Updated: 2015/2016 Budget lopsided; People Of North Benefit Nothing- MPs

Hon Chihana: There is nothing for people of north

Members of Parliament (MPs) from Northern region of Malawi on Thursday criticized the proposed 2015/2016 budget as too "regionalistic", with a lot of development resources allocation skewed towards Southern and Central regions of the country.

At a meeting with members of press held at Parliament building, 9 legislatures who asserted to have represented all MPs from Northern region said are not happy with the budget being deliberated upon at National Assembly and link it to previous budgets where the trend has been the same.

Hon Mzomera Ngwira: We are concerned over the
Continued trend 

Mzimba Hora legislature, Honorable Mzomera Mgwira, said "We have seen that each budget is not benefiting people that we represent especially those in the northern region" and added "Even last year budget (2014/2015 budget) had completely nothing for projects in the northern region"

Hon Ngwira seating with Hon Nyalonje 

Hon Ngwira further said all developments projects taking place in the northern region are project grants and nothing from Malawi government budget.

Nine legislatures including; hons. Enoch Chihana, Agnes Nyalonje, Werani Chilenga, Kamlepo Kalua and Jacqueline Kouwenhoven concurred with hon. Ngwira that all national budgets have failed to include expectations of people from north but rather what administration expect which in most cases gives too much money to projects benefiting people of Southern and Central regions of Malawi.

2015/2016 budget, has projected expenditure and net lending of K901.6 billion where the recurrent budget will be at K674.6 billion while the development budget will amount to K224.0 billion. However, the Parliamentarians noted with concern that from the development budget people of North will get nothing or miniscule amount compared to other regions. 

There is no budget for people of northern region 

They bemoaned that unlike Central and Sothern regions allocated with more resources for several development projects including on rehabilitation of Chileka and Kamuzu international airports (South and Central regions respectively), number of projects that government promised to implement for the northern region including, construction of new Mzuzu Airport, Njakwa- Chitimba road among others, remain a mare oratory since no funds have been allocated for such projects and that other projects such as Kafukurwe road which its contractor has abandoned the work for not being paid are expected to stall for some time. 

Hon Jacqueline Kouwenhoven: Poor roads
In my constituency 

Backing up other members position, Rumphi West parliamentarian, Hon. Jacqueline Kouwenhoven added that government has failed to live up to its promise of commencing feasibility study for Rumphi- Nyika road though Transport Minister had assured her several times that funds the task were available.

Chihana, Kouwenhoven& Kalua: We are abandoned

Hon Kouwenhoven also wondered why government is failing to develop Rumphi district which is a center for tourist attraction for its two national parks located in her constituency, Nyika national park and Vwaza marsh that could assist in boosting Malawi economy. She said the area is almost abandoned as road infrastructure is in pathetic state to the extent that roads leading to the parks are not graded.

Hon Kamlepo Kalua 

Member for Rumphi East Hon. Kamlepo Kalua echoed Mzimba North Agnes Nyalonje remarks emphasizing equity and achieve commitments when formulating national budget

"Time has come that we have to look at the country as one people and that North, South and Center, is one." Said Hon Kaula, "We are all Malawians and when we come up with the budget it should reflect nationalism" 

Hon Kamlepo who warned that parliamentarians from north will not stay quiet for any deliberate attempt to sideline people of northern region, proposed that for fairness, K60 billion should have been allocated to northern region from the K224 billion for the Development budget.

Hon Enock Chihana 

Hon Enoch Chihana MP for Rumphi Central constituency said had traveled the country and observed that it is worrisome development as resources are not equally distributed and such issues may lead to divisions.

He also said it is an insult for government to construct animal university (Mombera University) in the forests of Mzimba district yet the same district has Mzuzu University struggling financially and has poor structures. 

"These are issues that may resucitate federalism calls. We are not happy. Please consider us in this budget" appealed Chihana

The Northern region MPs says they remain adamant on pressure government to stop tribal and regional budget by raising same concerns in parliament, making consultations with people in their respective constituencies and continue engagements with relevant authorities.

Hon Nyalonje, Hon Raphael Mhone (middle) 
& Hon Werani Chilenga: We will push for increment

They further warned that continued sidelining of northern region in development projects will encourage calls for federalism as the unitary system of goverment apparently continues to fail meeting needs of people in Northern region.

Steve Bedi To Perfom At Cape Maclear Investment Forum

The Ghanaian Jazz Saxophonist and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, Steve Bedi promise to give his best performance on Saturday night in Lilongwe as he arrives in Malawi for the Cape Maclear Tourism Investors Forum.

