MANAonline
Environment activist urges MEPA to call for more awareness on dangers of illegal sand Mining
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe, August 27, MANA: Environment Activists have urged Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) to create more awareness on dangers of illegal sand mining, highlighting that there are increased cases of illegal sandy mining in the cities across the country as people have insufficient information about the dangers of such practice.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency-MANA, Environment activist, Mathews Malata said MEPA has to create more awareness on dangers of illegal sand mining to prevent consequences followed by the practice.
"We need to create awareness on the dangers of sand mining as it appears that most people are not fully aware of the consequences that come a long with sand mining. We need to sensitize people on procedures, which ought to be followed for people to do sand mining, as it is not completely prohibited.
"Sand mining can lead to significant issues, including landslides, which pose serious risks to life. In severe cases, landslides can even result in fatalities," Malata said.
He said illegal sand mining brings disruption on ecosystem such as land degradation and environment degradation.
"When discussing biodiversity, significant disturbances can occur, and in some cases of flooding, rivers may take new courses that did not happen in the past," he said.
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He added that illegal sand mining also affect the quality of water and that affects preservation of marine species.
Spokesperson for Lilongwe City Council, Tamara Chafunya, said the council has witnessed a number of people practicing illegal sand mining along riverbanks, which has enforced them to enforce the laws in fear of the consequences of the practice.
"In Lilongwe, we have observed that many people are engaging in illegal sand mining along riverbanks. Recently, the Lilongwe City Council has been actively enforcing the law along the Lilongwe River."
"As we know that the impacts of illegal sand mining are environment degradation and occurrences of over flooding during the rainy season," Chafunya said.
She said they would continue arresting those who would continue mining illegally.
According to Chafunya, most affected rivers within Lilongwe city are Lilongwe, Lingadzi, Nankhaka and Chankhandwe River.
Nsundwe stadium construction begins September
By: Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, August 28, Mana: The construction of a 10,000 seater Nsundwe stadium in Traditional Authority Kalolo in Lilongwe will begin in September, 2024 after Lilongwe District Council awarded the contract to Bonongwe Building Construction.
Speaking on Tuesday after handing over to the contractor in the area, Director of Public Works for Lilongwe district council Sydney Chiphaka said the contractor has been given 12 months to complete the construction works of the stadium.
“I am very happy that finally we have identified and handed over to the contractor. As you may be aware we started working on this project almost a year and some months ago, so to reach this far, it’s a very big achievement.
“Now the work is on the ground, all along we have been doing paper work, which in most cases gives an impression as if nothing is happening on the ground, but with this development, I am very happy,” he said.
Chiphaka then urged the contractor to stick to the standards that he has been given and cooperate with the community for the smooth implementation of the project.
Commenting on the development, Bonongwe Building Construction Manager, Malisen Mtondela assured the general public that he will stick to the standards that he has been given and complete the construction works on time.
“This is not our first project of this nature, we are also constructing another stadium in Mwanza though it is a bit smaller than this one, but I can assure you. We will do a good work here,” he said.
Speaking on a separate interview, one of the members of the community, Mannuel Jali thanked government for the development saying the stadium will boost businesses in the area, thereby improving livelihood.
Jali then asked the contractor to consider employing local people as skilled labourers so that they too benefit from the project.
Government through Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture will use MK8.2 billion to construct Nsundwe stadium.
Lilongwe council conduct athletics competition
By: Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, August 28, Mana: Lilongwe District Sports Officer, Eckima Chikafa has called on parents and teachers to encourage learners in their schools to show interest and take part in different sporting disciplines.
Chikafa made the call on Tuesday at Mdzobwe Primary School, in the area of Traditional Authority Kalolo in the district during the athletics competition.
“Learners are born with different talents, and for those talents to be exposed, there is need to encourage them in different sporting disciplines such as athletics. One may not be good in class, but he may be good at a certain sporting activity,” she said.
Councilor for Kachawa ward Laxton Mkasauka thanked Lilongwe district council for the initiative saying it will not only expose the learner’s talent, but also reduce drop-out rate in schools.
“We have seen some learners going to school and participate in sports. Let us encourage these sporting activities in schools,” he said.
Mkasauka then asked the district sports office to continue organizing such events in all educational zones in the district in order to identify genuine talents among the learners.
