News In Northern Region (466)
Car Free Day Set for Friday
A local organization on road safety has appealed to all motorists that this coming Friday should walk or cycle to their destinations in an attempt to reduce carbon emissions emanating from motor vehicles that pollute the environment.
Road Safety Alert Foundation Public Relations Officer Thokozani Chenjezi told us in an interview Thursday that this is a result of various negative effects of carbon emissions to the environment that Malawi and other countries are experiencing.
“Malawi has recently faced various natural calamities like cyclones, this clearly shows that the environment has been damaged. We also want to promote good health by walking and cycling, as well as, reducing road traffic accidents since the roads will have minimal traffic of motor vehicles,” said Chenjezi.
This will be the first-ever Car Free Day in Malawi being championed by the Road Safety Alert Foundation.
Road Safety Alert Foundation is a local organization affiliated with the Global Alliance of Non-Governmental Organizations on Road Safety and also SADC Alliance on Road Safety.
Meanwhile, Environmentalist Chikondi Gawa has welcomed the initiative saying at all costs Malawians should stand up to protect the environment which will eventually reduce carbon emissions.
Said Gawa: “These are issues we need to be talking about and doing in protecting the environment and healthy living. So, those who can afford should surely take part.”
On Friday this week, a Car Free Zone will be set up near Gemini house in City Center, Lilongwe where no car will be allowed to enter the zone from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm as a way of proving awareness of the initiative.
Financial Woes Affect Portable Water Access at Ekwendeni School for the Blind
Ekwendeni Resource for the Blind which is a primary school under the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia has gone for three years without access to clean and potable water due to the failure to settle 800,000 Kwacha water bills to the Northern Region Water Board.
Head of the Ekwendeni Mission, Reverend Timothy Nyirenda says that the water supply was disconnected following acute funding challenges affecting its donors (the Church and well-wishers).
The institution, at times gets monthly financial support from government of about 500 000 Kwacha which is not enough for its operations.
“Despite a well-wisher drilling a borehole at the school, after noting the problem, we still need safe and potable water. We will soon engage the Northern Region Water Board on how to settle the debt despite having insufficient resources,” said Reverend Nyirenda.
Meanwhile, president of the Institute of People Management Malawi Godwin Sam N'goma whose organisation donated assorted items to the institution valued at 2 million Kwacha, has appealed to well-wishers including the corporate world to assist the school.
Said N’goma: “Our coming here is to provide public awareness, so that more people can bail out the school which is in dire need of help. We want to tell people of goodwill to bail out the school that has produced a lot of good people.”
The Ekwendeni Resource Center for the Blind was established in 1978 and it has been relying on the Church, well-wishers, and government who in some months provide a subversion of 500,000 Kwacha.
The Institute of People Management Malawi is one of the oldest professional bodies in the country, and its mandate is to ensure an effective workforce in the labour sector.
Chakwera Talks Tough on Contractors
President Lazarus Chakwera has lashed out at some people he did not disclose, saying they are conniving with contractors to frustrate development projects being initiated in the country for their own benefit.
The President made the remarks yesterday when he commissioned the 30 billion Kwacha Nkhata Bay Town Water Supply and Sanitation project which will benefit over 104 thousand households in the district.
The project is being implemented by government and the Northern Region Water Board.
“I know what some people are doing. That is very unpatriotic behavior, that must come to stop because it is theft,” said Chakwera.
He then hailed the utility body for effective use of resources which his administration strives to achieve every time.
Chairperson of the Board Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo said the project is expected to reduce cases of waterborne diseases like cholera, as the district is one of the hotspots of the disease which claimed more than 1,700 people in 2022-2023.
Said Mwenifumbo: “This is what we are supposed to do. And we will continue to provide portable water to people through various projects we are implementing in most parts of the region.”
The 30 billion Kwacha Nkhata Bay Town Water Supply and Sanitation project targets to improve Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene services and build the capacity of various stakeholders in the Wash sector.
The project has been financially supported by the African Development Bank and OPEC Fund for International Development and the Government of Malawi.
Malawi’s First Coach Terminal to Open in Mzuzu
Mzuzu, which is dubbed Malawis fast growing city, will be the first to have a Coach terminal that will be operational by 1st October this year.
Chief Executive Officer of the City Gomegzani Nyasulu says this is one of the resolutions made during the Mzuzu City Summit held two weeks ago, and the city is expecting to be collecting K9 million every month from about 7 local and international operators.
