Tag Archives: Minister of Natural Resources Alfred Gangata

Development, Malawi

Gangata lauds First Lady Gertrude Mutharika’s Beam for Mtandire constituents support

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Natural Resources Minister who is also Member of Parliament (MP) for Mtandire-Mtsiriza Constituency Alfred Gangata has lauded First Lady Gertrude Mutharika’s Beautify Malawi Trust (BEAM) for the timely support.

Gangata made the remarks on Saturday, January 24, 2026 after the First Lady Mutharika, through the BEAM donated relief items worth K31 million to 500 households in Mtandire Township in Lilongwe that were affected by heavy rainfall and flooding.

The lawmaker welcomed the support, saying it had brought relief to affected families.

The donated items included maize flour, salt, soya pieces, blankets and soap.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at Chilimampunga Ground Mutharika said the donation was intended to provide immediate relief to families struggling to meet basic needs following the disaster.

“Beautify Malawi came in after heavy rainfall destroyed homes and livelihoods. Our desire is a beautiful, clean Malawi, one where we stand together to overcome disasters and outbreaks such as cholera,” she said.

Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Justin Saidi, said Mtandire was affected by flooding from December 25, 2025, following heavy rainfall, noting that the donation symbolised the First Lady’s love and commitment to the people of Malawi.

One of the beneficiaries, Taxiwell Ntambo, expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying it would help his family recover.

Also present at the ceremony was the wife to the Second Vice President of Malawi, Tadala Chihana, alongside other government officials.

Environment, Malawi

“Will act decisevily on companies’ improper effluents disposal”-warns Natural Resources Minister Gangata

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Newly appointed Natural Resources Minister Gangata has sent a stir warnings to companies that are discharging untreated effluents into water sources saying the laws will take its course.

Gangata is reacting to recent Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative (CDEDI)’s exposure on how two companies including Potland Cement and Presscanne Limited are improperly discharging effluents into water sources in Balaka and Chikwawa respectively.

The Minister told The Maravi Post on Saturday morning, January 10, 2026 that he has received reports of some companies’ improper waste disposal that the Ministry will act decisively.

Gangata warned companies with improper waste disposal risks from being closed.

“I have just been in office for a few days to understand fully but what has attracted my attention are reports of companies discharging untreated wastes into water sources.

“Unfortunately, these wastes are putting risks to local communities who also depend on the same water sources. This has to put to stop,” warns Gangata.

The Minister therefore assured communities of government’s commitment to address the matter with urgency.

Malawi is currently grappling with the implementation of thin plastic ban that companies are still producing against the country’s laws.

Environment, Opinion, Politics

Gangata’s new chapter at Natural Resources: A strategic move to unleash potentia

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)- Alfred Gangata’s appointment as Minister of Natural Resources marks a significant turning point in his career, offering a platform to showcase his capabilities and drive meaningful change.

This move comes as a welcome respite from his previous role as Minister of State, which, despite its prestige, presented limitations.

As Minister of State, Gangata’s portfolio lacked tangible pillars, making it challenging to demonstrate tangible progress.

The role, often perceived as a political appointment, didn’t provide the necessary departments or agencies to support a clear agenda.

This ambiguity hindered his ability to make a lasting impact, rendering the position more symbolic than substantive.

In contrast, the Natural Resources ministry offers a robust framework for Gangata to excel.

With defined parameters and supporting agencies, he can now spearhead initiatives, drive policy reforms, and deliver results.

This role aligns with his potential, allowing him to tackle pressing environmental and resource management challenges head-on.

President Mutharika’s decision to appoint Gangata to this critical portfolio reflects a strategic move to leverage his strengths.

By doing so, the President has effectively unlocked Gangata’s potential, providing him with the tools and platform needed to make a tangible difference.

As Gangata embarks on this new journey, expectations are high.

Can he capitalize on this opportunity to drive change and cement his legacy?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – this appointment has set the stage for a compelling narrative of growth and transformation.

Gangata’s appointment as Minister of Natural Resources could bring some exciting changes to Malawi’s natural resources management.

With his new role, Gangata can focus on strengthening environmental policies and regulations on carbon trading, enhancing sustainable resource management practices, addressing pressing issues like deforestation, water conservation, and wildlife protection, collaborating with international partners to access expertise and funding, and empowering local communities to take ownership of natural resource management.

This shift could lead to improved conservation efforts, increased transparency and accountability in resource management, better livelihoods for communities dependent on natural resources, and a more robust framework for addressing environmental challenges.

The stage is set for positive change, and it’s exciting to see how Gangata will shape Malawi’s natural resources landscape.

However, Gangata might face challenges such as resistance to change from vested interests, limited resources and capacity constraints, balancing.

He’ll need to navigate complex stakeholder interests, build consensus, and manage expectations while pushing for reforms.

Additionally, Gangata will have to address capacity gaps within the ministry and ensure effective implementation of policies.

With determination and strategic planning, Gangata can overcome these hurdles and make a lasting impact on Malawi’s natural resources sector.