Malawi Leader President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has this morning commissioned Malawi Rural Electrification Programme phase nine (MAREP 9) at Nguluwe Village, in the area of Traditional Authority Mbenje, Nsanje
Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola welcomed the president during the Marep 9 launch.
Welcoming the president, Senior Chief Chimombo hailed President Chakwera for commissioning the Marep 9 programme.
Chimombo said he was happy to be given 300 houses to be installed with electricity with no fees attached.
Chakwera, is in the Lowershire for tour of duty.
In the morning, he toured Issa Cattle Ranch in the area of Traditional Authority Ngabu in Chikwawa.
The President is being accompanied by the First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera.
Large numbers of people have gathered along the roads expressing their joy with the visit.
Political firebrand Dr Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, commonly known as Nyamazikuluzikulu on Sunday, stormed his political bedrock Nkhatabay South East Constituency with a strong message, go in your large numbers and register with the National Registration Bureau (NRB) so that you are able to vote during the forth coming 2025 general elections.
Addressing the political rally alongside another political magnet Hurry Mlekanjara Mkandawire, Ng’oma said there is a need for each and every one to take part in safeguarding the current regime which has proved to be very effective.
Dr Ken Zikhale Ng’oma
In this regard, Ng’oma thanked the current leadership for registering enormous developments in his area.
Ng’oma cited construction of modern market at Chilowa Trading Centre, secondary schools, modern classroom blocks , and water and sanitation facilities just to mention a few.
Zikhale said that for these development projects to continue , there is a need for the current administration to continue.
Zikhale commended President Chakwera for increasing Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K30Million to now K200Million.
He said this is having a great impact on developments in his area.
Mlekanjara, taking his turn, said President Chakwera has proven to be the only hope for Malawi.
Mlekanjara said nothing should sway people since only Chakwera should be trusted and be given the opportunity to continue governing come 2025.
Musician Gibo Pearson has released the long anticipated song titled “Iwe Undikwatira” which promises to be another great hit as it has already attracted positive feedback from most music fans on different social media platforms.
The video of the song which has been directed by Twice P, was released on Sunday evening as promised by the artist.
Gibo Pearson
Popular for his trademark ” _Phalombe Music_ “, Gibo Pearson became very popular in 2022, after the release of his hit single ” _Idzathera ma Penalty”._
Other popular songs by the artist, real name Gift Pearson, include _Galu Ndine_ , _Budget_ , _Atambwali_ and _Go Konko_ which he featured Joseph Mkasa.
You can watch Gibo Pearson’s new music video ” _Iwe Undikwatira_ ” by following the link below
Record producer and reggae dancehall artist Eric Duse Anthony popularly known in music circles as ‘Desert Igwe’ formerly ‘Desert Eagle,’ is back with a new song titled “Hot Sauce”
The artist believes that the new song which has been produced by Desert Igwe himself is going to make it big on both local and international platforms.
“The song is finally out. Experience the Sizzling Beats and Scorching Rhymes. “Hot Sauce” is the perfect blend of spicy flows and infectious energy. Don’t miss out on this culinary masterpiece,” wrote Desert Igwe on his Facebook page.
The artist who was born in Ghana but moved to Malawi at a tender age of 7, released his first album titled ‘Broken Silence’ in Australia where he went for school in the early 2000s.
He then began to be known in Malawi as a music producer after producing Kenny Klips’ hit single ‘Mtofu.’
After that, Desert Igwe, went on to produce hit songs for a number of urban artists like Young Kay (Now Hyphen), Marco Sadik, Basement, Incyt, Mr.C, Don Dice, Kenny Klips and Maskal.
You can watch Desert Eagle’s new song “Hot Sauce” by following the link below
In a controversial move, up to four million state pensioners living alone may face an average council tax increase of £394 under Labour’s next budget. This comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves failed to rule out the removal of the 25% council tax discount for single residents.
The single-person discount, which reduces council tax for individuals living alone or with a dependent such as a student, could be scrapped as part of Labour’s efforts to address a £22 billion financial shortfall left by the previous administration. While Labour has promised not to increase National Insurance, VAT, or income tax, the government has remained silent on potential changes to other forms of taxation, including council tax.
Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister
The proposal has sparked fear among pensioners, many of whom rely on the 25% discount to manage rising living costs. Currently, the average council tax bill for a Band D property is around £1,578, with the discount saving single occupants approximately £394 annually. Without this reduction, pensioners living alone could see their bills rise significantly.
While some state pensioners qualify for additional council tax reductions based on income, the automatic nature of the single-person discount means that its removal would directly impact a large portion of the elderly population. For many, this discount provides critical financial relief.
Critics argue that removing this discount could disproportionately affect vulnerable pensioners, many of whom are already struggling to cope with the rising cost of living. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged that the upcoming budget will bring “painful” decisions, citing the need for long-term fiscal sustainability. However, some have expressed concern that targeting pensioners may exacerbate existing financial hardships among those on fixed incomes.
The potential changes have sparked debate within Parliament, with Labour’s Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner defending the government’s approach. She accused the opposition of mismanagement, stating that the new budget is necessary to resolve the economic issues inherited from the previous government.
Labour has emphasized that its focus will be on ensuring fairness, with a particular emphasis on those “with the broadest shoulders” bearing the heaviest financial burden. Starmer also highlighted efforts to crack down on tax loopholes and fines for water companies, as well as plans to increase accountability for non-domiciled individuals, or “non-doms,” as part of Labour’s broader fiscal strategy.
*Conclusion*
With the budget expected on October 31, many pensioners remain anxious about potential council tax changes. As the government grapples with fiscal challenges, the debate over who should shoulder the burden of economic recovery continues, with pensioners potentially at the center of the upcoming financial storm.