“Our simple calculations tell us that, with the operators we have, we will be generating at least K300 thousand Kwacha per day. And by the end of the month, the council will be having K9 million from the terminal.” said Nyasulu.
He added, that at the new facility, authorities will not allow Callboys and vending.
Mzuzu, will be the first city in Malawi to have such a terminal and there is an opening for the private sector to partner in managing the facility.
Mayor of the City Councilor Gift Desire Nyirenda says this will bring sanity in terms of Coach parking stations.
Explained Councilor Nyirenda: “Mzuzu is fast fast-growing city in the country. It is our wish that we provide the needs of the residents of this city. We may delay, but surely we will get there.”
The Mayor also says Councilors will monitor the development to ensure effective utilization of proceeds from the terminal.
The Coach Terminal will be located on the premises of Shire Bus Lines Company just adjacent to the Clock Tower in the city.
This year, government took over the management of all Shire Bus Company bus depots from Mulli Group of companies after High Court ordered that all such facilities, which were illegally possessed by the group, be handed over to local councils.
Lions Club International in Fresh Appeal for Malawi’s Cyclone Freddy Survivors
The Lions Clubs International's multiple district 412 covering Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique has stressed the need for continued humanitarian aid to survivors of cyclone Freddy which claimed lives of about 1000 people this year in some parts of the country.
Council Chairperson of the district, Lion Victor Gondwe said this during an induction ceremony of new leaders and members of Mzuzu, Viphya, and Katoto Specialty Lions Clubs, where he noted that in most places that were hit by the cyclone, survivors still need aid.
“The Lions community is expecting a lot from the newly inducted Lions in serving the disadvantaged, just like those that are affected by cyclone Freddy,” said Lion Gondwe.
He added that being a Lion means a big thing in saving people who are in dire need of help.
Lions embrace the Lions Club International's Five Pillars of Service which include Vision, Hunger, Diabetes, Cancer, and Environment.
Guest of honor at the ceremony, business person and renowned IT governance expert, Lion Mathews Mtumbuka tipped his fellow Lions to explore other avenues of mobilizing resources that are used to provide support to those in need.
Said Lion Mtumbuka; “We know that Lions build schools, and provide different needs to the people, but there is a need for them to find other ways of generating resources than depending on their monthly salaries, assuming they are employees.”
Among others, Lions strive to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian services and grants that impact lives globally and encourage peace and international understanding.
Man Beheads Wife, Son and Commits Suicide
Two bodies of a woman and her 2-year-old son have been discovered beheaded in Karonga, an incident which has sent shockwaves among residents there.
Police in the district say that the bodies were found alongside another body, of a man believed to be the husband, whom they suspect beheaded the two before taking his own life.
The man has been identified by the police as, 27-year-old Jonathan Mzumara, from the district.
Karonga Police Publicist Sergeant George Mulewa says, the three bodies were discovered today by some villagers who were passing by the house.
"We found the body of Jonathan Mzumara hanging from the roof at the sitting room, while bodies of the wife and son were found on the floor in a pool of blood," said Mulwa.
He adds that, the couple has been quarrelling since 2019, and that several attempts by family members to resolve their marital conflict did not yield any results
Police have identified the other two as; Mervis Kumwenda and 2-year-old Ian Mzumara.
Mental Health Expert Dr Ndumanene Silungwe says that believes that this is a sign of serious mental disorder.
“Government should focus on issues of men's mental health if we are to avoid suicidal cases in the country," said Silungwe.
All the three deceased hailed from Paramount Chief Kyungu’s area in Karonga.
21-Year Jail Term for Robbing Guests at a Lodge in Mzuzu
Principal resident magistrate Clemence Chamwenda sitting at the Mzuzu court registry has sentenced six men to 21- years imprisonment with hard labour each, for robbing guests at Royal Gardens Lodge at Lubinga in the city on 4th August this year.
The six (jailed) and two others who are still at large, robbed property which included cellphones, laptops, clothes, and cash among others worth over 7 million Kwacha.
State prosecutor Assistant Superintendent Vickness chinseu Simwinga of Mzuzu police told the court on Wednesday this week, that the convicts had planned to commit the offense as they were equipped with panga knives, metal bars, camouflage clothes, and face masks.
“Your worship, these are dangerous criminals and they are a threat to the security of people such that they deserve a harder sentence,” said Assistant Superintendent Simwinga.
