Mw Govt Downplays Global Fund Under-Utilization Fears

President Peter Mutharika signed Global Fund 
Partnership with Mark Dybul, 
Executive Director of the Global Fund 

The Malawi Government has refuted information sourced by the Parliamentary Committee on Nutrition, HIV and AIDS that the country has delayed in the use of the Global Fund money and there is risk of under-utilisation of the approved funds.

The entourage from the Ministry of Health lead by Secretary in the Ministry, McPhail Magwira and Chief of Health Services, Charles Mwansambo has enlighten the Parliamentary committee that there has been no delays in the use of the funds but Government has only faced a challenge of instituting the Project Implementation Unit (PIU).

On Wednesday, the team from Ministry of Health was meeting with the committee on issues on Nutrition, HIV and AIDS but the clarification on the issues followed worries expressed by the committee it got information that there has been no action on the ground in terms of use of approved funds by the principle recipients and the committee feared risk that the country will under-utilise the funds come 2017.

Responding to this question, Mr. McPhail Magwira, Secretary in the Ministry of Health said the Ministry has already started utilizing the money, however, he explained that the only area that delayed in the Global Fund programme was putting together of Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and not utilisation of the money.

"Despite the fact that the unit is not in place, we were allowed to proceed to utilize the funds.  So, the fact that the PIU is not in place and despite the fact that we needed to start in January, but in terms of resource utilization we have already started.” confirmed Magwira

He told the Committee that although it took long to put together PIU, Government has now resolved the problem as it has put together all the necessary staff there.

"This was the case as most of the members of staff from PIU are seconded from  Government except for the very few posts. We have already advertise the posts but in the interim we have also made arrangement for the Project Manager to come in to put the unit in place." said explained 

Chef of Health Services in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Charles Mwansambo shared Magwira sentiments by further assuring the committee that the money from Global Fund have been used.

“Indeed we were supposed to start from the 1st of January and am pleased to report that the Global Fund has provided moneys to Ministry of Health and to other principle recipients, ActionAid and World Vision.So the funds are in the country and were transferred in December for the activities that we said we are going to do that period. 

So, there is no reason to worry, the funds have already started to come in for specific activities that were targeted for the first months that were slightly delayed because of PIU." He said

Cementing on Magwira's justification of the delays in organising PIU office, Mwansambo explained to the committee that the delay to organise the PIU chiefly originated from the reason that non of the Government officers qualified from the interviews that were conducted for the post of managing PIU following advice from Global Fund that PIU management should be seconded from Government because from experience elsewhere, such officers stay even if  Global Fund moves out. 

“So, we went back to Global fund to ask them if we could recruit from outside, now, they have given us ok." He said adding "So, some of the people will be recruited from outside the market while the supporting team will be from Government. That is why it was slightly delayed."

Mwansambo also downplayed fears that National Aids Commission (NAC) is facing problems after it failed to become a principle recepient of Global Fund.

He said "The main role of NAC is to coordinate national response and they are ably doing that with support from various donors including World Bank, so, they are able to play that function."

“With the new funding model, the Global fund did advise countries to go for dual tracking where you get a principal recipient from Government and another from non-governmental organization. So, for Malawi since most of the biomedical part was being conducted by the Ministry of Health, when they advertised for the principle recipient, Ministry of Health applied and NAC applied also. Of course, since we were the ones implementing, we had a competitive advantage over NAC and that is why we got the funding but at present the other two principle recipients are ActionAid and World Vision and these are implementing the non-biomedical part of the project." He said 

"So, I don’t think NAC is at disadvantage at present or there are problems at present." Added Mwansambo

Malawi and the Global Fund strengthened their partnership by signing grants worth more than US$332 million in October last year, to expand treatment and prevention for HIV, TB and Malaria and build resilient and sustainable systems for health. 

The signing brought the total Global Fund commitment to Malawi to US$616 million from 2014 to 2017.

The HIV and TB grants total US$298 million and the malaria grants US$34 million. Malawi has also committed US$30 million of its domestic resources for procurement of health products and to strengthen health systems.

Investments through the grant will enable Malawi to provide HIV treatment for 745,000 patients by the end of 2017, which represents 70 percent of the people in need. The grants will be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Health and two non-governmental organizations, World Vision and ActionAid who will implement the grants directly, strengthening the community-based response to the diseases.

HIV Bill At Cabinet Level-Ministry Of Health

The HIV Prevention and Management Bill is now under Cabinet Committee on Legal Affairs for consideration says Ministry of Health.

This was disclosed on Wednesday evening by a delegation from the Ministry of Health during the encounter with Parliamentary Committee on Nutrition, HIV & Aids. 

Dr. Charles Mwansambo, Chief of Health Services in the Ministry of Health said on 2nd March this year the bill was presented to the Cabinet in its original form as proposed by the Special Law report.

