have improved access to early education," said Chigwenembe.

Group Village Headman Chilambe welcomed the development describing it as timely and transformative as children in the area had no ECD knowledge.

"We, therefore, pledge to continue working together with fellow local authorities and the communities that we mobilise more children to attend these schools," he said.

The CBCC structures which have been constructed with funding from World Bank under IEYP project have three classrooms, an office, hygienic toilets and a kitchen.

By Sarah Munthali

Lilongwe, August 8, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has reaffirmed government’s commitment and determination to achieving universal water access by 2030 through implementation of water supply and upgrading projects in the country.

He made the remarks Tuesday when he commissioned the Raised and Rehabilitated Kamuzu Dam 1 at Malingunde in Lilongwe.

“The problem we have had is that for the longest time we have lacked proper management of water resources as a matter of priority and urgency, even as a matter of human rights. This is something I was determined to change.

“In the context of Malawi 2063, it was clear to me that there is no way we can reach becoming an inclusively wealth, self-reliant and industrialised nation without equitable access to water,” he said.

Chakwera said his administration tripled budget allocation for water resource management and created a standalone ministry to oversee implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal of reaching 100 percent water and sanitation access by 2030.

He said, through support from development partners, his administration has been aggressively pursued multiple developmental partnerships in the water sector.

“If we do that, we will continue the Lilongwe Water Resource Efficiency Programme, Southern Region Water Board’s implementation of Nkhudzi Bay Water Supply Project in Mangochi and the Chikwawa, Ngabu, Nchalo and Bangula Water Supply Upgrading projects and implementation of the Nkhatabay and Karonga Water Supply Project,” he noted.

Chakwera said the commissioning Kamuzu Dam 1, with support from European Investment Bank (EIB) embraces government’s vision of putting investments into projects that make communities self-reliant.

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia said there is need for communities to have access to clean water to reduce waterborne diseases such as Cholera.

“My ministry will ensure that the majority of Malawians have access to water which is their fundamental human right’” she said.

Lilongwe Water Board Chairperson, Inkosi Ya Makosi Mbelwa said the Board embarked on the project to increase the water reservoir storage by raising the height of the existing dam.

“The dam has been raised by an additional seven metres comprising of five metres in concrete and an additional two metres installation of an inflatable rubber dam, a unique feature that allows for efficient storage and release of water on the spillway as required, for proper management of the reservoir,” he said.

He said the Board recognizes Lilongwe’s ever-growing water demand hence implementing complementary projects namely Lilongwe Water Sanitation and Malingunde Water Supply Project that are in the pipeline to prevent people’s vulnerability to waterborne diseases.

Speaking on behalf of EIB, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Malawi Une Skinnebach said the support for rehabilitation and raising of the Kamuzu Dam 1 demonstrates Europe’s close cooperation with Malawi to support priority investment under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy.

According to Skinnebach, EIB is currently looking at supporting other water boards with investment projects and various proposals are under review which may be selected depending on their technical and economic merits.

Lilongwe Water Board signed a work contract for raising and rehabilitation of Kamuzu Dam 1 with Motal Engil Engenharia Africa on 27^th July, 2018 at a total cost of €27 million.

With the raising of Kamuzu Dam, the combined storage water capacity for both Kamuzu Dam 1 and 2 will increase from 23.4 million cubic metres to 43.4 million cubic metres which has enhanced the water resource security for Lilongwe City and surrounding areas in the short to medium term.

By Sarah Munthali

Lilongwe, August 8, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has reaffirmed government’s commitment and determination to achieving universal water access by 2030 through implementation of water supply and upgrading projects in the country.

He made the remarks Tuesday when he commissioned the Raised and Rehabilitated Kamuzu Dam 1 at Malingunde in Lilongwe.

“The problem we have had is that for the longest time we have lacked proper management of water resources as a matter of priority and urgency, even as a matter of human rights. This is something I was determined to change.

“In the context of Malawi 2063, it was clear to me that there is no way we can reach becoming an inclusively wealth, self-reliant and industrialised nation without equitable access to water,” he said.

Chakwera said his administration tripled budget allocation for water resource management and created a standalone ministry to oversee implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal of reaching 100 percent water and sanitation access by 2030.

