2016/17 Budget Increased To K1.149 Trillion Now Passed

Goodall: Presented Budget on 27 May 2016

The 2016/17 National Budget has been passed on Thursday night by the National Assembly but the budget figure has now been increased to K1. 149 trillion from K1.140 trillion following the introduction of new budgetary allocation vote for the Greenbelt Initiative and increment made to Department of Human Resource Management and Development by K7.7 billion

Greenbelt Initiative which has just been created by Government is a new vote which has received an allocation of K300 million. It was omitted on the Order Paper until it appeared on Thursday night when Government presented Supplementary Order Paper.

National Assembly Budget Increased by K1 billion

Minister of Finance has increased the National Assembly budgetary vote by K1 billion after legislators had on Monday deferred the vote saying it was insufficient to enable committees of the House to carryout their oversight roles.

The National Assembly vote was initially allocated with K9. 410 billion and with the change the vote has increased to K10. 410 billion.

Water Scarcity Hits Parliament: Force Early Adjournment

Deputy Speaker of the Malawi National Assembly, Esther Mcheka Chilenje on Wednesday evening adjourned the House earlier than agreed time citing health grounds as taps runs dry at the Parliament.

The adjournment that happened at 18:44 hours left Leader of House, George Chaponda and his fellow cabinet ministers gob smacked as it happened just after Government had successfully won the motion to extend the sitting time for the Committee of Supply to last night hours.

FISP Allocation Increased By K3.5 Billion

Government has increased budgetary allocation to the Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) with K3.5 billion raising the figure from initial K31. 4 billion to K34.9 billion.

Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development informed the Committee of Supply that the increment has been made following increase in the market price of fertilizer commodity.

Govt Punishes MPs; Worked Till Night On Tuesday

Leader of House in the National Assembly, George Chaponda on Tuesday forced Members of Parliament to work till the night hours following prolonged debates that caused delays in passing the budgetary allocation made to each various Government ministries and departments.

Normally, the National Assembly is adjourned at 17:00 hours each sitting day, however, this was not the case on Tuesday as the House sitting hours were extended till late in order to recover the lost time during the day.

Govt Allocates K500 Thousand To Prisons For Agriculture, Expansion Of Cells

Prisons will in the 2016/17 financial year receive K500 thousand for the agriculture to enable prisoners produce food for themselves and for the buying of some few building materials to support the expansion of prison cells.

Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Goodall Gondwe indicated that the allocation is seed money to be shared by most of the country’s prisons to enable them buy fertilizer to support their farming activities and to enable the most congested prisons particularly Maula Prison in Lilongwe to procure construction materials like cement to support the expansion of cells.

Legislators Wants Wants National Assembly Budget Increased To K12 Billion

The Parliamentarians welcomes Finance Minister's decision to defer national budget allocation of K9.410 billion for the National Assembly to allow further consultation as the House wants the allocation raised to K12 billion.

As the House began Committee of Supply where the whole House is considering and passing the budget votes for 2016/17, Legislators have argued that K9.4 billion it is not enough to allow the committees of the House to play oversight function on several issues including that Government is promising Malawians.

Cashgate Case: Savala Gets 7 Year Jail Term

A 34 year old cashgate convict, Caroline Savala has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment for her involvement in systematic looting of Government money (Cashgate) amounting to K84 thousand in 2013.

When passing the sentence, Lilongwe High Court judge, Fiona Mwale described Savala as "trickster" 

Savala was found guilty and convicted of theft and money laundering after full trial. 

Govt Okay MPs General Purpose Fund Loan Implementation

Negotiations on the implementation for the General Purpose Fund (GPF) loans of Members of Parliament are finally over as Government has accepted full implementation of the loans, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning confirm.

A welfare committee has been negotiating with Government through minister of Finance on implementation of the personal loan facility amounting to K5 Million for each Member of Parliament, a package which includes funds for motor vehicle, general purpose funds and emergency.

