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Mia impressed with construction of security staff houses in Karonga

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Mia impressed with construction of security staff houses in Karonga

Written by Emmanuel Moyo

Deputy Minister of lands, Abida Mia has expressed satisfaction over the quality and progress of construction of staff houses for security institutions at Ipyana and Songwe border in Karonga District.

Mia made these remarks on Wednesday when she visited Ipyana and Songwe border to inspect the construction of staff houses for the security institutions.
Speaking in an interview, Mia said the progress and quality are impressive.
She said: “I am happy with the progress of work at both Ipyana and Songwe Border, the standard of bricks and work are of high quality and the houses are really impressive.”

Hon Abida Mia in Karonga

Mia further said the standard of these houses will have a huge impact on quality of work from the security officers.
“Employees to be housed in these houses will be happy and that will make them give out their best services to the citizens of this country and this is the aim of the President and his government to ensure that police and other security agencies are very happy and accommodated well.
She has since warned that her ministry will not accept substandard quality of the houses being constructed.“We will not accept poor quality work because these houses are to last for many years to come in the next generations.” She said.

In a separate interview, Managing Director of Fukumele Building Contractors, Clement Mukumbwa said despite challenges they faced in the begining, they expect to complete the work within the timeframe.
“We faced some challenges like the topography and delays in the drawings because of Christmas holidays last year but we expect to finish within the contract period.

He said There are a total of 25 houses to be constructed in Karonga, 15 houses at Ipyana of which 3 are for senior staff, 12 for junior staff and at Songwe border a total of 10 houses, 2 for senior staff and 8 for junior staff.

The timeline of this project is 12 months, it was launched last year on 15 December and it is worth 1.3 Billion kwacha for the construction in Karonga and it is being carried out by Fukumele Building Contactors.

Project Architect Davis Mbewe briefing Hon Mia

Aleke Banda’s widow funeral takes place- Ken Zikhale Ng’oma delegated to represent President Chakwera

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Aleke Banda’s widow funeral takes place- Ken Zikhale Ng’oma delegated to represent President Chakwera

By staff Reporter

The Widow of the late Aleke Banda , Mbumba  Banda was laid to rest in Chirimba Blantyre on friday. With the late Aleke Banda being one of the famous sons from Nkhatabay, veteran politician and current member of parliament for Nkhatabay south Hon Ken Zikhale Reeves Ng’oma was delegated to represent President Chakwera and he made a moving tribute for the late mother.

The late Mbumba was born in 1938 in Chirimba . She was the 7th in the family of 9 siblings and she was born Mbumba Margaret Kahumbe. She died after a battle with Covid

The late Mbumba met and married Politician Aleke Banda back in 1961. President Chakwera had earlier on through state house issued a message of condolence describing her as a symbol of resilience in the struggle and an embodiment of democracy “The First lady and I have learnt with sadness the passing of Mama Mbumba Margaret Banda, wife to late Mr Aleke Banda. We have fond memories of the last time we visited Mama Banda at their home at Tukombo in Nkhatabay and of the cordial relationship our families have had. “Mama Banda was instrumental in the fight for Democracy in Malawi, not only by supporting her husband but taking an active role herself” read Chakwera’s statement.

Dr Ken Zikhale Ng’oma

At the funeral several dignitaries attended and Nkhatabay south MP and Strategic Director of MCP Dr Ken Zikhale Ng’oma was tasked with representing the President.  In his speech Ng’oma conveyed a condolence message from President Chakwera highlighting that the president wanted to be physically present but due to busy schedules he had to delegate.

Dr  Zikhale said the loss of Mama Mbumba was a big loss to the nation but also to the people of Nkhatabay  who regarded her as a mother  “ I can say by losing her  we have lost  and buried untapped history , history is gone “ lamented Zikhale.

On her Nkhatabay connection Zikhale said Mama Mbumba was described as Mother Tukumbo for she brought development in the area. He urged the family to be together and look after the property that the mother has left.

Mbumba’s husband, the late Aleke Banda served as a member of parliament for Nkhatabay South, a constituency currently served by Dr Zikhale. He had held several ministerial positions in a political career that spanned several decades. Through all this, it was the late Mbumba that stood by him during the lows and highs of his political career.

The late Mbumba Banda with late Husband Aleke Banda

Noel Lipipa questions Henry Kachaje appointment as MERA CEO

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Noel Lipipa questions Henry Kachaje appointment as MERA CEO

By Wadza Botomani

The Vibrant Blantyre City South DPP member of parliament has voiced disapproval over the appointment of renowned motivation speaker and economist Henry Kachaje as Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) CEO citing he is unqualified for the role.

It was announced on Tuesday that Kachaje had came out tops of all the applicants for the role and that he was now the new CEO of the crucial government department

But writing on his social media handle , Lipipa , who is famous for his ” One MP at a time , give some respect” didnt wait to give Kachaje any time but chraged fully against the appointment “Consistent with the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) advert the appointment of one Henry Kachaje is irregular for failing to adhere to the Minimum Education Qualifications and Experience” he said.

According to Lipipa, MERA board of directors announced Mr. Kachaje as the CEO after a “competitive” process to which they should make public the details of the entire vetting and recruitment process as it evidently was marred by lack of transparency besides scanty information and recruitment details. “It defies logic and legal considerations that an individual who could not produce his Master’s degree was vetted, interviewed and subsequently hired as the substantive CEO. The vetting is meant to determine the suitability of one to serve as a public officer”

Lipipa and Kachaje

Lipipa went on to say “It is apparent in view of the foregoing that, the process was inconsistent with the advert and to some extent the express provisions of our constitution and law which requires an open, fair and competitive, merit-based exercise. Therefore, the occupancy, continued stay and acting in office of Mr Kachaje with the questions lingering around the fairness and impartiality of the selection process and in effect the suitability, has led to prejudice and breach of public trust”

Lipipa believes that various insider vested interests are at play, which means control of the institution by handpicking and appointing Mr. Kachaje to the position.