He said, through support from development partners, his administration has been aggressively pursued multiple developmental partnerships in the water sector.

“If we do that, we will continue the Lilongwe Water Resource Efficiency Programme, Southern Region Water Board’s implementation of Nkhudzi Bay Water Supply Project in Mangochi and the Chikwawa, Ngabu, Nchalo and Bangula Water Supply Upgrading projects and implementation of the Nkhatabay and Karonga Water Supply Project,” he noted.

Chakwera said the commissioning Kamuzu Dam 1, with support from European Investment Bank (EIB) embraces government’s vision of putting investments into projects that make communities self-reliant.

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia said there is need for communities to have access to clean water to reduce waterborne diseases such as Cholera.

“My ministry will ensure that the majority of Malawians have access to water which is their fundamental human right’” she said.

Lilongwe Water Board Chairperson, Inkosi Ya Makosi Mbelwa said the Board embarked on the project to increase the water reservoir storage by raising the height of the existing dam.

“The dam has been raised by an additional seven metres comprising of five metres in concrete and an additional two metres installation of an inflatable rubber dam, a unique feature that allows for efficient storage and release of water on the spillway as required, for proper management of the reservoir,” he said.

He said the Board recognizes Lilongwe’s ever-growing water demand hence implementing complementary projects namely Lilongwe Water Sanitation and Malingunde Water Supply Project that are in the pipeline to prevent people’s vulnerability to waterborne diseases.

Speaking on behalf of EIB, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Malawi Une Skinnebach said the support for rehabilitation and raising of the Kamuzu Dam 1 demonstrates Europe’s close cooperation with Malawi to support priority investment under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy.

According to Skinnebach, EIB is currently looking at supporting other water boards with investment projects and various proposals are under review which may be selected depending on their technical and economic merits.

Lilongwe Water Board signed a work contract for raising and rehabilitation of Kamuzu Dam 1 with Motal Engil Engenharia Africa on 27^th July, 2018 at a total cost of €27 million.

With the raising of Kamuzu Dam, the combined storage water capacity for both Kamuzu Dam 1 and 2 will increase from 23.4 million cubic metres to 43.4 million cubic metres which has enhanced the water resource security for Lilongwe City and surrounding areas in the short to medium term.

By Glory Msowoya

Blantyre, August 7, Mana: Director of Media and Public Relations for Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Sangwani Mwafulirwa Monday said the commission would launch the 2023 -28 strategic plan and the 2025 general election operations on August 11,2023.

In an interview in Blantyre, he said the strategic plan would serve as a comprehensive roadmap guiding the commission’s activities over the next five years.

Mwafulirwa added that MEC has extended invitations to political parties, government ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organizations, and the media to witness the launch.

“The launch of this strategic plan reflects the MEC’s commitment to continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence in electoral management.

“By embarking on this transformative journey, the MEC is poised to strengthen its role as a trusted institution, fostering public confidence and upholding democratic values, “he said.

Executive Director for Malawi National Elections Systems Trust (NEST), Unandi Banda urged electoral stakeholders to utilize the strategic plan once launched.

“There is a need for a cordial working relationship between Malawi Electoral Commission and concerned stakeholders, let’s work together in line with this strategic plan ahead of the general elections in 2025,” he said.

Executive Director of the Centre for Governance and Leadership (CEGOL), Chimwemwe Kaonga hailed MEC for its new strategic plan saying it was timely.

“For the general public to have confidence in the electoral management body and win its credibility there is a need to have frameworks like the one MEC is launching that responds to emerging issues about electoral management.

“With various technological advancements on the ground expectations on how do we harness technology towards creating an enabling environment that drives efficiency in the management of elections for the benefit of the masses,” he said

The launch will fall under the theme of Enhancing Cost Effectiveness in Election Management through Digitalization.

By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, August 7, Mana: The 2023 edition of Umtheto Cultural Festival in Mzimba is slated for Thursday, August 10, 2023 with conferences on environmental management involving women and youth, one of the organisers of the festival, Mzimba Heritage Association (MZIHA) has announced.

In an interview on Monday in Mzimba, Publicist for MZIHA, Kingsley Jere said preparations for the event to run from Thursday till Saturday are on track.