Government Ready With Penal Code Amendment That Covers A lot On Albino Attacks

Samuel Tembenu

The Malawi Government says the reviewed penal code bill that broadly tackles the issues of ritual abductions and killings of persons with albinism will be brought to the National Assembly very soon before the ongoing meeting of the House comes to an end.

Minister of Justice and Constitution Affairs, Samuel Tembenu said in an interview that the review process of the penal code has come to an end and this bill will bring the real change in terms of the prosecution of the cases relating to the abductions and killings of persons with albinism unlike the Anatomy Amendment Act which has been passed solely for strengthen sentences.

Anatomy Act Amendment Passing Excites Kalindo; This Is Beginning For Death Penalty

Kalindo

The Mulanje South Legislator, Bon Kalindo has described passing of the Anatomy Amendment Act which is calling for life sentences to convicts guilty of possession of albino tissues and body parts as "battle well fought" and "victory" for him and all Malawians.

"This is a total victory not to me alone, but to all Malawians because this is what we have been waiting for, all along." Said Kalindo

He said the total support given to the bill by all members of Parliament is a clear indication that Malawians are tired and want to end the heinous crimes of abductions and killings of persons with albinism in the country.

House Adjourned With Drama

Kalindo started it 

Having passed the Anatomy Act Amendment bill on Thursday, the Malawi National Assembly adjourned to this Friday morning in a very dramatic way.

Immediately after Anatomy Amendment was passed, Hon. Bon Kalindo, rising on point order requested the Speaker to ask Minister of Transport and Public Works on issues happening at Road Traffic Department. 

But before he could finish informing the Speaker of what exactly is happening at the department, Speaker, Richard Msowoya interrupted the legislator to correct him that what he was bringing in the House was not Point of Order. This made the members to laugh 

Parliament Pass Anatomy Act Amendment: Impose Life Sentences, No Fines

Malawians took to the streets demanding death
Penalty 

Anatomy Act Amendment bill seeking Life Imprisonment has been passed by the National Assembly almost 5 hours after Mulanje South legislator, Bon Kalindo led hundreds to present petition to the National Assembly demanding activation of Death Penalty to convicts on offences related to albino killings.

There was cheers and clapping of hands in the House, showing excitement that finally Malawi will stop ritual killings of persons with albinism through life sentences.

Dowa East legislator, Richard Chimwendo Banda presented the Bill under Private Members Bill to amend Anatomy Act (Cap 34:03) so as to make the commission of offences therein punitive and deterrent.

Kalindo, Demonstrators Warn Parliament 'Malawians Will Act' If Death Penalty On Albino Killings Is Not Accepted

 

Legislator Bon Kalindo has warned Parliament that it will see the wrath of Malawians it if it fails to accept people’s demands of enforcing death penalty to convicted criminals in the on ritual killings and abductions of persons with albinism.

Mulanje South lawmaker, Kalindo who led Malawians on Thursday morning to the National Assembly to present petition demanding death penalty activation, said any action taken by the National Assembly on the death penalty demands will show if legislators listen to Malawians or the country's foreign donors. 

Malawi Death Penalty Protest: Kalindo Pulls Crowd Singing Kill Who Kill Albino

Legislator Bon Kalindo has pulled largest crowd ever, chanting songs demanding death penalty for convicts found guilty in cases of albino killings and attacks.

Kalindo has stunned the onlookers for his courage to go on with naked protests putting on red boxer, vest and headgear. Others have joined him including renowned activist Billy Mayaya who also has put on red shorts and T-shirt.

People Of Kasungu East Want Death Penalty For Albino Killers

Calls for death penalty continues in the National Assembly with latest being Kasungu East legislator who has openly told the House that himself and the entire people of his constituency wants eye for an eye for those perpetrating albino attacks and killings in the country.