Of the six, four are ex-convicts while the other two are first offenders, and their plea for mercy from the court when sentencing was not entertained.
In his judgment, Principal Resident Magistrate Clemence Chamwenda said the crime the accused committed, has the potential to harm the business of the lodge.
Replied magistrate Chamwenda; “It has pleased this court to send you to jail for 21 years each. Your actions may have a negative impact on the lodge, as people will have trust issues with its security”.
Meanwhile, Mzuzu Police Spokesperson Inspector Paul Tembo has welcomed the judgment, saying this will motive the law enforcers in their zeal to combat crime in the city.
“The arrest and swift conviction of the six is an indication that the law enforcers have stepped up efforts in providing security in the city, after registering incidences of theft cases in the past months,” explained Inspector Tembo.
The six include Faduwik Chiwaya, Sam Kagunda, Precious Jonathan, Issa Ibrahim, Stonald Nkhoma, and Titus Chirwa.
Rumphi Residents Protest New Water Tariffs
Some traditional leaders and residents in Rumphi have asked Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) to reduce its 50% water tariffs increment to 36%.
Speaking during an engagement with the board yesterday executive director for Rumphi Residents Association Walika Mkandawire said that the 50% hike, is too high.
Mkandawire claimed that the board did not do thorough consultations on the matter before coming up with the new tariffs.
"The new tariffs are not affordable, have to be revised," said Mkandawire.
Mkandawire also raised the issue of poor hygiene at the board’s intake asking it to improve.
Acting chief executive officer for NRWB, Francis Munthali turned down the request, saying that the high cost of commodities has pushed production high, hence previous tariffs were not sustainable.
He added; “The board considered a number factors such as; Covid-19, the war between Russia and Ukraine among others.”
On the issue of poor sanitation, Munthali committed to take action on the matter.
Political Tension Nearly Disrupts Late Gondwe’s Burial Ceremony
The body of iconic economist cum politician Goodall Gondwe was buried yesterday and all the eulogies at the burial ceremony centered on celebrating his personal, educational, and political achievements.
Scores of people from within and abroad attended the sorrowful ceremony which earlier was threatened by rising political tension amongst political parties, but CCAP Synod of Livingstonia, family, former Vice President Khumbo Kachali, and Vice President Saulos Chilima emphasized that Gondwe deserved a proper send-off.
“Time for politicking is coming and we all know that. Let’s all of us keep in mind that we have come here to bury the great son of Malawi and he deserves a befitting send-off,” said Chilima before reading his eulogy.
Added Chilima: “When we go back to Lilongwe government will organize a conference where economists will review some of Gondwe's works, it is instrumental for the country.
“Goodall was a true definition of a good man. He was our father and mentor. Whenever you wanted him for advice, he was there.”
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Peter Mutharika described the late Gondwe as a great son of Malawi, after serving the country and international organizations including the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“I met Goodall in 1959 at school. Since that time we have been together and worked closely in various setups. Family and the party have lost a great man,” said Mutharika.
Goodall Goodall was DPP’s vice president for the northern region.
Group Village Headman Kayiwononga told hundreds that gathered at the ceremony that their father, meaning late Gondwe, taught Kayiwonanga Village three things which included the promotion of unity, love and also having a spirit of hard work.
This was echoed by his daughter Tiwonge who spoke on behalf of her two brothers.
Born Goodall Edward Gondwe on 1 December 1936 in Mzimba, he breathed his last on 8 August 2023.
Man Dies after Tractor Overturns in Nkhata-Bay
A 33-year-old man identified as Oris Jeke has died in Nkhata-Bay after the horse of a tractor he was operating overturned and rested on him.
The accident, according to NKhata-Bay police spokesperson, Sergeant Kondwani James, occurred yesterday afternoon within Vizara Rubber plantation in the district.
"At the material time, Jeke was operating a company tractor registration number NB 8217 John Deere within South Chombe rubber plantation field with three passengers on board," said James.
He added that upon arrival at field 86, as he was descending a slope, a metal bar that joins a trailer to the horse (drawbar) got broken, leading to disconnection of the two parts.
James further added; "The trailer started rolling behind the horse and eventually hit the horse, forcing it to overturn, which in the end rested on him and following the impact, he sustained severe head and internal injuries."
Jeke hailed from Traditional Authority Mkumbira in the district. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at Nkhata-Bay District Hospital, while the three passengers sustained minor injuries and were treated at the same hospital as out-patients.