Speaking on behalf of other learners, Wycliff Godfrey of Mdzobwe primary school who won a medal in 200m race, expressed his excitement with the initiative saying it was his first time to win a medal in such competition.
“I am very excited with this initiative and I am encouraging my fellow learners to work hard in such competitions so that they too win awards in the future,” he said.
During the competition, five schools participated namely: Sawuzawana primary school, Chambwe, Mdzobwe, Chigunda and Mdzobwe Community Day Secondary School.
Among other activities, learners competed in 3,000 metres race, egg-race and sack-race. The wining learners went away with different medals.
Five killed in Kasungu minibus accident
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, August 28, Mana: Three women and two men have died after a minibus they were travelling in overturned at Thondolo village along the Santhe-Chinkhoma M18 road in Kasungu district.
Briefing reporters at Kasungu District Hospital Tuesday evening, Kasungu Police Public Relations Officer Joseph Kachikho only identified the two men being the driver, Cossam Banda and his conductor, Jairos Kamanga.
He said the minibus, registration number MZ 10677, coming from Lilongwe going to Jenda had 16 people on board.
“Upon reaching Thondolo near Lusa river along the M18 road, the rear tyre exploded forcing the minibus to overturn.
“Due to the impact, we have lost five people while six others have sustained varying injuries and are admitted to Kasungu District Hospital. Five others were treated as out-patients,” Kachikho explained.
Kasungu District Council Director of Planning and Development, Annie Zimba, told reporters at the mortuary that government, through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, will assist the bereaved families with coffins.
“It’s another sad day for us here in Kasungu considering that just a few days ago we had another fatal accident which claimed 26 lives. We are deeply saddened and we send our condolences,” Zimba said.
Commissioner of Police for Central East Region, Rhoda Manjolo, Officer In-Charge for Kasungu Police, Obrey Nyirenda, senior council officials were present at the mortuary where hundreds of mourners had gathered.
This is the second fatal accident within six days in Kasungu district following another one which killed 26 people on Thursday last week.
Sauli advocates for a comprehensive scholarship program to support the needy
BY Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, August 27, Mana: Biggers Sauli, a Malawian-born educator specializing in Chinese language and Literature, has passionately urged secondary school administrators in Malawi to grant scholarships to deserving students, drawing on his own extraordinary journey as a testament to the transformative influence of education.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) Sauli highlighted that he was granted a pivotal scholarship to enroll at Maranatha Boys Academy in Blantyre, where he excelled in his academic pursuits from 2014 to 2016.
He noted that the opportunity paved the way for him to pursue a bachelor's degree at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), and that he is currently embarking on his first year of a Master's Degree program in Chinese language and Literature in China.
"Secondary education is pivotal in shaping one's trajectory.
"It serves as the gateway to higher education and ultimately a prosperous career. I stand as living proof of this assertion," Said Sauli.
In his remarks, Ernest Kaonga, the Managing Director of Maranatha Academy, expressed admiration for Sauli's accomplishments, saying the institution is committed to fostering excellence and providing top-notch education, we take immense pride in the impact we have had in our community.
"We take great pleasure in Sauli's narrative and we are exceedingly proud of him and all those who have preceded and succeeded him courtesy of Maranatha.
"Sauli's remarkable odyssey stands as a beacon of hope for numerous young Malawians, underscoring the crucial role that education plays in unlocking individual potential and propelling national progress," said Kaonga.
Kaonga further stated that Sauli's tale serves as an inspiration for a new generation of scholars to pursue their aspirations, undeterred by any obstacles.
President Filipe Nyusi to undertake state visit in Malawi
By Tikondane Vega
Lilongwe, August 27, Mana: President of the Republic of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi is scheduled to visit Malawi on Wednesday, to undertake several state engagements.
The President’s visit is at the invitation of his Malawi counterpart, President Lazarus Chakwera, in recognizing the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
While in the country, President Nyusi is expected to be awarded an Honorary Degree from the University of Malawi in Zomba.
“I am pleased to announce that The University of Malawi will award an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in International Affairs and Diplomacy (Honoris Causa) to Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi,” said the University’s Registrar, Martin Matululu in a statement released on 26th August 2024.
President Nyusi will also be a special guest at the opening of the 2024 Trade Fair in Blantyre.
Malawi and Mozambique share a rich history of cooperation, rooted in their geographical proximity and deep cultural connections.