Malawi's premier mobile network operator TNM has sponsored Ghanaian-born but US-based jazz to perform at the Forum starting on June 20 in Lilongwe's Bingu International Conference Centre, Peermont Hotel.

"I feel so great and it's always been a great feeling being in Malawi" said the artist adding that to be part of the Cape Maclear Tourism Investors project it's a great honor for him.

This is not first time for Bedi coming to Malawi but said his performance this Saturday will be "unique" more than performance that Malawians had watched him previously "This (performance) is for the whole of Malawi" he said "If you are giving something to Malawi, should you give something little? It should be a big one" he said

Bedi also said he is excited to partner TNM in promoting investment and tourism development at Cape Maclear, where a landmark world-class hospitality resort is expected to be built. 

As part of the partnership with TNM, Bedi will on Friday participate in a corporate social responsibility undertaking at Mlumbwira Primary School in the city.

"TNM was approached by UNAIDs to support the main artist for the project and when we looked at it we had several angles that impressed us as TNM to support."  Said TNM Head of Marketing Sobhuza Ngwenya  when justifying choice to sponsor Bedi to add lighter moments of the investors by facilitating such a top quality entertainment to be provided by the acclaimed international jazz man. 

Ngwenya also expressed hope that Steve Bedi coming will also help to support local artists through collaborations.

Ngwenya Addressing the Conference

Speaking about TNM interests to be part of Cape Maclear Tourism project, Ngwenya said this is in line with TNM's commitment to support tourism development in the country.

He said TNM will continue partner with the investors in the project by offering its communication solutions.

The Cape Maclear Investors Forum has attracted over 50 international companies, including Africa's richest businessman, Nigeria's Aliko Dangote.

Promoter for the Cape Mclear Project, Bright Malopa, who said could not talk much of the project pending to unbundle it on the Saturday's launch, said it is a multimillion Kwacha investment to be "a meeting point between Africa and the world" 

 

Malopa said the "high impact project" looks at potentially sums of about US$300 million and all that put in a land expansive of about 250 hectares in Mangochi and biggest tourism integrated project in the region.

He added that the project will boost economy through its activities and that over 1000 Malawians will be employed and transform the dynamics of Mangochi through number of investments. And Malopa says the project eyes to attract over 3 million visitors.

2015/2016 Budget Sidelines People of North- Says MPs

2015/2016 budget sideline Northern Region people says Legislatures, appeals for the increased allocation for the Development Budget.

The 2015/2016 Budget has K224 billion but the northern region MPs says out of this allocation the northern region will get almost nothing.

During the press briefing held at the Parliament Building in the capital city Lilongwe, 9 parliamentarians representing all northern region constituencies said it is worrisome that this year' budget like other previous years the northern part of Malawi will again not benefit from the budget.

The Parliamentarians bemoaned that number of promised projects like roads, Mzuzu Airport, education and health including water projects have received nothing yet government continues to boast doing a lot to the Northern region.

Nine legislatures, representatives of Northern region including hon Mzomera Ngwira, Enoch Chihana, Agnes Nyalonje, Werani Chilenga and Kamlepo Kalua said there is nothing in this budget that can benefit people of north.

Hon Mzomera Ngwira who led the meeting said Northern region MPs have seen that each year budget is not benefiting people of north citing that even last year budget had completely nothing to support northern region projects.

He mentioned of number of unfulfilled promises including Mzuzu airport since 2010 yet government has allocated more resources for Chileka and Kamuzu airport which are from Southern Region and Central Region respectively.

Amlosnt every parliamentarian in the meeting observed that more budget support is skewed to Southern region and Central region areas and said this may lead to future conflicts.

Rumphi West parliamentarian Jacqueline Kouwenhoven proved the point that northern region is being sidelined saying, though her constituency has two national parks of Nyika and Vwaza marsh but roads and other infrastructure are in pathetic state.

Kamlepo Kalua member for Rumphi East emphasized that time has come that governments should unite people in all regions by formulating budget that reflects nationalism.

He therefore proposed that out K224 billion for Development budget, northern region has to be allocated at least K60 billion.

Other MPs complained that even CDF money, northern districts have less disbursement yet Southern region and central region have received 90% of their K9 million.

The Northern region MPs says remains adamant to pressure government through parliament chambers, consult people in their constituents and continue to engage relevant people to ensure that government is implementing fairness in the budget.

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10% Excise Duty on SMS Scare Flood Victims

Survivers: 

New excise duty on text messaging has scared people of Nsanje who survived from this years worst flood disaster.

In order to expand the tax base to generate resources for budget, 10% excise duty to be levied on text messaging and all data transfers including internet and similar services.

