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Minister Jacob Hara says time for shoddy work is over

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Minister Jacob Hara says time for shoddy work is over

By Linda Kwanjana

The Minister of Transport, Jacob Hara, has expressed a commitment to ensuring quality work in all projects undertaken by history ministry.

Speaking at the UNICEF Ground during a development rally hosted by President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, Hara reassured the President that concerns about the quality of work are now alleviated.

President and Madam Chakwera with Hon Jacob Hara

He announced the removal of companies engaged in substandard road construction, emphasizing a new era of prioritizing excellence.

Hara outlined the ministry’s current focus on promoting the capabilities of Malawian construction companies, aiming to equip them for both local and international projects.

He acknowledged President Chakwera’s efforts in rehabilitating the M1 road, emphasizing the positive economic impact of such initiatives.

Addressing the ongoing construction of the K37 billion Lilongwe River bridge, Hara highlighted its role in facilitating smoother traffic flow between Bwalo la Njobvu and Area 3.

“Previously when motorists were traveling from either direction, they were being blocked at this location. The good news is that the delays that occurred on the bridge will no longer be a concern,” ” he said.

The bridge will have total of eight lanes, designed to facilitate smooth traffic movement in both directions.

Among these, five lanes will be dedicated to vehicles, while an additional two lanes will be allocated for pedestrians, with an extra lane designated specifically for cyclists.

The Minister disclosed upcoming projects, citing examples such as the Chigwirizano-Malingunde Road, signaling a proactive approach to further infrastructural development.
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera lauded the Lilongwe bridge and road project, stating its significance in transforming the city’s appearance.

He noted that upon completion, the new infrastructure will boast three times the width of the previous one, securing its position as the largest bridge in the nation.

In a show of appreciation, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera extended gratitude to the Japanese government for their financial backing in the rehabilitation of a segment of the M1 road.

He underlined their confidence in significantly transforming the city’s image through this endeavor, emphasizing that the enduring impact of their support will last for generations to come.


In his address, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera articulated that the rehabilitation of a road of this nature fosters the integration of local and international markets.

This, in turn, enhences productivity, ultimately contributing to wealth creation and facilitating the alleviation of individuals from poverty.

Seizing the moment, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera issued a directive to the Minister of Transport, Jacob Hara, urging vigilance over ongoing road projects. Emphasizing the importance of both speed and quality in project execution, the President provided insight into forthcoming road projects that have secured financing.

He instructed the minister to initiate the work promptly within the current year, stressing that he will not tolerate procrastination in the excecution of projects by contractors.

Concluding his remarks, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera issued a stern warning to the government departments tasked with project approvals, urging them to expedite the process. He stressed the urgency, noting that the people of Malawi are eager for developmental initiatives to progress swiftly while maintaining a focus on quality in alignment with the national agenda outlined in Malawi Vision 2063.

Youth and Sports Minister Uchizi commends National Youth Service programme achievements

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Youth and Sports Minister Uchizi commends National Youth Service programme achievements

By Leah Malimbasa

Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire, has expressed satisfaction and gratitude for the success of the National Youth Service programme which was launched by President Dr Lazarus Chakwera in 2022.

Speaking during a spot check of the programme at Namila Youth Centre in Chikwawa on Thursday, the minister commended growth and success of the programme, praising the unwavering support received from government in expanding the initiative nationwide.

Uchizi Mkandawire, satisfied with Youth Service Programme

Currently, 3,600 participants are undergoing diverse training programmes in various trades including welding, fabrication, entrepreneurship, business and tailoring.

Mkandawire expressed hope that the initiative is significantly benefiting the participating youths and contributing to the realisation of Malawi 2063.

“The core objective of the programme is ensuring accessible service delivery in every community and to eliminate the need for residents to travel long distances to access for essential commodities and services.

“The programme is empowering young people with skills relevant to their communities, ultimately fostering local service provision. So, this is transforming young individuals into valuable assets for their communities,” he said.

In his remarks, Chikwawa District Youth Officer, McNeal Shire, said the district has a youth population of 292,668 organised into 179 youth groups with five actively participating in the National Youth Service programme.

Shire emphasised the district’s commitment for a comprehensive approach to skills development, with two groups immersed in Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training (TEVET) courses involving 51 youths.

“Additionally, three groups are dedicated to Agribusiness courses supporting 79 youths in pursuing agricultural skills,” he said.

During the spot check, Namila Youth Club consisting of 25 members demonstrated their expertise in soap making.

Chairperson for Namila Youth Club, Gremu Wilodi revealed that the soap-making skills acquired through the programme have already translated into tangible benefits for the youth club members.

Wilodi commended government for introducing this life-changing initiative which, he said, is empowering the youth and building resilient self-reliance among communities.

Apart from Namila, other youth clubs participating in the programme are Medram Youth Club which focuses on welding and fabrication, Chimwemwe Youth Club specialised in broiler production and Mgwirizano Youth Club trained in beekeeping and honey production, among other groups.