On economic cooperation, Mozambique is Malawi’s gateway to global trade through vital ports like Beira and on energy partnership, Malawi-Mozambique power interconnection project is a milestone in a bilateral relationship.
Furthermore, both countries have been instrumental in promoting peace and security in the region, collaborating within the SADC framework to address shared challenges.
Currently, Malawi and Mozambique share many cultural bonds especially among the ethnic communities that live along the border such as Lomwe and Yao, this has fostered close relations between the two countries.
This year, Malawi and Mozambique also agreed to strengthen their bilateral relationship at the grassroots through a joint technical meeting, which attracted technocrats from departments of international affairs, defence, police as well as local government from the two countries.
Recently, Malawi’s High Commissioner to Mozambique Wezi Moyo said the two countries are also strengthening communication whereby many Mozambicans are embracing English while as Malawi plans to introduce Portuguese and Swahili in its curriculum to improve social integration.
Meanwhile, Malawi is connecting its railway at Marka to the Sena Corridor from Vila Nova de Fronteira de Mark, the country will be transporting bulky cargo at a lower cost.
Man arrested in Neno for possessing coffins
By Salome Gangire
Neno, August 27, Mana: Police in Neno district arrested a 42-year-old man, Christopher Manyika on allegations of possessing two coffins, which he and an accomplice who is at large bought for rituals following a herbalist’s instructions that the coffins will transform into vehicles.
Neno Police Public Relations Officer, Rebecca Msoliza said police received a tip-off from members of the community that Manyika and his friend, Henry Kapakasa engaged in ritualistic practices for two consecutive nights at Bwalo la Ndege ground at Chifenthe village in the district.
"On the night, Monday (August 26, 2024), police followed it up and found the suspects at the mentioned location, each carrying a coffin," said Msoliza, adding that Manyika was arrested at the scene while Kapakasa managed to escape leaving his coffin behind.
The publicist said Manyika revealed during questioning that he and Kapakasa were acting under instructions of a herbalist who convinced them that the coffins will transform into vehicles.
The police have since recovered the coffins and are intensifying their efforts to arrest both Kapakasa and the herbalist.
Christopher Manyika comes from Zomodya village, Traditional Authority Mlauli in Neno district.
Macra appeals to communities not to vandalise street and house signs
By Salome Gangire
Neno, August 27, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has appealed to people in Neno district to welcome National Addressing System (NAS) project that will be implemented in the district as a comprehensive system of street and building naming and house numbering to facilitate an efficient service delivery system to recipients of service and goods.
MACRA Director of Postal and e-commerce, Kondwani Kachika made the call during stakeholders meeting in the district on Monday and further called on the people to avoid vandalising street signs that will be put in place as part of NAS project, which is set to commence soon.
Some of NAS benefits include; provision of verified proof of residence and increased service delivery due to enhanced address accuracy and increased accuracy in census information collection.
The Director of Postal and e-commerce therefore said vandalism of road signs and other physical infrastructure will be a draw back to the objectives of the NAS.
“The project has been marred by vandalism as people of ill intentions vandalise these signs and this is a huge draw back to the project,” Kachika said, adding that the street naming Malawi has adopted has many social economic benefits to communities.
He therefore appealed to the Neno District Council and community leadership to further sensitise people in the district of the social economic importance of NAS once it rolls out.
NAS Data Base Officer, Charles Sabola said NAS objective is to ensure that each and every physical location in Malawi has an address and is in line with Section 124 of the Communications Act of 2016.
Neno District Council Chairperson, Joseph Chiphaliwali hailed MACRA for introducing the project in the district saying NAS will facilitate an easy way of locating places unlike the current situation where residents use other features that make strangers fail to identify their accurate locations.
“The project will modernise villages as they will be well and orderly numbered for easy identification,” he added.
The project was piloted in Blantyre in December 2016 and later rolled out to the northern region and later to the rest of the districts.
NAS has six components namely; National Addressing Standards, National Postal System, National Address and Postcode Database, Physical Infrastructure, Geographic Information System (GIS) Support for the Addressing Database and Public Awareness.
Airtel Malawi forecasts widened loss for 2023
By Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe, August 27, Mana: Airtel Malawi PLC has revised its financial outlook for the year ending December 31, 2023, predicting a significant increase in losses.
According to a trading statement issued by the company, Airtel Malawi expects to report a loss after tax of between MK15.1 billion and MK15.7 billion. This represents a 141% to 143% increase from the previous year's loss of MK36.9 billion.
