Malawi Roundup: Heavy rains, power crisis, food aid
Heavy rains wreak havoc
Fourteen (14) districts in Malawi have been affected by natural disasters in recent times owing to heavy rainfall activities including storms, strong winds, and lightning, news outlet Malawi 24 reports. According to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), five (5) deaths have also been recorded as a result of lightning strikes and 46 injuries. Relief efforts are ongoing to assist affected persons, approximately 21,379 people.
Power outage issues
State-owned power distributor, the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has announced that emergency maintenance works will be carried out in parts of Nkhata Bay, the capital of the Nkhata Bay District in Malawi on January 10, 2024. Areas including Msomba, Sanga, Vizara, Kawalazi, and Chitheka will be cut off the national grid for the period and have been urged to switch off all electrical devices, according to a release by ESCOM on platform X.
Infrastructural development
Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda has reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the lives of the people of Kasungu. Speaking at a rally on January 7, 2024, the minister said rehabilitation works have begun on the M1 road from Lilongwe through Kasungu to Karonga. The M1 road passing through Kasungu is being rehabilitated. We have also seen the rehabilitation of Kasungu District Hospital and the construction of bridges, roads, and clinics here in the East Constituency. This signals the government's commitment to serving the people. On the other hand, we know Kasungu is a farming district. So we want to assure the farmers and everyone that there will be good prices for their produce. We saw good tobacco prices last year and this year it will be even better,” he was quoted by the Malawi News Agency.
Food aid
Officials from the World Food Program (WFP) have clarified the reasoning behind their decision to import maize flour from Tanzania to be distributed to Malawians. This comes after the government banned the importation of maize from its neighbours because of the outbreak of the maize lethal virus. According to local news outlet Nyasa Times, the WFP Deputy Country for Malawi, Simon Denhere says the decision to import was made in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture on January 4, 2024.
MANEB extends examinations deadline
The Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) has extended the deadline for registration and payment of the 2024 national exam fees following the failure of more than 29,000 students to pay the fees. According to Malawi 24, MANEB had initially set December 31, 2023, as deadline for the registration and payment for Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE), Junior Certificate of Education (JCE), and Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) exams. The new deadline for registration is January 12.