“After Special Law Commission report was prepared it had to be presented to Cabinet Committee on Legal Affairs to look at it.” Confirmed Mwansambo

According to the presentation made by the Ministry to the Committee, indicates that the bill was presented to the Cabinet Committee for consideration just after consultations with Parliamentary Women Caucus.

The committee was further informed that Ministry of Justice will soon be reviewing the bill based on the recommendations from the Cabinet Committee on Legal Affairs possibly in May this year and that presentation of the bill to the full Cabinet by Minister of Health will possibly be later in June.

The ministry also indicated that the presentation of the Bill to Parliament will be done after the Cabinet approves the bill possibly in July this year.

Among other issues, Mwansambo informed the Parliamentary Committee that there are no contentious issues in the bill because those were addressed during the time the bill was presented to the wider grouping before it was presented to the Cabinet Legal Affairs Committee. 

The purpose of the bill is among others to provide a comprehensive legislative and institutional framework for combating preventing and managing HIV and AIDS using human rights approach as well as to promote and protect all people in Malawi to access HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services.

Malawi began to work on the bill since 2009 through the Law Commission and the process of developing it involved Parliamentary Committee on HIV and AIDS, People Living with HIV (PLHIV), risks and vulnerable groups as well as service providers among other stakeholders.


Additional Information About the Bill


Guiding Principles of the Bill are; provide a multi-dimensional approach to the management and prevention of HIV &AIDS, and promote human rights of key and other vulnerable population including access to remedies where human rights of people living with HIV & AIDS are violated.

The Bill intends to achieve the following:

• Create a vibrant institutional framework for effective enforcement of the HIV legislation

• Promote gender equality on impact of HIV and AIDS on women and cultural practices

• Prevent spread of HIV and promote human rights in terms of discrimination and equality, privacy and confidentiality, marriage and family life, property and access to judicial remedies.

• Enhance public health delivery systems in terms of testing for HIV infection and modes of testing

• Provide accurate and reliable information on HIV and AIDS in terms of regulation of information of information and misleading information.

• Provide equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination, adoption of HIV and AIDS workplace policies, and HIV and AIDS as an occupational hazard for service providers

• Provide for the role of non-formal and indigenous education 

• Apply criminal law for transmission and exposure offences, and accountability for HIV and AIDS related funds.

DPP To Justify Msonda's 'Kill Gays' Case Discontinuance To Legal Affairs Committee

Kachale: her office discontinued Msonda case

Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has been summoned to appear before Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament on Thursday to explain about her office decision to discontinue with a case against politician, Kenneth (Ken) Msonda.

Early this year, Peoples Party (PP) Publicity and Administrative Secretary, Msonda, is allegedly to have openly suggested the killing of homosexuals as the only solution to end rising cases of homosexuality in the country. It is reportedly that through his Facebook post he further described homosexual people worse than dogs and “sons and daughters of the devil.”

Although the case was opened against him, DPP office applied to court for the discontinuance of the case.

Deputy Chairperson for Legal Affairs Committee, Maxwell Thyolera explains in an interview that DPP, Mary Kachale appearance before his Committee on Thursday afternoon is to hear more from her about the report she submitted to the committee on the discontinuance of the case.

“We want to know the reasons why she discontinued the case. That is why we have called her to brief the committee because we have the certificate that she has given to the committee, so we want to get more information when she appears tomorrow.” said Thyolera

Honorable Thyolera said Kachale summon came under Section 99 subsection 3 of the constitution which require DPP to give a reasons to Legal Affairs Committee for any criminal proceedings discontinued at any stage before judgment is delivered.

“It is mandatory by law that when the case has been discontinued the reasons as to why has the case has been discontinued has to be given to Legal Affairs of Parliament and it is for the checks and balances that those things should be looked into holistically by both arms of Government; both executive as well as legislatures.” He added

Thyolera indicated that his committee has specifically requested for the case of Republic Vs Msonda because it is the only matter that has recently been discontinued by DPP.

ATI Absence, Little Stakeholder Input In Budget Processes Affecting Social Accountability In Malawi- ActionAid Survey Reveals

A baseline survey by ActionAid Malawi has identified absence of legislations particularly Access to Information and lack of enough engagement in the budget process as some of the limiting factors for social accountability, monitoring and oversight capacity in the management of public resources in the country.

The study captured information on current levels of social accountability capacity within central government, legislatures, civil society and the media. Six gaps were identified and it came up with 21 recommendations.

Access to Information legislation absence was highlighted as one of the limiting factor to access to public information vital for tracking budget expenditures. The legislation is expected to be tabled in the next meeting of the National Assembly probably in May or June and once enacted, the legislation is expected to help Malawians to access to public information which is difficult at the moment.

