Balaka District Council

27/08/2026

World Vision donates mobile outreach clinic vans to support community health

World Vison Malawi has donated two mobile outreach clinic vans to the Ministry of Health with funding from the Global Fund, to improve access to health services among communities.

One of the mobile clinic vans will serve Balaka and Chikwawa, where Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) is implementing the Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) project, while the other will serve Mulanje and Thyolo, where the same project is being implemented by Girls Empowerment Network (GENET).

The donation, valued at K500 million, will support the implementation of the Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) project in four districts.

The mobile clinics are expected to bring integrated health services closer to people in their communities, reducing the burden of walking long distances to access health facilities.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health responsible for Administration, Bestone Chisamile, said the mobile clinics would help address challenges faced by communities in accessing health services.

“The donated mobile vans will provide integrated health services closer to the people. Distance from one health facility to another is one of the challenging factors the ministry is struggling with,” said Chisamile.

He said bringing health services closer to communities would contribute to improving access to essential services, particularly for underserved populations.

World Vision Board of Directors member Dr.Sophie Kalinde said the donation would benefit communities where people are forced to travel long distances to access healthcare.

“People walk very long distances to access health services, and in most scenarios, the underserved will be helped a lot,” said Kalinde.
DAPP Executive Director Mose Chibwana said the AGYW project was targeting marginalised groups and that the mobile clinics would ensure that beneficiaries could access medical services within their communities.

“The AGYW project seeks to see marginalised groups able to receive medical treatment within reach. These mobile clinics will help us bring services closer to the people who need them most,” said Chibwana.

The mobile outreach clinics will provide an opportunity for communities to access health services such as Voluntary Medical Male circumcision, TB screening Cervical cancer screening, Malaria, family planning methods, just to mention a few without travelling long distances to health facilities, complementing existing services provided by the Ministry of Health.

Reported by Mary Makhiringa

24/08/2026

MEPA calls for collaborative effort on environmental protection in Balaka

Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has called upon the district and local environmental management committees in Balaka District to step up and work together to ensure that all projects being implemented are following environmental protection measures.

MEPA Director of Planning and Information Management Services, Martino Mazinga, made the call in Balaka District during the orientation of District Environment Sub Committee (DESC), Monday, on the mandates of MEPA, key issues in the National State of Environment and Outlook Report (NSEOR) and Environment Management Act of 2017.

According to Mazinga, the Environment Management Act of 2017 among others demand for a coordination among all sectors of development in order to protect the water, land, forests, air as well as lives of people whenever projects are being implemented in the country.

"NSEOR is a document that highlights most of issues affecting our environment and development as a country because one thing that we need to be mindful is that if we are not managing our environment well, then the whole idea of attaining Agenda 2063 will be a dream," he added.

In her remarks, Balaka District Forestry Officer, Carolyn Dzimbiri Matimati, has described the orientation as eye-opener.

She however, called upon the government through MEPA to allocate adequate financial resources for the district and local environmental management committees to be effective in their duties.

Among others, the Environment Management Act of 2017 stipulates that no person or institution should roll out a project without Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), strict regulatory standards for waste management including handling, storage and transportation of hazardous materials.

Reported by Mary Makhiringa

22/08/2026

Multitude gathers as family unveils Soldier’ Lucius Banda 31 Million Mausoleum in Balaka
A multitude of people from across Malawi gathered at Sosola Village in Balaka on Saturday for the unveiling of the mausoleum of the late celebrated musician and politician, Lucius Banda, popularly known as Soldier.

The gathering brought together family members, friends, fellow musicians, political leaders, traditional leaders and scores of Malawians who came to pay tribute to the music icon, whose songs and messages touched the lives of many people both in Malawi and beyond.

Speaking in an interview to Malawi News Agency after the Mass, which is being led by the Bishop of Mangochi Diocese Bishop Montfort Stima, at Shoulder’s Andiamo residence Second Vice President Enock Chihana described late Lucius Banda as an icon for Malawi.

He said: “Lucius was a close friend of mine and we shared the same vision on how Malawi can progress and I respected a lot as a friend. People should learn how principled he was, courageous and belief in oneself.”

Speaking during the Mass, his widow Sunganani Banda asked the Malawi Government to consider installing a dialysis unit in the eastern region.

She said: “Patience requiring the dialysis machine travel very long-distance to access the services, putting the service within the reach of the people will ease the burden.”

On his part Band leader for Zembani Band Sams Makweri hailed all people who donated money towards the mausoleum, saying this has made the project easy.

“Since the death of our legend, the band has also seen a transformation as we are doing shows almost very week with the help and guidance of John Banda the lead vocalist, but honesty no one can replace soldier and we miss him every day.”

Honourable Allan Essau the chair for the organising committee said plans are there to open a museum office where also the Lucius Banda Foundation will be operating on near the mousoleum,” he said.

Meanwhile, a number of local music artists are expected to hold a special music show at Balaka Stadium where Lucius Banda Foundation will also be launched in his honour. The show will bring together various artists who will perform some of his popular songs as a way of celebrating his contribution to Malawi’s music industry.