People of Nsanje district have made a very strong argument through Member of Parliament for Nsanje South West Constituency, Hon Joseph Chidanti Malunga who spoke in the National Assembly about how the new tax has disappointed and scared people of Nsanje.

Hon Chidanti: Survivers are scared 

The parliamentarian, Honorable Chidanti Malunga, made the formal request in the National Assembly that government should stop implementing that punitive tax because text messages saved many lives of people of his constituency during floods.

He said people from Nsanje are worried and of the view that it is not wise decision to raise tax on such life saving services.

That flood disaster day, he said, "The commonest form of communication was text messages."

"We were able to text warning messages to one another and with family and friends so, we were saved”

Hon. Chidanti then said, "Today we are worried" and repeated "we are worried that we have to pay more for these services."

"We therefore urge government to re-look at this proposal to raise the tariff on text messaging in this year’s budget” pleaded the peoples representative

Malawians continue mounting pressure on government to abandon decision of raising tax on SMS, Data and Internet.

Minister of Finance, Economic Planing and Development, Honorable Goodall Gondwe when presenting 2015/2016 budget estimates, where he announced the new tax, said government decision to increase the tax was reached upon having observed that government core to improve access to mobile telecommunication has been fulfilled after it removed custom duties on mobile phones and solar cellular telephone chargers.

The minister said there is now tremendous uptake of the telecommunication services.

However, many people have spoken against the decision.

Sports Firm CNS Introducing 5 Aside Soccer in Malawi

A Sports Management firm, Corporate Networking Sports (CNS) plans to introduce 5 aside Soccer in Malawi.

The group says it wants to popularise the 5 aside football as a social and corporate past time activity in the country through working partnerships with all groups and organizations with passion for sports and healthy active lifestyle.

"CNS will target every business, social and corporate grouping looking for a way to enhance fitness, team work and team performance and discipline through exciting team sport activities." Said Francis Muleso chairman for CNS at a press briefing in Lilongwe on Friday 

Muleso said CNS intends to undertake a gradual introduction of the Game in Malawi by among others sustainability running a competitive 5 aside football leagues.

The CNS chairman mentioned that the gradual introduction of the sport will include the building of facilities where different sporting activities can be enjoyed by the corporate world. 

Since the sport is new in Malawi, Muleso said the launch campaign will take place 31st October 2015 with the purpose of sensitising the corporate world of the benefits that comes with the sport. 

Francis Muleso further indicated that the launch will comprise a inaugural 5- Aside one day tournament which will include the participation of 1 top 5- Aside team from South Africa which will play against selected Malawian teams in Lilongwe at a venue to be announced. 

CNS founded in 2013 by a group of four South African based Malawians with common interest in sports, fitness and good health, ventured into 5 Aside football because it is a version of sports generally regarded as more exciting, high octane format of team sport and social programmes. 

Having ventured into the game, CNS boasts of leading the successful formation a very competitive 5 aside Soccer team in Midrand - Johannesburg, known as Nyau Stars (named after Malawi's popular traditional dance) which was crowned Champions for three consecutive seasons between 2013 and early 2015.

Hunger In Nsanje District; People Eating Water Lily ‘Nyika’ says MP

The Malawi National Assembly was shocked Thursday evening when legislature for Nsanje South West constituency showed the house what majority of people in his area are eating for survival, the area is facing shortage of staple food ‘maize’.

Hon Joseph Chidanti Malunga showed the house a bunch of aquatic plant ‘water lily tubers’ and said such are types of foods that people in his constituency are surviving on due to hunger which has hit the area following the past drought and floods.

Hon Chidanti Malunga

The Parliamentarian was making his constituency statement during Thursday’s Private Members Day where he emphasized that there is no more “looming hunger”in his constituency but now “hunger is here”

“We need to know where we are with the maize purchase.” He demanded, “We need to know if we have started purchasing and how long shall we wait while eating this before it gets to ADMARC markets” he told the house as he asks those charged with responsibility to answer the question.

He said Nsanje South West hunger situation has changed from looming to reality, quicker than the rest of disaster areas due serious problem caused by two ecological zones which are subject to agricultural activities. He said this year the area faced both floods and drought, a combination of the two have reduced crop yields.

He then said Nsanje South West Constituency requires immediate food assistance and that government should respond as soon as possible.

However, Leader of House Hon Francis Lazaro Kasaila said the nation has enough stock of grain reserve in all storage facilities remarks which did not go well with Leader for Peoples Party in the National Assembly Hon Ulladi Mussa who said the leader of house was out of order to say that maize is available at Grain reserve yet people are suffering. He demanded that that maize be available to people of Nsanje

But speaking in an interview, hon. Chidanti said “The problem is probably in the whole of Nsanje” but noted that he could not speak for the whole Nsanje district“I was just speaking for a small part of Nsanje which is my constituency Nsanje South West but the truth is that the situation is the same everywhere else” he said

“We are in a very critical condition; there is no food and there is no maize in ADMARC market depot.” He said refereeing to two ADMARC market depots in his area of Nsanje Mbenje and Ng’oma.