The revised forecast is a significant departure from the company's initial trading statement issued on December 29, 2023, which predicted a profit/loss after tax of between MK1.75 billion and MK2.0 billion.
The company attributed the variation to a reassessment of the accounting treatment for US$ indexed tower lease contracts.
Airtel Malawi's auditors have not reviewed or reported on the information used to make this trading statement. The final results for the year ending December 31, 2023, are expected to be published by August 31, 2024, following review and approval by the Board of Directors.
The company is listed on the Malawi Stock Exchange Limited and is required to publish trading statements in accordance with listing requirements.
We tried to contact several economic experts to comment on the matter but non of them was available for the media.
Malawi signs 7th Cycle of Global Fund grant
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, August 27, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has underscored the government's commitment to nurturing collaboration with the Global Fund to enhance the well-being of Malawians.
He made the remarks on Tuesday during the official launch Global Fund Cycle 7 on HIV, TB and Malaria signing ceremony held at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
President Chakwera highlighted that this grant signifies a huge commitment in the ongoing battle against various health challenges that have impeded the progress towards a healthier Malawian populace.
He commended the Global Fund for its unwavering support in combating HIV, TB, and Malaria, as well as its assistance in fortifying the healthcare systems in Malawi through diverse means.
"Through the previous grants, we have expanded access health services, increased the availability of life savings and improved health infrastructure.
“We have also procured ambulances and utility vehicles, gas plants and modern hospital equipment such as CT Scanners and the recruitment of thousands of health care workers,” said Chakwera.
The President emphasized that this initiative will not only strengthen the country's efforts in combating these diseases but also contribute to the overall resilience and sustainability of Malawi's healthcare infrastructure.
Minister of Finance, Simplex Chithyola Banda, described the auspicious occasion as a milestone, signifying a substantial financial commitment of 525 million dollars which is expected to run from 2024 to 2027 respectively.
He affirmed the government's dedication by allocating 12.5 percent of the national budget, aligning with the Abuja declaration to bolster resilience and sustainability in the healthcare sector.
"The grant is pivotal in advancing the sustainable goals set forth in the fight against HIV, TB, and Malaria within the country" said Chithyola.
He extended his appreciation to all sustainable partners and the Global Fund for their collaborative efforts in strengthening the healthcare systems, including the supply chain.
He also noted that the hosting of the Global Fund meeting underscores the donors' confidence in the current administration led by President Chakwera.
Head of Grant Management Unit, Mark Eldon Edighton, lauded the ongoing collaboration between Malawi government and the Global Fund aimed at fortifying the national healthcare systems.
He expressed satisfaction with Malawi's exceptional performance in implementing the Global Fund grants, describing it as remarkable. He provided a detailed progress report on the country's achievements in managing HIV, TB, and Malaria, resulting in a notable decrease in disease burden.
Edighton commended all proactive stakeholders for their steadfast commitment and support in reducing the prevalence of such diseases in Malawi.
In her address, the American Charge D'Affairs, Amy Diaz, highlighted the significant advancements made in HIV treatment through antiretroviral medication in 2022, emphasizing the substantial progress in combating the disease.
She reaffirmed the American Government's dedication to continued collaboration with the Malawian Government, particularly through the Global Fund, to ensure the effective allocation of resources towards HIV programs.
Diaz emphasized the importance of initiatives such as establishing health center posts and providing technical support to enhance the quality of life for individuals in Malawi.
She also disclosed that Malawi is poised to host a Global Fund meeting in November, underscoring the robust partnership between Malawi and the international community.
The Japanese Charge D'Affairs, Seiji Tashira, commended the Malawi Government for successfully securing grants for HIV, TB, and Malaria, highlighting the substantial progress made in disease prevention.
He stressed the necessity of sustained efforts in the fight against HIV to create a conducive environment, urging for continuous support to further advance Malawi's healthcare sector.
The British High Commissioner, Olympia Wereko Brobby, praised the Malawian Government for effectively fostering sustainable partnerships with the Global Fund, reflecting on the positive outcomes of their collaboration.
The Norwegian Ambassador, Ingrid Marie Mikelsen commended all partners for their ongoing collaborative endeavors in maintaining sustainable partnerships, underscoring Norway's significant contribution of 190 million euros towards strengthening healthcare systems in Malawi.
