MCHINJI-(MaraviPost)-As Malawi’s economy is largely dependent on Agriculture, Affordable Input Program ( AIP) continues to face challenges as the Ministry of Agriculture has just announced to reduce the number of beneficiaries for 2021-2022 growing season.
According to the letter signed by Secretary for Irrigation, Sandram Maweru, the reduction is due to financial challenges the government is facing and the rise of prices of Fertiliser.
The ministry says those working in the civil service and Non Governmental Organizations should not be included and only vulnerable farmers with land to cultivate in the coming season should be considered.
The intended beneficiaries have been reduced from 3,788,105 to 2,740,893.
The government of Malawi introduced the AIP in order to improve food security at household and national levels and reduce poverty through increased access to improved farm inputs.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—In an apparent display of disregard to the plight of the youth, Tonse Alliance Government, under the leadership of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President Lazarus Chakwera and his deputy Saulos Klaus Chilima of UTM party, has called back retired officers to man government departments.
According to new appointments that MaraviPost has seen, Principal Secretary (PS) for Human Resource Management and Development Mr. Chimota has been replaced by Mr Blessings Chilabade (retired) while Sandram Maweru has been recalled from retirement to replace P.S. for Irrigation.
Ironically, throughout the presidential campaign and after the election, Chakwera and Chilima promised 1 million jobs to the youth of Malawi and one of the ways was to get rid of all retired civil servants working on contract in government departments so as to create space for the youth with relevant qualifications.
However, social media is awash with praises for Chilabade as a rare germ in administrative matters.
Activists on social media are of the view that Chilabade has been called to help in human resources management and development owing to his excellent track record in business administration.
Before moving to reform department in 2014, Chilabade was the director of Staff Development Institute (SDI) for several years and during his time the institution was a busy place as it was the first choice of many parents for their children’s tertiary education.
In other appointments, Lucky sikwese has replaced Ben Botolo as PS for the ministry of Foreign Affairs. No information as to where Botolo is heading.
Principal Secretary for Ministry of Education, Mr Saidi has been deployed to OPC as PS Special Duties and has been replaced by Chikondano Kadzamila (Mrs. Mussa) while Mr. Peter Simbani is now PS for Ministry of Industry following a promotion.
James Chiusiwa is now Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs replacing Elvis Thodi whose next destination is yet to be known.
Christina Chatima Zakeyo is now PS for Trade replacing Kiswell Dakamau who goes to Education as Chief Director. Joseph Mkandawire goes to Natural Resources as PS.
Jean Munyenyembe is now Accountant General replacing Sungani Mandala whose next post it not clear yet. Patrick Zimpita is now PS for Transport and Public Works replacing Francis Chinsinga who retired recently.
It is also rumoured that Dr. Charles Mwansambo has replaced Dr. Namalika as PS for Ministry of Health.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Justin Saidi, has been fired, MaraviPost has learnt.
According to analysts, this could be part of President Lazarus Chakwera’s zeal to clear the rubble of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) cadets in government departments as Saidi is also believed to be a hardcore DPP sympathizer.
There has been a ‘tsunami’ of dismissals of top officials in government departments and parastatal organizations since Chakwera took over the country’s leadership mantle.
Meanwhile, the President has appointed Sandram Maweru as Principal Secretary for ministry of Agriculture responsible for irrigation.
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