It also found that resource allocation processes are influenced more by the Ministry of Finance since consultations are mainly top-down with minimum negotiations. The study therefore noted that supply side players do not engage with the process from beginning hence they are not able to contribute fully to the budget debates and it added that donors play critical role in the resource allocation.

Other highlighted gaps are: persistent corruption practices and theft; challenges in performance management of the budget; political influences and gender insensitive budgets; lack of clear guidelines on the process of needs assessments and strategic planning process and legislative provisions on the role of CSO's and oversight players in the confirming the identified needs and strategic plan documents.

Among recommendations includes; strengthen the decentralization parameters to allow more participation and prioritization of needs, addressing public resource management laws, strengthen capacity to produce publicly accessible monthly and quarterly programme based financial statements and spending reports as well as strengthen stakeholder capacity to do expenditure tracking.

The study was done prior to implementation of the first phase of a five year project 'Strengthening Social Accountability and Oversight Capacity for Rights-based Public Resources Management in Health and Agriculture in Malawi.' 

The project aims at developing capacities of stakeholders in social accountability on public finance and the findings are expected to inform activities for the implementation of the project expected to rollout in May this year. 

Reactions to the Report

On Thursday, ActionAid shared the report to CSOs, Legislatures from selected Parliamentary Committees and Media and the findings have received encouraging response.

Richard Chimwendo

Member of Parliament for Dowa East and Chairperson for Parliamentary Committee on Social and Community Affairs, Richard Chimwendo Banda agree with almost all the issues articulated in the findings.

In an interview, Chimwendo said the issue of lack of full budget negotiations and engagements during formulation is one of relevant issues that truly represent current state of Parliamentarians on their oversight role and participation in the budget process.

"Yes, I would like to agree with the findings. There are gaps on how we provide our input to the Budget. The main challenge is that we are given the budget documents a week or so before the passing of the budget and it is therefore always a challenge to scrutinize the budgets." He said 

He added; "We feel Access to Information is very important for us because we will be able to demand to access to budget documents earlier as well to access to information that can enable us monitor the progress of the budget."

He then said he is impressed with the project aims and hoped that empowerment of legislatures on budget tracking will help them carry out budget oversight role properly.

Chidanti Malunga

Equally, Deputy Chairperson for Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Honorable Jospeh Chidanti Malunga shared similar sentiments of Chimwendo by adding that "Sometimes we do not know what is contained in Agricultural sector budget."

"Although we are put in cluster Committees to look at the budget documents, still we are not given ample time to look at budget documents. It is important that some times when budget is formulated we have to have time, way in advance so that we scrutinize it and also involve stakeholders in the know to help us critically look at issues in the budget"  he said

Malunga also said ActionAid initiative is a step in the right direction and he is ready together with his committee to work with ActionAid in the project.

Chikondi Chavuta

Chikondi Chavuta, Regional Thematic Manager for Food Security, Climate Resilience and Emergencies at ActionAid Malawi said the new project is aimed at strengthening social accountability and oversight capacity for rights based public resources management in health and agriculture.

She said the project which is part of regional programme that includes Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania will help to improve the effectiveness of government system and structures to achieve accountability and transparency on budgeting utilization and implementation.

"We found out that structures that we operate at Government level are quite week and needs to be improved to ensure that they have proper service delivery." She said

Chavuta said the project intends to develop and enhance the capacity of stakeholders especially parliamentarians to oversee the two sectors. And also to develop capacity of issue based CSOs, media and Smallholder farmers to engage in social accountability monitoring and advocacy.

She further disclosed that the project also intends to develop capacity of relevant Government departments on public resources management, social accountability and oversight as well as reduce existing working relation gap between Government institutions and the stakeholders.

"This project will try to address that gap by building the capacities of all these areas to ensure that we reach the ultimate goal of ensuring social accountability and transparency and make sure that we have social accountability mechanisms in place that are benefiting especially people in poverty."

Chavuta also mentioned that CSOs, smallholders farmers, Media and Parliamentary Committees especially on Budget and Finance, Health and on Agriculture are expected to play a very critical role in the project on engagements and provide effective oversight that promotes social accountability in the health and agriculture sectors with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS, SRHR and food security.

ActionAid has been appointed to undertake a phase one of a 10-year project on behalf of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation to: 'Strengthen Social Accountability and Oversight Capacity for Rights-based Public Resources Management in Health and Agriculture in Southern Africa'.

Mphwiyo Shooting Case: Defense Ready To Finalise Testimony Next Month

The defense in the case of the attempted murder of former budget director Paul Mphwiyo has commited to finish giving defense testimony next month. 

Second accused, Pika Manondo is in his defense and the case has been adhourned to 18th and 19th April 2016 where court expect to hear from four witneses.

Director of Public Prosecution DPP Mary Kachale said State also believes that Defense is ready considering progress made so far.