‘‘We have helped in mobilising K53 million that we needed for the event. At local levels, each TA was tasked with raising funds for the event. We also held other fund generating initiatives to raise the amount. We are proud to say all is set for the event,’’ he said.

Jere said the event would reach climax on Saturday with day main event to take place.

‘‘Every year we come up with a topic to celebrate the festivities. This year we are talking about climate change integration into culture. So the conference on Thursday will be teaching the people about issues of climate change, environmental degradation and their effects on human kind,’’ he explained.

Jere added that on Friday morning they would visit Mzalangwe to pay respects at the place where Inkosi M’mbelwa 1 was buried before going on top Hora Mountain where people would be treated to meat and beers.

The Publicist said on Friday evening, Black Missionaries would be performing at Hora Heritage Centre.

During his recent tour to Hora Heritage Centre to supervise groundwork, Inkosi Ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V called on Ngoni people to preserve wildlife by wearing animal skins from livestock.

He said culture cannot survive without nature hence asked people to refrain from cutting down trees.

M’mbelwa said some of the disasters that have occurred in the country have occurred because of environmental degradation.

By Emily Kamisa

Mzuzu, August 7, Mana: Six men are in custody at Mzuzu Police Station for allegedly breaking into Loyal Gardens Lodge and robbed customers of their items valued at K7 million.

Assistant Public Relations Officer for Mzuzu Police Station, Constable, Rose Chipyola identified the suspects as Fadwick Chiwaya, 52 from Traditional Authority (TA) Mabuka in Mulanje, Sam Kagunda, 28 from TA Fukamapiri Nkhata Bay, Precious Jonathan, 31 from TA Likoswe in Chiradzulu.

The others are Issa Ibrahim, 39 from TA M’baluku in Mangochi, Stonard Nkhoma, 39 from TA Mtwalo in Mzimba and Titus Chirwa, 31 from TA Kampingo Sibande in Mzimba.

 “The six who were armed with panga knives and steel metal bars were part of an eight-member gang that broke into the lodge during the night of August 5, 2023.

They tied up the receptionist and later besieged 14 rooms which were occupied with different governmental and non-governmental officials and robbing them of their belongings,” she said.

Chipyola added that, “They broke into the lodge, tied up the receptionist and later besieged 14 rooms occupied with different governmental and non-governmental officials and robbing them of their belongings,”

She said following a tip from well-wishers, police launched investigations which led to the arrest of the six suspects and recovery of some of the items.

Some of the recovered items include six laptop computers, 19 mobile phones, and cash amounting to K 90.000.

She added that the Police have seized a vehicle, Suzuki Wagon registration number BZ 2156 which was suspected to have been used for the operation.

By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, August 7, Mana: Executive Director for Mzimba Youth Organisation, Moses Nkhana has said his organisation has procured 25,000 condoms valued at K1.5 million to be distributed at Umtheto cultural festival which will take place from 9 - 12 August 2023.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, Nkhana said the move comes in the wake of recent records by Mzimba South District Health Office which showed that over 650 people contracted various sexually transmitted infections (STIs) between January and March 2023 in the district.

Nkhana said as an organisation they believe some youths and people may take advantage of the gathering at Umtheto to indulge in sex.

‘‘Our office gives out free condoms and contraceptive pills but we have observed that trends have changed of late whereby more people are coming to collect pills than condoms.

"This is because more people are afraid of pregnancies than diseases that’s why we want to take advantage of the gathering at Umtheto to create awareness and also distribute condoms,’’.

Mzimba Heritage Association (Mziha) publicist, Kingsley Jere has welcomed the initiative by Mzimba Youth organisation to distribute condoms, saying it is prudent to put in place measures to protect people.

However, Chairperson of Mzimba Civil Society organisations, Christopher Melele said the records released by the district health office could not be directly linked to Umthetho cultural event.

‘‘The recent records of STIs were released by Mzimba DHO showed records of those at Mzimba boma so I don’t know how those records could be linked to Umtheto gathering,’’ said Melele.

By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, August 7, Mana: Councilor for Likoma, Earnest Gulu has commended Invest in Early Years Project (IEYP) saying it has improved livelihoods of the people in the district.

