Tag Archives: Presscanne Limited

Environment, Human Rights

Vigils set to pressure PressCane on improper waste discharges

Maravi Post Author

By IOMMIE CHIWALO

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-After a decade of endless and unfruitful efforts in requesting proper waste management disposal, Citizens League has joined forces with Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) to address the matter through two-fold vigils.

In a press statement made available to this publication and signed by CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa as well as representatives of the concerned citizens, the vigils are set for January 29, 2026 whereby people will gather at the vicinity of PressCane until all the concerns raised will be addressed.

The grouping has also indicated that the other phase of vigils will be held at the District Council offices since are involved in ensuring better welfare of the surrounding communities.

Briefly CDEDI and the Citizens League are demanding for the immediate removal of the vinasse ponds located at Lauji village Traditional Authority (T.A) Katunga, compensation to the affected community as well as immediate transfer of the District Environmental Officer, Levious Mafuta, Lands Officer Shama Mulenga and the District Health Officer, Grace Momba.

“Kindly note that the vigils will be held in two phases. Phase one, at Press Cane Limited vicinity and phase II at the District Commissioner (DC’s) offices and will be held until the aforementioned demands are met.

“As per the Police Act, it is our expectation that the police in Chikwawa will provide security. Nonetheless, we have put in place 50 marshals that will work hand in hand with the police to ensure that the vigils are peaceful,” reads the notification letter to the District Commissioner.

According to Namiwa the vigils are purely aimed at pressing the Chikwawa based Ethanol production company to improve on waste management as concerns mount on the pillage of toxic substances from the company.

Presscane Limited has been facing demands to address the pillage which is said to have negatively impacted on the lives of Dyeratu residents.

CDEDI Executive Director says the current approach is necessary because the situation has gone bad as the toxic substances has visibly put the lives of people at risk.

Namiwa has since revealed that his organization together with the locals plans to hold vigils at the company until the concerns are addressed.

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, Health

CDEDI gives Presscane Ltd 7 days ultimatum to address improper effluents discharge in Chikwawa

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group under the banner Centre for Development and Economic Initiative (CDEDI) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Presscanne Limited, demanding it find a proper method for disposing of effluent discharge in Chikwawa District.

This follows an outcry from communities in Traditional Authority (T.A) Katunga, who complain that the company’s waste disposal sites are overflowing and producing a foul odor.

One community member, Stephano Munyonga, claims the situation over the past ten years has led to the spread of airborne diseases, corrosion of iron sheets, and the scorching of vegetation.

CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa made a surprise visit to the site, describing the situation as “unfortunate.”

He threatened to mobilize communities to hold vigils at the company’s premises if no lasting solution is found within the week.

However, Chikwawa District Council Environmental Officer Levious Mafuta acknowledged the issue, stating that discussions are underway among the concerned parties to find a permanent solution.

Earlier, Presscanne Limited authorities blocked CDEDI’s entry to the disposal site, citing a lack of prior notice. CDEDI complied but called the blockade “laughable,” arguing that such fact-finding missions do not require formal notice.

This comes barely days after CDEDI also pounced on Portland Cement company in Balaka on similar exercise.