“We have made significant progress because the defense has committed that the next sitting will be the last sitting on their part.” she said

Defense is expected to call four witnesses and hope to conclude in those two days.

Mphwiyo Shooting: Kasambara Found With Contempt For Threaten To Slap DPP

The High Court in Lilongwe has found with contempt of Court and subsequently censure the third accused Raphael Kasambara for threatening the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mary Kachale that, he would have slapped her if sentiments she made inside the Court were made outside courtroom.

Kasambara: I would slap you

Kasambara answering attempted murder of Paul Mphwiyo was heard in court shouting "I would slap you for that" when the DPP raised an objection as he was cross-examining second accused Pika Manondo about the issue of distance and time it takes one to drive to Mr. Paul Mpwiyo's House.

In her objection, Kachale asked Kasambara to question Pika about distance and time takes one driving from Ufulu gardens to Paul Mpwhiyo residence and not from Kanengo because according to Kachale, Pika had used the route before, when going to Mphwiyo’s house.

This did not sound well with Kasambara who reacted by stating that the DPP was "insinuating" that Pika was present at the shooting and that with her assertions, she has brought no evidence to prove that Pika was present at the scene. He then angrily shouted that he could have slapped her for such remarks because were provocative.

"I find the third accused in contempt of court and I censure, not to repeat this kind of behavior from now onwards" ruled Justice Michael Mtambo immediately both sides had finished making impromptu oral submissions

Before the final ruling was made, Judge observed that this was second time Kasambara has made such remarks of this nature to DPP.

“The other time in Chambers I had asked Mr. Chibwana to sit between you and DPP. And this conduct in the face of court is disrespectful of the presence and the authority of the court. I therefore cite you of Contempt of Court.”

Kachale: I am speechless 

Immediately Kasambara uttered his aggressive words Kachale looked very shocked and she reacted by saying "I am speechless"

She told court that she felt the threat was “beyond bar” and was “stretching beyond the limit of decency." She then asked Judge to call for a break but got reply from Justice Mtambo that he could not allow a break if it is Contempt of court.

But Kasambara told court that he was simply saying if it happened outside the court that she made such remarks he would slap her but he cannot do that in court, then added “I meant you are lucky that you are in court”

Kachale reacted further to say “This is a form of violence and intimidation.” She said Kasambara was trying to intimidate her in the presence of the court and described his conduct as “blatant contempt.”

"This is a gender issue. I feel he would not have done that to male officer of court because they could have met and deal with each other outside” said Kachali who further mentioned that such remarks were also meant to demean her office because it is being headed by a female person.

Chibwana

State Counsel, Mr. Enoch Chibwana, when asked by court to speak on the matter, he said this incident was not first time for Kasambara as he had done it before in the chamber but the repetition of the same seem the accused has failed to learn lesson.

“The third accused is not an ordinary man in court. He is a senior counsel who must show exemplary behavour not only in this court… And allowing this type of behavior to be done at the court of this magnitude it leaves a lot of questions unanswered” he said adding that this was a right platform to provide a appropriate action

However, Kasambara apologized for his conduct and promised never again to allow such a thing to happen even if he is provoked.

“Am sincerely sorry, My Lord, these words did not mean to undermine the authority of the court… it was a vulgar statement made in the heat of the moment… I will try as much as possible even if provoked again”

Mphwiyo Shooting: Accused, Victim Still Friends As Pika Disclose Still In Contact

The attempted murder victim of September, 13, 2013, Mr. Paul Mphwiyo may still in constant contact with his three friends accused of his shooting.

This follows information from the second accused Mr. Pika Manondo during his cross examination with State that Mr. Paul Mphwiyo himself tipped him that State has prepared against him (Paul Mphwiyo) charged with an offense to do with Thuso, a South African Company which supplied equipment to Malawi Defense Force (MDF).

He disclosed this as he was denying presence at the shooting scene when Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mary Kachale put to him that he must have been available at the shooting scene as testified by the victim.

When Manondo was replying to the question about his presence at the scene he asked the State why it continues to trust Paul Mphwiyo’s testimony about his presence at the shooting scene yet the same state does not trust the victim as they charged him with two counts which one of it includes lying to Malawi Revenue Authority and the fresh charge involving Thuso.

When the state asked him to inform the court where he heard the information about the new charge Manondo disclosed that it was from Paul Mphwiyo himself.

However, the state denied any new charges being prepared against Paul Mphwiyo  and subsequently withdrew the statement regarding anything said do with the new charge a development which Pika said it was unfortunate for the state to say they don't know anything about this.

State has finished with Cross-examination of Pika and now his fellow two accused, McDonald Kumwembe and Ralphael Kasambara will cross-examining him.

After that it will be the witnesses for Pika Manondo. But the third accused will not testify and there is no indication that he will call witnesses.

If it goes normally, then state and defense will submit whether a case has been made out beyond the reasonable doubt.

