NATIONAL NEWS (5372)
Affected Families on Upgraded Nkhonya-Thabwa Road Push For Compensation.
Over 150 families whose property was destroyed during upgrading of Nkhonya-Thabwa road in Mulanje district continue pushing government to compensate them.
On Tuesday, the affected people stormed the district council’s office and Margret Chipowa whose tea field was affected told us that for three years now when they go to the council’s office, they are tossed from one office to another.
“Each time we come here, officers push us from one office to another.We are like their puppets,” said Chipowa.
Another person Kondwani Mahala whose property was also damaged said since 2017 they have been discussing the matter with several District Commissioners but the responses have been unconvincing.
Said Mahala, “we have discussed this issue with the past three District Commissioners but what they tell us is not convincing,” said Mahala.
District Commissioner Michael Chimbalanga told Zodiakonline that he has filed the compensation concern to Capitol Hill for its consideration.
“I have written the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development on the same and am just waiting for a feedback, for now that’s what I can tell you,” said Chimbalanga.
However Spokesperson for the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Muhlabase Mughogho said had no compensation funds.
“As far as I know the Districts Road Upgrading Project had no compensation,” said Mughogho.
Meanwhile the affected people have said next week they will also go the district commissioner’s office to ask for their compensation.
Government in 2017 piloted upgrading of district rural roads in Mulanje Central, Thyolo East and Balaka North constituencies.
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Luanar Strike Deadlock, Students To Continue Waiting
Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources students will have to wait longer before they resume studies after two trade unions differ on their ongoing strike.
President of University Workers’ Trade Union, Stevens Thengo, says his union will continue with their sit-in, in a bid to push for better remuneration.
“We started the strike with our colleagues, the Staff Union, who accepted the offer but we don’t want partial fulfillment of the demands. We will continue until every detail of the grievances are addressed,” said Thengo.
President of Luanar Staff Union, Dr. Sekanao Kasiya, says lecturers are returning to work because their concerns have been addressed and they are satisfied.
Dr. Kasiya said, “An offer was put on the table and we took it, that’s why we are going back to work. Of course our colleagues feel that the offer is not enough. This means Luanar Staff Union has called off the strike and will resume work."
The deadlock between the unions means classes will not resume without the support staff.
Last week, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources staff downed tools on realizing that their salaries and benefits were low compared to those in all other public universities.
Crocodiles Attack 2 in Mulanje
Crocodiles last week attacked two women in Ruo river in Mulanje, causing fear among people in villages around the river.
Malawi Pegs Climate Change Recovery at US$375m
President Peter Mutharika says Malawi requires around $375m for its Climate Change recovery.
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Beit Cure International says the country needs to reflect on challenges impinging persons with disabilities if Malawi is to achieve the 2030 Development Agenda.
Phalombe Social Welfare Office Sounds SOS over Bursaries
Authorities in Phalombe have urged organizations offering educational bursaries to consider reaching those in national and conventional secondary schools.