He said the development has worsened situation as those that have money to afford maize have joined others to flock to the streams and swamps in search for “things that they can eat”then said ‘water lily’ locally known as Nyika is the hottest food now.

“I know government has not abandoned us but I am just to reporting this development to government to do more on saving the people of Nsanje” he saidwhile maintaining that the money that was approved by the National Assembly to buy maize should trickle down to people of Nsanje.

“People are suffering right now and we don’t want them to suffer forever and be eating the stuff that I showed in the parliament” he said

“I think this is a wake-up call that something quickly must be done” he added

The financial year of 2015/2016 budget to be approved in this session has the amount of K133.7 billion allocation to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water development which part of it will be for maize purchase and that the a US $80 million Loan Authorization bill has been passed by the National Assembly on the same course.

“I have two suggestions” said Hon Chidanti regarding the money to be for the food purchase, “Firstly, we have to make sure that the ADMARC markets have enough maize to enable those that have money to buy the maize and that secondly, the most vulnerable be given free maize.”

Speaker’s Ruling On Teachers Petition Irks Education Committee

The Second Deputy Speaker of the Malawi National Assembly hon Dr. Clement Chiwaya irked the Parliamentary Education Committee on Thursday evening when he ruled that the Secondary School Teachers petition on ‘delayed promotion’ be referred back to education committee.

Regarding the urgency of issues raised in the petition, the relevant parliamentary committee, Education Committee had wanted to send the petition directly to the Teaching Service Commission which deals with the Teachers conditions of service through the Minister of Education Science and Technology after it was presented in the house for a quick solution.

Honorable member for Mzimba North Constituency and Vice Chairperson for Education Committee of parliament, Agnes Nyalonje presented teachers petition in the house on Thursday afternoon but the ruling implore that teachers grievances will remain unsolved for a while.

360 Secondary school teachers who upgraded themselves through doing various courses including diploma and degree courses signed the petition which was handed to National Assembly through the committee on 13th May 2015.

Teachers stated in their petition that they want to be promoted and gave Ministry of Education up to the end of the month of May to give them promotion failing which they are going to down tools country wide until they get the correct response.

Before Hon Nyalonje finished reading the petition in the house, wanted to present the committee recommendation that the petition be referred to the Teaching Service Commission because matters therein are urgent. However, the Second Deputy Speaker for more than three times, interrupted and guided the honorable member to follow the rules by refer the petition to the relevant committee which in this case it is back to the Education committee.

According to Parliamentary Standing Orders, the Member presenting the petition may move that it be “referred to a Select Committee”

Hon Nyalonje and the committee accepted to follow the ruling and referred the petition back to her committee.

However, in an interview Hon Nyalonje could not hide her disappointment over the ruling. She said the committee felt and recommended that the necessary procedure was to ask the whole house to refer the petition directly to the Teaching Service Commission. 

Hon Nyalonje said she “personally felt it was unfortunate” for the house to take that lengthy path which may only worsen problems in secondary schools which already have shortage of teachers.

“There is authority mandated to deal with the issue and that matters raised have a sense of urgency to that. As such if we know who is to deal with them what is the point referring it back when the committee in its wisdom as the committee entrusted with education knows that this petition should be dealt with in this manner?” questioned Hon Nyalonje

“Referring this petition to the Education Committee is a way of delay the solution of the issues contained in the letter” Said hon Nyalonje who feared that teachers may take an action which may disturb school calendar if their grievances remain unsettled as quickly as possible

“The Parliamentary Committee on Education Science and Technology was used as a conduit to present the petition to this house and get it to the right authority to deal with this issue.” She observed

“We in the committee felt that this petition instead of wasting time; referring to the committee which is not mandated to deal with it, it should go straight from the House to the Teaching Service Commission through the Minister of Education who should then be mandated to present a response in the house within 14 days.” She said

The teachers petition made four demands that; That promotion be done “promptly dating to the day” they graduated, paid arrears in full a month after effecting the changes in their pay slips, be refunded the money that was used to pay for fees arguing that ‘condition of service are clear that when one undergoes training the responsible ministry will pay the relevant allowances including a study leave.’

The petition further demands that their years of service should be taken into consideration for promotion into appropriate grade, as the delay into giving them the grade that they deserve made them miss the opportunity to attend the interviews that were done by Teaching Service Commission.