Director of Public Prosecution Mary Kachale during cross-examination asked several questions around the call logs.

The state said the constant communications Pika had with fellow accused during the period of Mphwiyo shooting was questionable as this was not the case before the period in question but Pika denied the assertion and said there have been several instances where he was in constant communication with his friends way back and he even challenged the State to produce call logs for more than 9 months and try to analyze their communication.

He also denied his presence at Paul Mphwiyo residence during the shooting by replying “Why would a person hire a gun man and be at the scene?”

He informed court that after getting a phone call of Paul Mphwiyo shooting, he stopped drinking at Chez-Mtemba, and went home to sleep as he was at that time more than tipsy and around 6 am he travelled to Dedza.

But the state put on him that he travelled to Dedza together with McDonald Kumwembe to drop him there after their mission was accomplished.

The call logs indicates that Pika travelled to Dedza from Area 47 in Lilongwe. In Dedza the cell sites of both McDonald Kumwembe and Pika indicates they were both at Dedza market. But Pika was in few minutes traced going back to Lilongwe and showed that he traveled nearly 15 minutes from Chimbiya to Lilongwe and went to the Hospital so see his friend Paul Mphwiyo.

On his speeding, when state asked him if he is a person who speed he responded “depending on circumstances yes”

Pika at several question that were put on him including on his presence at the scene, or if he hired a gun man to shoot Paul Mphwiyo said “There is no evidence” and the state “will not produce any evidence that I was assigned for any job to shoot"

Consult Mzimba Chiefs On Customary Land Bill-Nyalonje

Mzimba North constituency legislature, Agnes Nyalonje has tipped the National Assembly to consider inclusion of Chiefs from Mzimba district in the list of stakeholders that are to appear before four committees tasked to scrutinize Customary Land Bill. 

The bill was referred to Committees on Legal Affairs, Natural Resources, Women’s Caucus, and Agriculture for thorough scrutiny with expertise from stakeholders well versed in customary land issues.

Before the bill was referred to the committees on Friday, Honorable Nyalonje told the National Assembly that most of new areas highlighted in the bill as areas for improvement are not new among Chiefs of Mzimba. 

She said Mzimba chiefs have a robust system of Customary land management which is still practiced now and therefore considering significance of the bill, Chiefs in Mzimba are relevant stakeholders who can give their point of view to enable the new legislation to incorporate the customary systems that are already in practice.

“What stands out is that the way Mzimba Chiefs have managed the land for generations is very different to the way land has been managed in other parts of the country and that their system works.” Noted Nyalonje later in an interview

She emphasized that in the search for a improvement it is good that the consultations should not lose sight of those things that are already working now.

Nyalonje also disclosed that Mzimba Chiefs are also concerned with some provisions in the new bill particularly on huge powers given to Minister. 

She mentioned that the recent meeting Chiefs had with number of stakeholders including Mzimba Heritage Association, MPs and academics, Chiefs said putting so much power into Minister allows fertile ground for corruption and they further expressed their wish of having their input heard before the proposed bill gets implementation.

“Chiefs are saying involve us because for us to feel that we own these pieces of legislations we must feel that they are addressing our challenges. Because the areas where the legislation is seeking to improve may already be there but on the other hand there might be other areas that have been left out that as far as they see should be included in order to strengthen the legislation.” She said 

Police Extends Kabwila, Chakhwantha Treason Bail To April 29

MCP supporters at Area 30 during Kabwira arrest 

Police has extended to April 29th, the bail bond for two legislatures from Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Jessie Kabwila and Peter Chakhwantha.

Two legislatures were arrested in February following a Whatsapp conversation whose conted was deemed as Treasonous.

Despite confirmation from the two suspects of having been charged with treason, Malawi Police Inspector General, Lexten Kachama informed the Nation that the two were never charged of the said offense.

After their release, both Kabwila and Chakhwantha were told to appear to police on 27th February, 2016 at area 30 Police Headquarters. After appearing on that date, Police informed the two to reappear on March 18th but after going again to check their bail which is this Friday, Police have instructed them to reappear again on 29th April 2016.

Speaking in an interview, Chakhwantha confirmed the bail extension to 29th April but said "They didn’t offer much details and it was too little that we could actually appreciate as to what is going on apart from to extend our bail to 29th April.”

But he did indicate that they have been told that they are free to travel and have confirmed them “as free as before.”

Chakhwantha therefore said this extension dispel claims by Police IG that they were never charged with treason

“They arrested us and charged us. All the processes that they administer over a suspect when they are about to charge or have charged a person before taken to court were administered on us. So we still stand on that conviction that we are under arrest” he said

Kabwila

Honorable Jessie Kabwila also said she is still under arrest up until 29th April 2016 because they are still under bail.