Farmers eye bumper yields with NEEF loans

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Farmers eye bumper yields with NEEF loans

By Monica Tambala

Farmers in Lilongwe District have hailed the farm input loan intervention by the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) aimed at capacitating able farmers to venture into agri-business as a way of eradicating poverty and improving food security in Malawi.

Speaking during a NEEF loan progress inspection tour, Senior Chief Khongoni, who is also a beneficiary of the farm input loan, hailed government for providing farmers with loans which have allowed them to farm in large quantities and a hope for bumper yields.

“When NEEF loan officers came to my area, they first reached the people in my area and said I could also take a loan so that I set a good example for my subordinates and their counterparts.

“This loan has helped me as I am now farming on a 70-acre land with diverse crops. I request my fellow chiefs to set a good example in their areas. It is not right for a chief to be begging but if we all venture into farming, we can better our lives and the nation,” she said.

Director for NEEF, Jacob Mdelu, expressed delight that the farm input loans are being put to good use.

He said, as a fund, they are encouraged to reach as many farmers possible in eradicating poverty in Malawi.

“Our role as NEEF is to support the nation through economic empowerment. From what we have seen here, we are encouraged by the example set by Senior Chief Khongoni. We encourage all those taking the loans to service them so that other farmers can also benefit,” he said.

Addressing the media, Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale said his ministry is ensuring food security by implementing several programs to increase food production for consumption at domestic level as well as national level.

“Last year, we talked about Agricultural Inputs Programme (AIP) reforms and we have been doing these in several ways. The first group of people are those who are benefiting from AIP whose number we’re reducing to transition them to commercial farmers. The second tier are those that we are sending to NEEF.

“These are the farmers who are doing agriculture business, producing different crops, getting loans as low as K250,000 to K2.5 million or more depending on what they are investing in. The third tier is that we are sending to the Agricultural Commercialization (AGCOM) and the fourth tier are those benefiting from mega farmer anchor farms,” he said.

He added that his ministry seeks to transition majority of the people from AIP to commercial farmers in order to guarantee food security at household level as well as at national level.

Waste management stakeholders call for mindset change in waste management

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Waste management stakeholders call for mindset change in waste management

By Steven Godfrey Mkweteza

Different waste managers convened in Blantyre on Wednesday have called on the residents to change their mindset in the way they manage waste in the commercial city.

Speaking in an interview at the meeting Blantyre City Council (BCC) senior environmental health officer Chipo Majoni acknowledged that mindset change is crucial in addressing the liquid and solid waste resources in the city.

Majoni said the existing mindset of the residents could have been changed if more sensitization campaigns were put in place.

Senior environmental health officer for Blantyre city council Chipo Majoni in a media interviews

However, she cited the lack of resources as one of the main elements pulling down the efforts.

” We could have put together the organised civic education campaigns, targeting people such as parents, children and other leaders so that these people should be aware of the basic facts about waste management.

“This should have been done to make sure that all people have enough information about waste management,” she said

According to her,at first BCC was facing a challenge of having inadequate vehicles used for collecting waste and lack of equipment to manage dumpsites, among other things.

She said currently, the council is planning to construct a new waste recycling center in Chigumula township , engaging private waste management companies and enforcing local laws mandating people’s trash disposal.

In a separate interview, city coordinator for waste advisors, Idris Mkwanda advised the city dwellers to cultivate a culture of recycling materials as one way of managing waste since the current dumpsite at mzedi has become so full of waste.

“The waste products can be value added into manure making which can benefit the residents in the end as well,” he said.

Representatives from companies, industries, waste collectors, business persons and Blantyre city council brainstormed strategies to improve waste management under ‘ Blantyre Think Tank Networking Meeting’.

Marketing,sales leaders urged to be innovative

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Marketing,sales leaders urged to be innovative

By Steven Godfrey Mkweteza

One of the commercial firms in the country, the Sales Hub, says the public sector can overcome the current turbulent economic shocks only if the sales and marketing leaders are innovative.

Senior consultant and director for the firm, Micheal Khomani said this in Blantyre during an open sales leaders training.

Khomani noted that some companies scaled down production while others closed shop recently due to the prevailing turbulent economic environment.


“But the situation could not be like that if the marketing and sales leaders were innovative to cushion the companies against such economic shocks,” he said.

According to Khomani, his company decided to build the capacity of the sales leaders across the country on strategies to implore so as to save companies from death due to the poor economic parameters.

“As we have just started the year, sales team of companies need to kick start on a good note for the survival of the companies,” said Khomani

In a separate interview, one of the participants Titania Katenga Kaunda, hailed the company for the training, which she said would go towards motivating the marketing and sales teams.

Kaunda noted that the survival of the companies rest in the hands of the sales and marketing teams, therefore, need innovative leaders.

Sales Hub, was established in 2023 to among others, capacitate the sales and marketing sectors of various companies.

Michael Khomani
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