Honorable Madalitso Kazombo when contributing to the debate on the motion of State of the National Address delivered by President Peter Muthatika, said appropriate deterrent factor to the unending killings and attacks of persons with albinism would be death penalty.

Geological Mapping Programme To Open Malawi’s Mining Sector To Investors

Malawi is optimistic that its recent launch of Geological Mapping and Mineral Assessment Project (GEMMAP) will open up way for potential investors to come in the country to start serious mining business.

The launch of GEMMAP follows the 2015 launch of the High Resolution Airborne Survey Data that has pinpointed areas with high mineral potential. GEMMAP will among several issues, conduct ground follow ups of the anomalies interpreted in the High Resolution Airborne Survey Data and the investigations will include to identification of the type of rocks, the minerals hosted by the rocks, the quality and the quantities of the minerals in the ground.

Mwanza Court Add 9 Months To Three Jail Breakers

Three men of ages ranging from 18 to 25, are regretting, and learned dangers of breaking law the hard way, after their jail break attempt resulted each of them an extension to their prison sentences.

Mwanza First Grade Magistrate Court in Mwanza on Monday added 9 month prison sentence to prison sentences of Henry Samson aged 25, Leonard Lameck aged 23 and Mwandida Kuntola aged 18, after their recapture on 12 June, 2016 when they broke out from Mwanza prison. 

IBAM Calls Govt To Develop Partnership Policy

Mlombwa: IBAM President 

President for Indigenous Businesspersons Association of Malawi (IBAM) says local businesses can benefit from the Investment Forums being hosted by Malawi only if it there is policy that promotes partnerships between indigenous businesses and foreign investors.

IBAM president, Mr. Mike Mlombwa, was speaking on the sidelines of the Malawi-China Investment Forum which is underway in Lilongwe. The forum has been officially opened this Tuesday midday by His Excellency President Peter Mutharika.

Over 100 businesses from Peoples Republic of China particularly from Anhui Province are in the country to explore investment opportunities mainly in Agriculture, Education and Industry and are expected to interact with over 300 local businesses.

IMF Approve US$ 76.8 M To Malawi

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board approves US$ 76.8 Million disbursement to Malawi.

According to press release from IMF, the Board approved the support on Monday 20th June 2016 after completion of the seventh and eighth reviews of Malawi’s economic performance under the program supported by an Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. 

The Board’s decision for the immediate disbursement of the US$ 76.8 million, bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to US$ 169.1 million.

"In completing the reviews, the Board also approved the authorities’ request for an extension of the current ECF arrangement to end December 2016 and an augmentation of access by the equivalent of SDR 34.7 million (about US$ 49.2 million or 25 percent of quota). The requested extension would give the authorities more time to achieve the original objectives of the program while the additional financing will help to strengthen the country’s response to the El Niño induced drought which has caused a humanitarian crisis." Reads the statement 

Pres. Mutharika Impressed With Investment Interests From Chinese Investors

President Peter Mutharika says is pleased with the Chinese business investor’s interests in sectors of Industry, Agriculture and Education.

A group of Chinese business investors from Anhui Province are in the country to attend the first ever ‘Malawi-China Investment Forum’ this Tuesday, 21st June 2016 at Golden Peacock Hotel in the capital city, Lilongwe.

Speaking at Kamuzu Palace on Monday evening, during the audience with the representatives from the People’s Republic of China, President Mutharika said the Chinese Investors have made “Strategic choice of focus.”

“These three areas are strategic to Malawi’s economic paradigm shift” stressed President Mutharika

YCW Movement Fundraising To Support St. Peters Major Seminary

Catholic grouping of Young Christian Workers (YCW) in Malawi has called on people of good will to join the fundraising activity to support St. Peter's Major Seminary in Zomba which is in deep financial crisis.

Augustine Mulomole the National President for the movement, said the group has learnt with concern that St. Peter's Major Seminary is in deep financial crisis, requiring over K8 Million by July 2016 to finish the current academic calendar.