“In other words still as we are walking around we are people who are attempting to overthrow the Government, our names are linked to that.” She said 

She said she has a charge sheet indicating details of her arrest although the Inspector General of Police, Lexten Kachama had recently told the Nation that the two were never charged

She noted that this arrest has negatively impacted her much because, she has been missing some important discussions in the House as she a part from being Salima North-West legislature is also Chairperson for Women Cause in Parliament.

“Just today in Parliament, they were discussing Land Acquision Bill, they were talkig about other issues of land. Ant I think you know very well that land issues for poor people are a problem. In my constituency, the Green Belt Initiative, is an issue that is a big borne of contention because poor people are complaining that they were either poorly compensated or they got nothing at all and this growing season they did not have anywhere to grow. 

So, during this time I could have participated and contributed but I was there going to show my bail and answering a charge of a treason by Whatsapp” she said

She therefore claimed that the whole arrest was a design to keep her off from participating in the very important matters as she is also Malawi Congress Party spokesperson.

Former VP Kachali, Kamlepo, Makowa Mwale Questions Put On Hold Until President Avail In The House

The Malawi former Vice President, Khumbo Kachale, Kamlepo Kalua and Everson Andrew Makowa Mwale have joined opposition leader, Lazarus Chakwera by reserving their questions until President Peter Mutharika finds time to avail himself in the House to answer their questions.

Questions directed to President from both Kachali legislature for Mzimba South-West and Kamlepo for Rumphi East are on status of food situation in the country while question from Makowa Mwale for Nkhotakota-South East is on progress to identify a cash crop that replaces tobacco.

Minister of Agriculture, Allan Chiyembekeza was delegated to answer the questions although they were seeking direct reply from the President in the House.

Before reserving his question on Friday afternoon just before the House moved the motion to adjourn Sine Die, former vice president Khumbo Kachali sought guidance of Speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Msowoya if the President act to delegate Minister was not contravening Standing Order of 2013 (201) "Where the President is required to respond to questions in accordance with the provision of section 89 (3C) of the constitution he or she may not delegate such functions to a member of Cabinet." 

However, Speaker guided Kachali that the cited section of Constitution provision, chapter 89 .3 further indicates that the President shall respond to questions only when he is addressing the House each year before the consideration of the official budget where he report on the future policies of Government and the policies of the previous year.

“That is what in Parliamentary language is termed as State of the National Address. And during that time the President shall not delegate questions." He said, "Under any other provision, whether the House does request the president to come through resolution or would like the president to come at any point to answer a question not related to provision 89 .3, he is allowed to delegate the questions.” Clarified the Speaker

Accepting the ruling by the speaker, Khumbo said "I will reserve my question until when I see the President in this Honorable House. I know he is a busy person but he will find time"

Kalua: President not to Minister 

When time came for Kamlepo Kalua to ask his question, he  stood to say; "My question is to ask the President not a Minister, to explain to the Nation, the President not the Minister, through this House about the food situation in this country. The President, not the Minister." He said, "And I will go with the decision of the other two speakers that it will be a waste of time for me to ask the Minister when I said the President... this question is directed to the President..."

Nkhotakota South East, Everson Andrew Makowa Mwale also opted to chose the decision made by Kachali and Kaua.

“What Nkhotakota-South East was looking for is HE's perspective" he said, "If the Minister replies, there will be some supplementary questions that honorable ministers will be in a position to consult the President to get his perspective on those supplementary questions so I therefore I would like to pend my question until the President avail himself to answer it"

On Wednesday, Leader of Opposition, Lazarus Chakwera also reserved his question to President on the same reason that he would rather wait until such a time the President avail himself in the House to answer the question. 

These reactions prompted Minister of Health Peter Kumpalume to ask Speaker if the House would prefer the President to write response then read in the House by the Minister and if the House feels that the Ministers are too general to answer questions.

Responding to the first question the speaker's said, that will be another form of delegating question.

But the Finance Minister, Goodall Gondwe also stood to express point that it would not dignify the President to come in the House to answer questions because there would be some follow up questions that may just be asked to humiliate the President.

Mutharika Asks Huawei Mobile To Bring Knowledge To Malawi

Mutharika with Mr. Wan Wei

Malawi President Professor Peter Mutharika yesterday asked one of the largest smart phone companies, Huawei Technologies to start training Malawians to assemble some of its gadgets particularly phones.

Mutharika made the call when he visited Huawei pavilion during the launch of the Buy Malawi Strategy in Lilongwe.

Huawei was one of the sponsors for the event held at Bingu International Conference Centre.

