Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola says the amendments to the fuel bill will help alleviate the fuel scarcity in the country.
The bill was passed on Tuesday.
Speaking in Parliament, Matola explained:”The bulk system aims to eliminate middlemen.
“We will interface directly with refineries in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain.
“With this new system, fuel prices will decrease.”
Matola
The minister emphasized that Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL) will remain involved, as the law requires 40% of Malawi’s fuel imports to come through the company.
The amended fuel bill introduces a government-to-government Fuel Supply Arrangement, a new system for importing diesel and petrol.
Malawi has faced fuel scarcity for over two months, impacting the country’s economic growth.
President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to providing piped water in rural areas across the country in order to combat waterborne diseases, which pose a significant threat to public health.
Speaking at Malingunde in the area of Senior Chief Masumbankhunda in Lilongwe on Monday,Chakwera highlighted the government’s efforts to rehabilitate and expand the Kamuzu Dam.
Chakwera
He said this project will enable people in the surrounding areas to access piped water in the near future.
The Malawi leader emphasized that his government is dedicated to ensuring that rural communities have access to essential social amenities, including potable water and electricity.
He also urged citizens to protect government infrastructure, warning that vandalism hinders development.
Member of Parliament(MP) for Lilongwe South, Peter Dimba, commended the government for implementing various projects in his constituency, including the construction of police houses, classroom blocks, and the provision of electricity to several trading centers.
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has praised the Titukulane Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA) project for its outstanding contributions to promoting resilient agriculture, reducing vulnerability to shocks, and ensuring sustainable natural resource management in the country.
Speaking at the Closeout and Learning event held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Dr. Usi commended the project’s collaborative approach with donor partners, which has helped achieve the development goals of Titukulane and realization of Agenda 2063.
Usi
He said the Titukulane project has demonstrated a significant shift from reactive to proactive environmental conservation approaches.
Country Director for CARE International Malawi, Pamela Kuwali, noted that over 600 Malawians, particularly women and girls, have benefited from the project since 2019.
She said the project’s primary goal was to achieve sustainable, equitable, and resilient food and nutrition security for ultra-poor and chronically vulnerable households in Mangochi and Zomba districts.
The five-year project, initiated in 2019, was funded by USAID with a budget of US$75 million.
CARE International Malawi implemented the project in partnership with Emmanuel International, IFPRI, NASFAM, Save the Children, and WaterAid.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change on Tuesday launched the National E-Waste Management Policy at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, marking a significant milestone in Malawi’s journey towards effective electronic and electrical waste management.
The launch, presided over by Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, coincided with the commemoration of International E-Waste Day, held under the theme ‘Join the E-Waste Hunt: Retrieve, Recycle, and Revive’
The five-year policy aims to establish an efficient e-waste collection and recycling system, raise public awareness, and enforce regulations for safe disposal practices.
In his speech,Usi emphasized the policy’s crucial role in creating a sustainable e-waste management framework, urging stakeholders to collaborate in turning challenges into opportunities.
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Board Chairperson Bridget Chibwana pledged MACRA’s support in implementing the policy, highlighting its importance for environmental protection and innovation.
“This policy is a significant step towards addressing the growing e-waste challenge in Malawi,” she said.
The National E-Waste Management Policy is aligned with Malawi’s Vision 2063, which emphasizes the need for sustainable development and environmental protection.
The policy’s implementation is expected to have a positive impact on the environment, human health, and the economy.
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, has called on citizens to join forces in tackling the escalating electronic waste (E-Waste) crisis in the country.
Dr. Usi made the appeal during the commemoration of International E-Waste Day on Tuesday, where he also launched the National E-Waste Management Policy at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Addressing the gathering under the theme “Join the E-Waste Hunt – Retrieve, Recycle, and Revive!”, the Vice President stressed the need for collective action in E-Waste management.
Dr Michael Usi
“We must work together to retrieve unused electronic devices, recycle them responsibly, and revive valuable resources. This is not just about reducing E-Waste, but also about reusing and repurposing materials to support a circular economy,” he said.
On her part, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Board Chairperson, Bridget Chibwana, highlighted the challenges Malawi faces in managing electronic waste, warning of the environmental and health risks associated with improper disposal.
“As the policy takes effect, MACRA will develop regulations and technical standards, implement type approval for telecom equipment, strengthen E-Waste management frameworks, and promote public awareness through education initiatives,” she said.
Secretary for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Yusuf Mkungula, described the National E-Waste Management Policy as a critical framework for all stakeholders.
He said:”Our Constitution requires us to protect the welfare of our people and the environment for future generations.
“This policy aligns with the Malawi 2063 vision for environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.”
The event marked a significant step towards addressing the growing E-Waste crisis Malawi, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices for the country’s future.