He said this Sunday during an orientation meeting integrated homestead farming   organized for IEYP beneficiaries and community leaders in the district.

"For the past four years, we have managed to reduce mortality rate, maternal rate, infant rate and people's diet has greatly improved because of the project," said Gulu.

He said the nutrition status of people has improved due to the pass on project of livestock, adding that people have a variety of fruit trees and vegetable gardens.

Apart from improving nutrition status, he said women and young girls are now attending antenatal services, delivering at the hospital hence reducing death rate among mothers and babies.

He then asked World Bank to replace the project once it phases out so that many people should benefit hence sustaining their livelihoods.

Project Coordinator for IEYP in Likoma, Vision Mkumbwa said the orientation was aimed at improving food security in integrated households in the district.

"IEYP has done a number of activities in the district for example pass on of livestock, giving out vegetable plants and different varieties of fruits. People now have a lot of vegetables and fruits within their reach unlike in the past so food security and nutrition status has improved," explained Mkumbwa.

He said the aim of the project is to improve nutrition status of the targeted households such as under five children, lactating mother's and adolescent girls.

The five-year project which is being funded by World Bank District is expected to phase out next year in Likoma.

By WakisaMyamba

Karonga August 7, Mana: Chitipa United FC started the TNM Super League second round with a win after defeating Karonga United 2-0 at Karonga Stadium on Sunday.

The two goals were scored by Ramadan Ntafu in the 11^th minute and China Chirwa in the 73^rd minute respectively.

In a post-match interview, Assistant Coach for Karonga United FC, Luka Bruno Milanzie was not pleased with the results, saying that his players were not utilizing chances.

On his part, Coach for Chitipa United FC, Macdonald Nginde Mtetemera expressed satisfaction with the results.

“The boys played very well and we plan to maintain with the performance,” he said.

Chitipa are on second position with 32 points while Karonga are on position 10.

By Yamikani Yapuwa

Blantyre, August 7, Mana: Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) which will see the university offering a postgraduate certificate in Taxation and Customs come 2024.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, MRA’s Director General John Biziwick said the MoU would foster collaboration in the development and delivery of a training programme in Taxation and Customs that would culminate into the award of a certificate.

“Through this partnership, we will jointly develop the curriculum, provide training to qualifying candidates and also share training materials with a view to fully equip young Malawians in the field of taxation.

“Besides that, the MoU will enable students studying taxation to access MUBAS's training facilities and infrastructure so that they learn taxation in a very conducive environment and be experts in taxation which is a very complex and dynamic field,” he said.

Biziwick said through the MOU, the authority would be able to significantly reduce its training costs as only candidates with the requisite knowledge and skills would be considered for employment in MRA.

“In other words, through this MoU, we are creating a pool of technocrats from where only competent and skilled manpower in taxation will be drawn.

“When I say a pool of technocrats, I mean officers who will competently conduct inspection, tax assessment or conduct effective tax investigations. I also mean officers who have the requisite knowledge and skills in rules of origin, classification and valuation, among others,” he said.

The Director General added that the MoU has come at an opportune time when government was working towards reducing donor dependence and instead advocating for mobilization of domestic revenue as envisaged in the Domestic Revenue Mobilization Strategy 2021-2026.

“Therefore, I am very optimistic that through this MoU, the country will be producing technocrats in the field of taxation and in the process, beat the set revenue targets and enable the Government accomplish its development agenda,” Biziwick said.

MUBAS Vice Chancellor, Nancy Chitera described the programme as a very crucial and critical component and programme for the development of the nation and achieving of Malawi 2063.

“As a country, we are talking of more exporting of our products as we would want to build a nation that is self-reliant.

“We would want to build a nation that is more into industry. If you will see the Malawi 2063, there are issues of Industrialization and Urbanization. All these will involve importing and exporting of materials.

“As such, there are issues of taxation and customs that these employees, clearing agents and entrepreneurs need to be aware of,” she said.

Chitera added that the programme would help in the implementation of the country’s budget which runs on taxes.

 “Our budget runs on the taxes and we need people that are well aware and familiar with issues of taxation because without proper procedures, processes and proper collection of these particular taxes then Malawi’s budget would have challenges to be implemented,” she pointed out.