"As YCW, we have made a commitment to raise up to K500 thousand as our contribution to the seminary." Said Mulomole

"Financial contributions are greatly encouraged and can be made through Airtel Money and TNM Mpamba using the following numbers: 0997 541 127 or 0882 474 641." urged Mulomole who encouraged all people of good will to support the Seminary

"St. Peter's is the University for young men aspiring to become priests and most YCW members, specifically boys, are at a stage of deciding to choose a vocation and priesthood is one such vocation. Even girls need priests too, so, if the seminary closes shop, then it will be difficult and very expensive for the Catholic Church in Malawi to train future priests" he explained

Since most well wishers have committed to honour their pledges by the end of the month of June, Mulomole said YCW will be receiving the donations up to the end of this month of June and during the same period, it is set to consolidate all the donations and submit them to St. Peter's.

House Adopts Motion To Allow Water Boards Drill, Manage Boreholes In Rural Areas

Jumbe: brought the motion

The Malawi National Assembly has adopted a motion that will enable Water Boards provide water to rural areas through drilling and management of boreholes.

Salima Central legislator, Felix Jumbe presented the motion seeking amendment of Water Works Act of 1995 of Act No. 17 Section 6 which gives Water Boards jurisdiction to do all water works management and distribution in designated urban areas.

Malawi Parliament Adopts Hemp Cultivation Motion

How Malawi Economy Wins Through Industrial Hemp

Industrial Hemp Farm

In a historic way, the Malawi National Assembly on Thursday, 16^th June 2016, adopted a motion legalizing the cultivation of the Industrial Hemp for its economic and health benefits.

Ntchisi North Legislator, Boniface Kadzamira presented the motion which has been appearing in the Order Paper since in February this year but the motion failed to be debated.

Man, 32, Sentenced 9 Yrs Imprisonment For Defilement

The Ntchisi First Grade Magistrate Court has handed a 9 year imprisonment sentence with hard labour to man aged 32 who defiled two little girls aged 3 and 5 on 12th May this year.

The convict Mr. Godfrey Leonard pleaded guilty to two counts of defilement of two girls who come from Dete village in Ntchisi.

According to Ntchisi Police Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Gladson M'bumpha said the man was answering to two counts of defilement which are contrary to Section 138 of the Penal Code.

"In her ruling, First Grade Magistrate Dorothy Kalua said the offence is serious in nature hence the offender deserve a stiff sentence to send a warning to other would be offenders." Said Sgt. M'bumpha 

2016/17 Budget Sidelines People Of Rumphi- Kamlepo

Kamlepo: Nothing for Rumphi

Rumphi North Legislator says there is no important allocation in the 2016/17 national budget that can make people of Rumphi district smile and ‘they wonder if they are indeed Malawians.’ 

Kalua said people of Rumphi are not benefiting from this year’s budget and most of the promised and long waited projects have no budget allocation this year.

“I have in mind here, several projects in my constituency and Rumphi as a district” recollect Kaulua when contributing to 2016/17 financial year Budget Motion on Wednesday evening 

He mentioned Njakwa-Livingstonia-Chitipa road and Rumphi Teachers Training College projects that have not received any budgetary allocation regardless promises by Government to begin construction of the two projects. Then he mentioned Rumphi District Hospital which he said has no allocation for operations.

“I have again in mind, Chiweta-Mulowe Musarawe road which has not been even given a priority by Government even to a gravel standard. And nobody, am talking about the Government, is talking about it. 

So, the people of Rumphi East are wondering whether we are Malawians or we belong to this country.” He inquired

Kalua [left] covered face to show disappointment with 2015/16 Budget 

Honorable Kalua even mentioned that Government Ministers continue to refuse setting foot in his area to appreciate number of projects him and communities are doing for themselves so that Government can help where they need help. On this he mentioned projects on girl child education for secondary school girls as well as hospital project at Paramawe in Chiweta clinic. He further mentioned a 25 year old Jarawe Health Centre which has health facility problems since it is not enjoying help from Government. 

