NATIONAL NEWS (5382)
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.
Reach Out Foundation Reaches Out to Neno Fire Victim
A group of women under the banner Reach Out Foundation has today Thursday, donated assorted food and non-food items worth K500,000 to a woman in Neno whose house was gutted down by fire on 15 August, 2023.
Thyolo Man Commits Suicide in Church
A 45-year-old man Rex Kondwani on Wednesday hanged himself in a church in Thyolo after his wife donated to the church their piece work earnings.
PACOSALI Foundation Disburses Money, Food to Hunger Affected Members
Two weeks after ADMARC opened its strategic markets, some hunger-stricken people in Thyolo have asked government to open the depots in rural areas.
Fire Victim Woman in Dire Need of Shelter in Neno
A 30-year-old woman, Mwandida Kabitchi, who got her house burnt down in August this year in Neno district has told Zodiak Online on Wednesday that her life is now a misery as she is lacking shelter and basic necessities.
Govt To Upgrade Water Schemes
Water and Sanitation Minister Abida Mia has reaffirmed government commitment towards the rehabilitation of water schemes in areas which were heavily hit by Cholera outbreak.
Motorcyclist Dies in Thyolo
A 22-year-old motorcyclist, Obedi Peter has died in Thyolo, a day after he was involved in a head-on collision with another motorcyclist in the district.
Man Arrested for Illegal Possession of Medical Drugs Worth Millions
Police at Namwera in Mangochi District have arrested Adam Suman, 40, for allegedly being found in possession of assorted medical drugs worth 8 million Kwacha without authentic documents.
Mangochi police station spokesperson, Inspector, Amina Tepani Daudi, says the incident occurred on August 31, 2023 at Chiponde Trading Centre in the district.
"Police got a tip-off that on Thursdays, the suspect was at one of the rest houses waiting to supply medical drugs to shops and clinic owners," said Tepani Daudi.
She added: "The suspect was found with six sack bags containing boxes of assorted medical drugs which includes; capsules of doxycycline, Indomethacin, Amoxicillin, magnesium and bottles of diclofenac injection."
Tepani Daudi says investigations are still underway to trace the source.
She added, Suman has been charged for being found in possession of medical drugs without license, contrary to section 95 (1) of Pharmacy and Medicine Regulatory Authority. Adam Suman, comes from Katuli Village, Traditional Authority Katuli in the same district.
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.
