Mutharika Govt struggling to fully renovate damaged Kamuzu Palace over economic challenges

By Zakeyu Mamba

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The government has admitted failing to complete full rehabilitation works at Kamuzu Palace after property was vandalized during the transition of power between Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) September this year.

According to Presidential House spokesperson Cathy Maulidi, the state is currently prioritizing the repair of essential items only, to allow President Peter Mutharika to start using the residence.

Maulidi said that although the exact financial requirements for the full rehabilitation are yet to be disclosed, the government plans to finish the remaining works once the President officially occupies the palace.

She did not indicate when that will happen.
Meanwhile, political analyst Vincent Rangel has called on both the police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to intensify investigations into the matter.

He said thorough inquiry is necessary to establish who was responsible for the damage.

However, National Police Service spokesperson Lael Chimtembo has urged the public to give investigators adequate time, stressing that the police need space to conduct the probe professionally.

Reports indicate that shortly after the 16 September elections, some staff members at the State House allegedly vandalized property.

The then-ruling MCP has distanced itself from the incident, claiming no knowledge of the matter.

Authorities have not yet revealed how much property was damaged or when full restoration will be completed.


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Malawi Govt pushes for competence in Councils as Minister Ben Phiri elevates STA Ndendende

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Ben Phiri, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that all top positions in Local Assemblies are filled with competent officers capable of managing the increased resources allocated to councils.

He said this commitment is especially crucial now that government has revised and significantly expanded the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which demands enhanced professionalism and accountability at council level.

Dr. Phiri made the remarks on Saturday in Rumphi, where he met council officials and presided over the elevation of Group Village Headman Robert Msowoya to Sub-Traditional Authority (STA) Ndendende at the district council offices.

The Minister emphasized that Malawi needs well-trained, well-equipped, and ethically grounded officials if the country is to achieve its ambition of becoming a middle-income economy by the year 2030.

He stated that strong local governance is central to national development because it is through councils that Malawians access critical services such as health, education, water, and infrastructure, all supported by taxes collected from citizens.

During the elevation ceremony, Dr. Phiri called upon traditional leaders to promote unity, strengthen social harmony, and prevent chieftaincy conflicts by documenting succession plans clearly and transparently.

Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe presided over the official installation of STA Ndendende, a development expected to strengthen traditional leadership structures and accelerate socio-economic progress in Rumphi District.

The Minister highlighted that traditional leaders play a vital role in shaping community development, facilitating government programs, and ensuring peace, which is a key ingredient for sustainable development.

The revised CDF—which has increased from K220 million per constituency to an unprecedented K5 billion—means that Rumphi District’s four constituencies will now collectively receive at least K20 billion every year, making it essential that funds are handled by qualified and accountable officers.

Dr. Phiri concluded by asserting that with competent leadership in councils and responsible stewardship of public funds, Malawi can create meaningful development, improve service delivery, and uplift the lives of citizens across rural and urban communities.


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Veep Ansah urges food self-reliance during Chikwawa Lean Season Response

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Vice President Dr Jane Ansah spearheaded the Lean Season Response Programme in Chikwawa, urging unity and collective commitment in the fight against hunger.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Ansah described the food distribution initiative as a critical intervention designed to support households grappling with severe food shortages during the lean period.

She emphasized that sustainable development at family, community, or national level is impossible without sufficient food.

Dr Ansah explained that the 2024/2025 farming season was severely affected by the La Niña weather pattern, which delayed rainfall, caused erratic showers, and left some areas parched, leading to widespread crop failure.

She added that crop-destroying pests, economic hardships, and rising commodity prices further aggravated food insecurity for many Malawians.

Citing the latest Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee report, Dr Ansah noted that over four million people are at risk of food insecurity between October 2025 and March 2026.

Highlighting government interventions, she said that President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika declared food insecurity across all districts, necessitating food assistance throughout the country.

She thanked development partners and supporting nations for enabling the timely rollout of the programme and praised district councils for ensuring smooth distribution.

Dr Ansah encouraged communities to adopt modern, climate-smart agricultural practices that reduce reliance on rainfall to secure long-term food stability.

In closing, she urged beneficiaries to use the maize responsibly and report any misuse or fraud, assuring them that legal action would be taken against all acts of corruption.


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Malawi leaders date development partners to strengthen collaboration

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Vice PresidentJane Ansah welcomed government officials, development partners, and distinguished guests to a special networking dinner held ahead of the 2025 Cabinet Retreat.

She began by expressing sincere gratitude to President Arthur Peter Mutharika for entrusting her with the responsibility to preside over the gathering, highlighting the significance of the evening as a platform for dialogue and partnership.

The Vice President noted that the dinner was designed to foster connections among leaders and stakeholders, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and strengthen collaborative efforts aimed at advancing Malawi’s national development agenda.

She extended warm appreciation to Ahunna Eziakonwa, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator, who also serves as Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, for her insightful address that emphasised the critical role of partnerships in achieving sustainable development.