He said Jarawe, Chitimba, Mulowe and Sarawe Community Day Secondary schools do not even desks have “Students are sitting on the floor.” He said, “Yet we are talking about 2016/17 national budget when these people are not enjoying anything.”

“Again, I want to appeal to the Government to seriously consider Rumphi-Nyika-Chitipa road, because this is a very important road for tourism and forex. If we can open up this corridor people will benefit and the country as a whole will benefit because these people will be bringing in forex.”  He said 

“People of Rumphi they are part of Malawi and we want the Government as you always say, DPP is the listening Government, to listen to their cries, to listen to their appeal, to listen to whatever that they are asking Government to do so that they also feel that they are part and parcel of this country.” Concluded Kamlepo

Balaka West Needs School Meals For Children To Stay In School-Hon Shanil

Member of Parliament for Balaka West, Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri has sent an appeal to Government to consider introducing school meal programme in her constituency as food shortage affecting most families in the area brings panic of school drop outs and absenteeism among pupils. 

Over, 6 million Malawians will again this year face food shortage as droughts and floods in most parts of the country have affected yield of maize which is a staple food situation. The situation is likely to have a huge negative impact on education of children from most vulnerable poor families that have no food because children will be hungry to go to school.

Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Honorable Shanil Dzimbiri made the plea to Government that her area needs school Feeding Programe to keep children in school.

She said for two consecutive years, her area has been badly hit by floods and drought rendering more families going without food due to low harvest. 

Honorable Shanil fears that most learners will drop out of school as they will focus on fetching food than education and urged Government to begin providing porridge when school begins.

“I stressed on the point of school feeding programe due to the hunger in my constituency” said Hon Shanil Dzimbiri later in an interview, and she stressed “My constituency has been badly affected, because it is two consecutive years, last year we had floods and people did not harvest enough and this year we had drought so people haven’t harvested anything.”

She then said “So I feel very strongly that if Government introduce this school feeding programe it means so many children will be enticed to go to school looking forward to eat something from school and at the end of the day they will learn looking. So, they will be enticed to go to school looking at the situation in their homes.”

The Balaka West legislator indicated that areas including T/A Chamnthunya, Sub T/A Phalula and Sr. Chief Nsamala are some of the most affected villages.

She said in total, there are 37 primary schools but almost half of these schools do not have school feeding programe. She noted that the school feeding programme mostly porridge being provided in other schools has shown that it is an effective tool to encourage pupils to continue with their education regardless of hunger situation in their homes as such schools continue to register low absenteeism’s and drop outs when compared to schools that do not offer school meals.

“Interesting thing is that pupils who stay close to the schools that do not offer school meals they prefer to go to far schools that offer porridge. They pass schools closer to them and goes far distances to find schools that are offering school meals.” She noted 

“So, I strongly feel that it can work wonders.” She added who said she would be happy if Government comes to her rescue in September when new school session begins “I will be very happy and it will register tremendous figure of students going to school, I bet you.”

Among other things that Honorable Shanil Dzimbiri also highlighted in the National Assembly when contributing to the debate on the 2016/17 National Budget motion, was on lack of secondary schools to reduce school dropouts among girls.

She said the existing Community Day Secondary Schools are much far apart, preventing a girl child to go to school because of long distances.

“We have three Community Day Secondary Schools which are far apart and prohibits a girl child to have a desire to go to school because of long distances” she said urging Government to ensure that there are more secondary schools in her area that are closer to encourage girls to go to school 

“Right now they end up getting married quickly, so there is nothing to entice them. So if the school is nearby I feel that the girl child will remain in school.” She emphasized while indicating that areas of Group village Chiyembekezo and Mkomwa needs Community Day Secondary Schools and those communities have already mobilized resources including bricks and sand, redden themselves to help Government once it consider helping them with secondary school