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Dowa Council says strong leadership crucial for project implementation

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Dowa Council says strong leadership crucial for project implementation


By Vincent Gunde

Dowa District Council’s Economist Takondwa Katsobola, says strong leadership, good team work and collaboration among all stakeholders has led to completion of projects the council is implementing under the Performance Based Governance (PBG) in the district.

Katsobola said continuous and regular monitoring and supervision as well as regular site meetings are crucial to ensure that there is adherence to project standards and finding bottlenecks affecting project implementation.



He called on stakeholders in the district to intensify monitoring and supervision of projects, scheduled site meetings and encouraging contractors to increase workforce in stalled projects, and increase project duration to at least 5 months to finish the remaining works.

Updating the District executive committee (Dec) on Gesd and RCRP projects from 2021 to 2024 the council is implementing, Katsobola said the Public Based Governance (PBG) has contributed to increased Std 8 pass rate from 31 percent in 2021 to 66 percent in 2024.

Katsobola said PBG project implementation has contributed to reduced pupil classroom ratio from 1;119 in 2021 to 1;60 in 2024, improved health service delivery, improved access to security services, and improved public amenities such as markets, schools and hospitals.

He said in order to comply to complete projects under Health and Security, the council used other funding mechanism to complete Public Based Governance projects saying this has led to the construction of Chinkhwiri, Chibvala, and Maweru police senior staff houses in the district.

The Economist said the PBG project implementation has seen construction of Mtiti Bridge on Samvekato Mwancheka- Mtiti road, Chikudzo to Matekenya Bridges, completion of Chibanzi Health Post, Madzo maternity and Umoyo staff house, and Dowa turn- off market, among others.

“The PBG project implementation has rehabilitated Dowa District Hospital’s female ward, labour ward and antenatal ward, and Nalunga OPD and Under- Five Clinic,” said Katsobola.

However, Katsobola said the Public Based Governance (PBG) project implementation from 2021 to 2024 has been facing major challenges such as delays in completion of some projects, and devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha which resulted to raising cost of building materials.

Minister Wiskes urges Malawi’s youth to lead national transformation through Sport, Arts, and Culture

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Minister Wiskes urges Malawi’s youth to lead national transformation through Sport, Arts, and Culture



By Burnett Munthali

Honourable Patricia Wiskes, Minister of Sport, Youth, and Culture, has issued an inspiring call to action to young people across Malawi, urging them to harness their talents in sport, the arts, and cultural expression to shape a brighter future for the nation.

In a message shared on her official Facebook page, the Minister encouraged the youth to recognise their immense potential and to use their abilities as tools for innovation, unity, and national progress.

Wiskes


She emphasised that Malawi’s young population holds the key to unlocking the country’s next chapter of development, noting that their creativity, energy, and resilience can drive meaningful change.

The Minister’s message highlighted the transformative power of sports in promoting discipline, teamwork, and national pride, calling on the youth to take advantage of opportunities available within various sporting disciplines.

She also underscored the role of the arts—music, visual arts, theatre, and creative writing—as platforms for bold expression and as powerful vehicles for storytelling that reflect Malawi’s identity and aspirations.

In her statement, Honourable Wiskes further pointed out that Malawi’s culture is a source of strength and unity, encouraging young people to embrace and promote cultural heritage as a way of preserving national values while contributing to economic growth through tourism and creative industries.

She stressed the importance of collaboration, urging young Malawians to work together across communities and sectors to amplify their impact and foster a spirit of shared purpose and national cohesion.

The Minister concluded her message with a rallying call: “Tiyeni tigwirizane,” reminding the youth that collective effort is essential for building a prosperous and inclusive future for all Malawians.

Cabinet urged to shift from planning to performance as retreat ends in Mangochi

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Cabinet urged to shift from planning to performance as retreat ends in Mangochi



By Burnett Munthali

Vice President Dr Jane Mayemu Ansah concluded the 2025 Cabinet Retreat with a firm message that Malawi has entered a phase where delivery—rather than discussion—must define government work.