When he visited the pavilion Mutharika asked Mr. Wan Wei, Managing Director for the company in Malawi ‘’You assemble them here?’’ then he asked ‘’I encourage you to train local people to bring the knowledge and technology in order to create jobs and exports’’

This is pictorial focus of the Launch of Buy Malawi Strategy

Mutharika lift Buy Malawi Strategy booklet

Honara dance 

Mutharika visits Fadet pavilion 

Mutharika interacting with Ministry of Industry and Trade
officials  

Mutharika speaking to Mtalimanja Holdings Limited

Vimbuza dance

House Adjouns Sine Die: Each Side Accuse Another Of Ochestrating Misconduct

The National Assembly rises Sine Die today with each side of the House accusing another for misconduct during the transaction of the business of the House.

The meeting was widely convened to discuss the Midyear Review of 2015/2016 Budget which started on Monday 22 February 2016 and has ended today Friday, 18th March 2016.

Chakwera

Leader of Opposition Lazarus Chakwera described the second meeting of 46th Session as ending "with mixed bag."

He elaborated in his speech that the meeting comes to an end at the time the country is facing severe food shortage country wide despite assurances that all is well yet ADMARC depots have become residences of women and children a development which he described as “indignity experience”.

He was equally concerned that the House conducted the business in the context of the depressing macroeconomic indicators despite promises that Government policies are working.

He also mentioned that the business was conducted with police intimidation, a reference to the arrest of his two legislatures, Jessie Kabwila and Peter Chakhwantha. But said despite all these challenges the opposition remained unshaken as this did not demoralize the intended target.

“We have reviewed and subsequently passed a revised budget amidst assurances of fiscal discipline despite reluctance to  critically look at fundamental monetary direction.

For us in the Opposition, particularly the Malawi Congress Party, our honorable members were treated dishonorably through irregular charges and as we rise we are still traumatized by the sudden demise of one of us whose body was laid to rest on Tuesday." said Chakwera

"Despite all of these we have conducted business with rare level headedness in serving Malawians who sent us to this August House to represent them.” he added

The Malawi Congress Party Leader, Chakwera, said to demonstrate desire to strengthen institutions that fight corruption the opposition during the Meeting, they brought some substantive legislative amendment through Private Members Bill, but said was disappointed that the Government side shot down their motion.

“What we have deliberated in the various sittings of this Midyear Budget Meeting, has clearly revealed the depth of the sickness that needs a strong remedy: A revert to a drawing board of Malawi that we want for our youth, the elderly and the vulnerable groups. We must go back to the drawing board because the gap between the Haves and the Have nots is widening each passing day due to inequalities everywhere and our like of exhibiting strong moral standing in favor of what I would call Belly Politics." He said

"We have honorables who have shown that they put their Kwachas over the fundamentals of running an efficient corrupt free Government. This August House will continue to face challenges in its duties if one Arm of Government fails in its mandate to reconcile all developmental policies for the common good of Malawi. We need that big picture blueprint yesterday.

As opposition we shall continue to push for a comprehensive enactment of legislation that executive has sat on from 2007-2008 Law Commission recommendations to the more recent electoral reform recommendations so that all Malawians can win and have a better future. We shall not give in to despair nor discouragement. We shall fight on until genuine transformation development, democracy and dignity are entrenched tenets in our country.” vows Chakwera who commended members of House who uphold and continue to fight for Malawi that is progressive, non corruptive and morally secure

Kasaila

When moving a motion for adjournment of the House Sine Die, Leader of the House, Francis Kasaila also accused the opposition for their incessant use of hatred speeches.

In an interview, Kasaila said throughout the business of the House the opposition have tried ways of to bring problems in the House.

He specifically pointed out at the way Opposition attempted to proceed with Private Members business. He said there was clear evidence that the opposition had ill motive to pass a proposed amendment on Corrupt Practices Act on the Authority to appoint Anti Corruption Bureau Director General and his Deputy. He said the opposition failed attempt to curtail debate just after two members had contributed was undemocratic because they wanted to ambush Government side who at that particular time were very few.

"Bills needs more views and consultatins. But they did not want that" said Kasaila

He also said rejection of some of the budget votes during the Committee of Supply was not of the best interest to Malawians.

However, Kasala was quick to describe the meeting on the outset as “generally been a success” and thanked all members for their hard work and dedication.

He said the business was transacted as planned.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Msowoya said he was happy to note some improvements in the transaction of the business in the House and for cooperation and constributions

Highlights of the Meeting 

The meeting began on February 22, 2016 with Ministerial Statement by the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development on Food Situation in the Country. Other statements discussed during the Meeting were Statement on Drugs and Food situation in the Hospitals on 23 February, 2016 and Statement on Youth Development Initiative in Malawi on 23 February, 2016 but was concluded on 16th March 2016. But the meeting failed to discuss Ministerial Statement from Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare on Rising Cases of Violence against Older Persons in Malawi.

Minister of Finance delivered 2015-2016 Midyear Budget Review Statement on Friday 26 February 2016 and the House debate began on 29th February 2016 to 7th March 2016 after which the revised Midyear Budget estimates were considered by the Committee of Supply from Monday 7th March 2016 to Friday 11 March 2016 where all the votes were passed. Ultimately the House passed 2015-2016 Midyear Revised Budget with total sum of K902 billion.