However, others have come in defence of Kachaje describing him as the right man for the role. Lilongwe East MP who is also MCP deputy publicity secretary Ezekiel Ching’oma wrote on his social media that “Those of you asking me about Henry Kachaje, the new MERA CEO….below is the little information I know about him, Kachaje lectures at MUST. He is also pursuing MBA at MUST. He is yet to complete his MBA studies. Kachaje recently graduated with a masters degree from South Africa University. Kachaje once worked at Petroleum Control Commission (4) Kachaje has done extensive publications. Kachaje has done several consultancies with World Bank. His published consultancy papers are widely cited”

But according to his LinkedIn profile, Kachaje holds a bachelor of social science majoring in economics from University of Malawi obtained in 1994 and is a certified business consultant (University of Durham-United Kingdom).

Bakili Muluzi’son Zake wins Scottish Strongman Competition

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Bakili Muluzi’son Zake wins Scottish Strongman Competition

By Alan Hendry for Inverness Courier

The son to former Malawi President Bakili Muluzi has won the strongman competition . Zake Muluzi who is dubbed “Malawian Monster” lifted his way to victory in John O’Groats Strongest Man Competition, held in Caithness in the Highlands

Zake Muluzi powered his way to victory in the John O’Groats Strongest Man competition at the weekend – and vowed that he will return next year to defend his title.

Zake Muluzi showing off his Strongman Trophy

The self-styled “Malawian Monster”, who is based in Nairn, lifted the engraved glass trophy and £1000 prize for the winner on his debut appearance at the event.

Muluzi (32) edged Orkney’s Calum Elder into second place over seven tests of strengths in front of an enthusiastic crowd on Sunday.

“I’m over the moon,” the powerfully built offshore worker said. “It was a good run-out. You never know what will happen but I was confident in my own abilities. It was a fun competition and a good turnout as well. It’s a very nice setting and good scenery” said the young Muluzi

Zake Muluzi, was born in Malawi but moved to Scotland at the age of 14. He is the son to of Patricia Shanil Muluzi . He is now setting his sights on the Scotland’s Strongest Man competition next month. “I’m hoping to do well in that,” he said.

The seven gruelling rounds on Sunday consisted of a keg medley, Farmer’s Walk, squat lift, monster dumbbell press, deadlift, Fingal’s Finger and tyre flip and drag, with four points awarded to the winner of each discipline down to a single point for the fourth-placed contestant.

Muluzi emerged as winner with 23 points, one-and-a-half clear of Elder. Aberdeen’s Rob Crockett was third on 15.5, with Kris Hamilton – the only Caithness competitor – fourth on 10 points.

Zake Muluzi on his wedding day with his brother Atupele

Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) to take over investigation of police role in sexual abuse allegations of women in M’bwatalika and Mpingu

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Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) to take over investigation of police role in sexual abuse allegations of women in M’bwatalika and Mpingu

By Staff Reporter

The Malawi Police has announced that the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is to take the leading role in the Investigations on alleged sexual violence of girls and women in M’bwatalika and Mpingu areas. This decision has been made in light of increasing criticism of possible bias if the Police is to investigate its own officers. Police allegedly went on the rampage in the areas following the brutal murder of their colleague, Suwedi Iman, who was stoned to death by residents during protests

According to Police spokesman James Kadadzera in a press release, the Malawi Police Service, the Malawi Human Rights Commission, the Women Lawyers Association and the United Nations jointly signed Terms of Reference (ToRs) on fresh investigations into alleged rape and defilement of girls and women in Mpingu and M’bwatalika areas by police officers on 8th October 2019. However, a police investigation report was leaked to the social media and some mainstream media.

The leaking of the report raised concerns but also criticism on why the Police is being given power to investigate its own officers. The leaked report failed to identify any suspect and complaints that police investigators harassed the witnesses. On this one Kadadzera said “The leaked report does not, therefore, represent the official position of the Police on the matter. The Police reaffirms its commitment to the joint fresh investigations. The Service is mindful of the fact that some individuals and groups have questioned the impartiality of the Police during the previous investigations and of course the pending fresh investigations. The concern emanates from the fact that the Service is investigating its own officers”

Police spokesman James Kadadzera

In light of this, a decision has been made to have the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) take over leading role in the investigation. According to kadzadzera , going forward  the police will provide support and cooperation  “The involvement of the Service will thus be restricted to the provision of support and cooperation in line with section 130 of the Police Act. This will take away the concern of actual or perceived bias by the Service”.  The commission was originally formed  as result of concerns from Malawians about lack of independence in the way police handle cases involving fellow officers and was established under part 8 of the Police Act.

Police have been at the centre of criticism after their report titled ‘Investigation report on alleged sexual abuse of women and girls by police officers at M’bwatalika and Mpingu Trading Centres’, put the blame on the victims saying the  rape victims were coaxed into making the claims by some politically-connected individuals—with a lawyer, a Member of Parliament and local area politicians being the masterminds.

The new investigation has gathered much interest now after the just finished court case of Police Involvement in the rape of women in Msundwe. Prominent civil rights g groups like the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) have in the past accused Police of shielding its own officers. The Msundwe case will cost the government  a K376.5 million windfall with K121.5 million for the alleged victims of what is dubbed Msundwe Rape case and K255 million for their lawyers who represented them pro-bono

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