Bringing together ministers and UNDP partners, the retreat offered a forum for leaders to rethink their approaches and sharpen strategies aimed at strengthening the economy, improving governance, and expanding development partnerships.

Dr Ansah challenged the Cabinet to break away from routine bureaucratic tendencies and embrace a results-driven mindset, noting that Malawians have endured years of compounded difficulties and are now looking for visible, meaningful progress.

Ansah



She highlighted that fulfilling campaign pledges is not optional but essential to restoring public confidence, emphasising that the administration must embody service, integrity, and discipline at every level of leadership.

The Vice President observed that the technical experts and facilitators contributed significantly by grounding discussions in practical experience and global best practices aligned with the DPP Manifesto and Malawi 2063 priorities in agriculture, industrial growth, and urban development.

She commended Cabinet members for their energetic participation across the intensive sessions, pointing out that the level of engagement showed a collective appetite to address fiscal strain, foreign exchange challenges, rising debt, and food insecurity.

Dr Ansah expressed sincere appreciation to UNDP for its sustained support and capacity-building role, adding that the organisation’s involvement underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in shaping Malawi’s development agenda.

In her closing remarks, she reminded ministers of President Mutharika’s insistence on reducing time lost to prolonged meetings and shifting towards decisive action, affirming that the retreat’s value will only be realised when resolutions translate into real change for Malawians.

Tragic road accident claims two lives on Great North Road in Mkushi

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Tragic road accident claims two lives on Great North Road in Mkushi


By Burnett Munthali

Two people tragically lost their lives in a road traffic accident on the Great North Road in Mkushi, Central Province.

The incident occurred when a Nissan Hardbody collided with a passenger bus, resulting in fatal consequences.

The victims have been identified as Joseph Ngula, a driver at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and Abraham Banda of the Zambia Statistics Agency.



Police reports, as conveyed by Kalemba, indicate that the accident took place around 09:45 hours on Friday and was caused by the driver of the Power Tools bus.

“According to the Police, preliminary findings reveal that the accident occurred when the driver of the Power Tools bus failed to correctly assess the distance and speed of the Nissan Hardbody ahead of it,” she explained.

“This failure resulted in the bus hitting the Nissan Hardbody from behind, and the vehicle was subsequently crushed between the bus and a Howo Truck in front,” the police report added.

Ministry of Labour principal public relations officer Mwaka Ndawa confirmed that Mr. Ngula had served as a driver for five years.

“His dedication, professionalism, and service to the Ministry will be remembered with profound respect and honour,” stated Ms. Ndawa.

The Ministry has expressed deep sadness over the loss and announced that a team would be dispatched to Mkushi to facilitate the dignified transportation of the bodies to Lusaka for funeral arrangements.

Authorities have urged road users to exercise caution, maintain safe distances, and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future.

MBC issues correction on President Mutharika’s whereabouts after broadcast error

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MBC issues correction on President Mutharika’s whereabouts after broadcast error



By Burnett Munthali

The Malawi Broadcasting Corporation has issued a formal clarification following an error made during its evening news bulletin regarding President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s movements.

In its correction, MBC explained that the President had not returned to Mangochi as earlier reported in the broadcast.



The public broadcaster stated that President Mutharika had instead made a brief stop at his private residence located in the lakeshore district.

According to the clarification, the stopover was part of the President’s journey as he travelled towards Blantyre.

MBC emphasised that the State Residence remains the official and exclusive home from which the President carries out his constitutional responsibilities.

The institution acknowledged that its earlier announcement may have caused unnecessary confusion among viewers and the general public.

The clarification was issued through the corporation’s official Facebook page to ensure that the correct information reached a wider audience in real time.

Observers say the correction reinforces the importance of accuracy in state broadcasting, especially where matters concerning the Head of State are involved.

The incident also highlights the need for consistent communication between State House and public broadcasters to prevent misinterpretation or speculation.

MBC assured the public that it remains committed to delivering verified information and improving the reliability of its news output moving forward.

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