A total of 39 out of 132 questions submitted to various Government Ministries were responded to by responsible Ministers. Some questions to the President were not taken by relevant Cabinet Ministers  who were delegated by the President as the legislatures demanded the President himself to respond to those questions.

On Bills, the House passed Metrology bill on 14th March 2016 and Appropriation Amendment which was passed on 14th March 2016. But Communications Bill is at Committee Stage.

Land bill, Physical Planning bill, Land Survey bill and Customary Land bill have been referred to Committees of Women Caucus, Legal Affairs, Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Due to limited time the following bills failed to be tabled.

1. Electronic Transactions (Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information and Communications to present a Report on the Bill.)
2. Payment Systems (The Budget Committee in the day already presented a report on the bill)
3. Access to Information
4. Forestry (Amendment)
5. Malawi Housing Corporation (Amendment N.2)
6. Registered Land (Amendment)
7. Public Roads (Amendment)
8. Land Acquisition
9. Local Government (Amendment)
10. International Fund for Agricultural Development (Programme for Rural Irrigation Development) Loan (Authorisation)

House Adopts Motion To Fund Scaling Up Of Fruit Production

The Malawi National Assembly on Thursday evening, adopted motion which is asking Government to begin considering the horticulture as one of the priority areas for the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Wster Development.

This followed the motion under Private Member’s Business where the Lilongwe Central legislature, Lobin Lowe moved “That, considering that there is low production of fruits which in turn promotes high importation of fruits, and considering the importance of fruits at household level regarding source of income, food security and nutritional value, this House resolves that Government should put fruit production processing on the priority list of projects where funding is concerned for Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development.”

Honorable Lowe said success realised in the past interventions when Government prioritised funding for scaling up of cotton and legumes production among others has proven that prioritising also Fruit Production, Malawi will stop importing fruits from neigboring countries.

“While appreciating these efforts, we should accept, as a nation, that by sidelining fruit production for so long, our forex is being wasted through importation of apples, peaches, oranges, and several other fruits our farmers can produce if enough support is provided.” he said

He said it is very worrisome development that almost every type of fruit in local super markets and other markets are importated and said this should serve as a wakeup call that Malawi needs to invest in fruit production which will as well benefit future generation.

“It is unfortunate that our super markets are full of imported fruits and fruit juices which drain our scarce forex. What has become more painful over the recent past is that we have now started eating imported bananas from Tanzania because we have neglected ours for a long period of time until our banana is wiped by deadly banana bunchy top virus. Nobody seems to care. 

In these days, where everyone talks about climate-smart agriculture, fruit trees can no longer be ignored.”  He said while urging both Government and goodwill organization to allocate resources for fruit production

He underlined that fruit production can bring numerous benefits to farmers. He said fruit farming can serve as farmers pension, help in food security and that with good management, the industry can as well serve as alternative forex earner. He therefore, emphasized that farmers must be assisted financially to help them purchase the fruit seedlings as well as imparting them with skills and knowledge on how they can manage orchards.

Lilongwe Central legislature hinted that Malawi can take advantage of existing struggling fruit production industry as good foundation to begin supporting fruit production.

On this, he among others mentioned citrus industry in Mwanza which its production is drastically declined because of poor management of the old trees and the many mango trees that are avilable in the country.

He further mentioned number of projects that the country can as well take advantage of including Chinese Agricultural Technical Mission which imported Asian, species of fruits, PROSCARP and GTZ promotion of horticulture through Farmers Association (NAFTINA) and currently ICRAF which is assisting with nursery inspection and certification as well as Private owned Malawi Mangoes project in Salima which is growing and processing mangoes and bananas at a large scale.

“There are a lot of food security oriented NGO’s which distributes fruit trees at small scale. All these are opportunities indicating that there is good foundation already laid, such that the Government can start building on” he added

In an interview Lowe said after this motion he will try to follow up with the Ministry to find out what they will do from now on 

“If they come up with strategy I will very much appreciate” he said

During the debate on this motion in the chamber, both Government and opposition sides agreed with the legislature and there was almost consensus emphasizing the need to invest in the production of fruit production.

It was noted during the debate that in late 90’s where there were less than 6 qualified horticulturists in the country, Malawi was able to produce enough fruits for domestic consumption as well processing for example Mulanje fruit canning factory which is no more.

But Minister of Industry and Trade, Joseph Mwanamvekha said during the debate that this idea is part of what Malawi is doing and it is part of Buy Malawi Strategy to be launched this Friday by President Peter Mutharika. Equally Minister of agriculture hailed the legislature for coming up with the motion but emphasized that private sector must take a big stake in production of fruits.