Frost happy with new leadership

Acknowledging the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its continuous support, the Vice President remarked that the evening represented more than a ceremonial gathering, serving instead as a forum to prepare for the discussions and strategic planning that would take place during the Cabinet Retreat.

Attendees were encouraged to reflect on the challenges facing Malawi, as well as the opportunities that can drive the nation’s economic growth and social transformation.

She emphasised that the path ahead requires coordinated efforts and collective responsibility from all stakeholders, including those who could not be present, reiterating that meaningful progress cannot be achieved through government action alone.

Robust and strategic partnerships, she said, are essential for ensuring accountability, resilience, and long-term development, highlighting the invaluable contribution of development partners in supporting Malawi’s journey toward national transformation.

The Vice President expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the President and herself to all those who contributed to making the dinner a success, recognising both government organisers and UNDP officials for their meticulous planning and dedication.

Sunbird Nkopola Lodge was commended for providing a gracious and conducive environment, while the teams behind the scenes were praised for creating a warm, elegant, and welcoming setting.

Guests were encouraged to enjoy their meal while engaging in meaningful conversations aimed at enhancing national development and promoting collaborative action.

In her closing remarks, Vice President Ansah prayed for God’s blessings upon everyone present, the President, and the nation of Malawi, before concluding by wishing all attendees an enjoyable evening and thanking them once again for their participation.

Speaking at the event, Fenella Frost, UNDP Resident Representative in Malawi, described it as a privilege to attend the gathering, highlighting it as an opportunity to celebrate Malawi and the remarkable spirit of its people.

She expressed deep appreciation on behalf of UNDP to the Government of Malawi, the Vice President, and all partners for their continued collaboration and commitment to advancing national development.

Frost described the dinner as inspiring, noting that it reflected both shared achievements and Malawi’s immense potential, while reaffirming UNDP’s dedication to supporting the country’s development aspirations, strengthening institutions, and building a more inclusive and resilient future for all Malawians.


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Malawi receives solar-powered cold chain boost to strengthen vaccine deliver

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi on Tuesday received a multimillion-kwacha consignment of solar-powered cold chain equipment, a development expected to significantly reinforce the country’s vaccine delivery and overall public-health systems.

The equipment valued at US$776,000 was provided through a partnership involving Africa CDC, UNICEF and the Mastercard Foundation.

Officials say the new units will help maintain vaccine potency and expand access in communities that continue to face unreliable electricity.

Speaking to journalists,Africa CDC Regional Director Lul Riek described the handover as a milestone for Malawi, emphasizing that the advanced storage technology will ensure life-saving vaccines reach even the most remote parts of the country.

On his part, Secretary for Health Dan Namarika said the new capacity will address long-standing challenges linked to power outages and limited refrigeration, allowing Malawi to reach tens of thousands of children who previously missed routine immunisation.

Government and development partners have since hailed the donation as a major step toward building a stronger and more resilient national immunisation system capable of protecting Malawians of all ages.


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Chisomo Phiri

I am an experienced young journalist who writes for Malawi’s major print and online publications. I currently work for The Maravi Post (www.maravipost.com), one of the Malawi’s fastest growing Online Newspapers as a National Reporter.
I am interested in environmental, science and innovation, Education and human rights reporting

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Malawi Govt recalls public relations officers with immediate effect

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi government has recalled all Public Relations Officers (PROs) with immediate effect, as confirmed by the Minister of Information, Shadreck Namalomba

The investigation has also revealed that, some of the PROs recalled including Grace Kapatuka, Principal Communications Officer for the Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19 and Cholera; Mphatso Nkuonera from the Ministry of Lands; Pauline Kaude from the Ministry of Gender; Nellie Kapatuka from the Ministry of Labour; Tionge Kampondeni from the Ministry of Mining, Watson Maingo from the Ministry of Transport; and Gift Chiponde from Ministry of Education.

However, investigations by Maravi Post reveal that some PRO officers have not met their fate, including; Adrian Chikumbe and Loness Gwazanga both in the Ministry of Health, and Christopher Kapachika Banda from the Ministry of Education.

Chikumbe and Kapachika were not assigned by the Ministry of Information which is the policy holder, but were just handpicked by some political cadres, allegedly due to their loyalty to the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

Mphatso Nkuonera, former PRO in the Ministry of Lands, expressed his gratitude in a farewell message that he dropped on Monday, on a WhatsApp forum, stating, “It’s time to say goodbye… You were available 24/7, and I am very grateful, kindly support the incoming.”

When contacted, Minister of Information and Government Chief Spokesperson, Hon. Namalomba confirmed the recall, saying, “The government has indeed recalled all PROs.”

The recall comes amid concerns about the role of PROs in government and their potential influence on public opinion.

The development has sparked speculation about the government’s intentions and the future of the PROs.

The Malawi government has been under pressure to ensure transparency and accountability in its operations.

The recall of PROs may be seen as a step towards achieving this goal.

Further details are awaited on the implications of this move and the government’s plans for the PROs.


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