The music show is expected to attract another large gathering as fans come together through music to remember the man who was affectionately known as Soldier.

Banda’s legacy, through his music and public service, is expected to continue inspiring future generations of Malawians.

Banda is remembered for using music to address social and national issues. His music, which often carried messages of love, unity, social justice and patriotism, earned him a special place in the hearts of Malawians.

Late Lucius Banda died on 30th June, 2024 at Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg in South Africa where he had been receiving medical treatment on renal kidney failure, and he was 53 years.

Reported by Mary Makhiringa

19/08/2026

Government bemoans increasing cases of mob justice

The Department of Peace and National Unity in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has bemoaned the acts of mob justice and theft of people's property who are accused of various crimes saying this undermines government's effort to maintain peace and order in the country.

Director of Peace and National Unity in the Ministry, Emmanuel Bambe, has made the sentiments on Wednesday in Balaka District during the stakeholder’s sensitization meeting following the arrests of 40 people who were involved in destroying and stealing the property of Hassan Safili Obeya, a businessman who was accused of human trafficking in Balaka.

"As duty-bearers, we need to be alert in order to detect the early signs of violence in our localities. Usually, things of this magnitude do not just happen abruptly, they mostly start with circulation of misinformation," said Bambe.

He has therefore, called for collective effort from the council officers, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), chiefs, religious leaders, police and media in order to promote civic education and mindset change among the community members to curb the malpractice.

In his remarks, Senior Chief Nsamala has challenged community leaders and the police in Balaka district to be vigilant in sharing information to promote peace and order.

"Sharing information at the right time whenever rumors of mob justice start circulating is paramount because it helps leaders to make informed decisions before things get worse," he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Presidential Advisor on Religious Affairs, Sheikh Ishmael Afiki Mtiko, has urged all Malawians to follow legal procedures whenever conflicts arise.

According to police records from Balaka Police Station, five cases of mob justice have been recorded from 2025 to 2026.

Reported by Mary Makhiringa

15/08/2026

A sigh as Nkalizi Primary school receives new classroom blocks

Nkalizi Primary School in Traditional Authority (TA) Nkaya in Balaka District is set to benefit from two new classroom blocks following the handover of the construction site for the project.

The project which is funded by the Regional Climate Resilience Project (RCRP) is set to replacing old and dilapidated classroom structures which were demolished after being declared unfit for learning. Following the demolition, learners had been using temporary structures constructed with iron sheets, creating an unconducive learning environment.

Speaking during the site handover ceremony Saturday, Balaka District Council Vice Chairperson Councillor Tiyamike Chisuwire said the project was a welcome development as it would provide learners with a better and safer environment for learning.

Chisuwire said it was encouraging to see learners being provided with good classrooms, adding that conducive learning environments were important for improving education standards in the district.

“It is always encouraging to see learners learning in good classrooms. Good learning environments are important because they motivate learners and teachers and contribute to improved education outcomes,” said Chisuwire.

Member of Parliament for the area, James Makhumula, hailed RCRP for funding the project and said the new classroom blocks would address some of the challenges faced by learners and teachers at the school.

Makhumula urged community members to work hand in hand with the contractor by participating in the project and ensuring that construction works were completed to the required standards.

He said: “We are very grateful to RCRP for funding this important project. Our children have been learning in difficult conditions, and these new classroom blocks will provide them with a better environment.

“I urge the community to work hand in hand with the contractor. Let us take ownership of this project and ensure that the classrooms are constructed according to the required standards,” he said.

Nkalizi Primary School has an enrolment of 692 learners and currently has a pass rate of 95 percent.

The new classroom blocks are expected to improve the learning environment and further contribute to maintaining and improving the school's academic performance.

The project which includes two blocks of 2 classrooms each, two toilets and water drainages has a total cost of K489 million and will be constructed by Twende Contractors.

Reported by Mary Makhiringa

13/08/2026

Madam First Deputy Speaker winding up a motion

13/08/2026

Nyumba ya Malamulo ya ana yaku Balaka yayamba lero ku sukulu ya pulayimwle ya MEPIC komwe ana ochokera mma zone anayi m’bonali abwela kudzachita zokambilana zawo.

Malingana ndi ndondomeko ya zochitika Za mnyumba yi( order paper) anawa akujambula Q mavuto omwe amakumana nawo mmagawo awa

1. kuchuluka kwa mavuto omwe amakumana nawo ku sukulu
2. Kuchuluka kwa maukwati aana
3. Kuonongeka kwa miseu
4. Kusowa kwa madzi abwino
5. Mchitidwe ogwititd ntchito mankhwala ozunguza ubongo
6. Kutalikila kwa zipatala
7. Kuguga kwa nthaka

Mnyumba yi mwafika adindo osiyanasiya monga Phungu wa nyumba ya malamulo wa dera la Balaka Ngwangwa a John Bamusi, khala pa mpando wa Boma la Balaka Khansala Hastings Maluwa, ogwira ntchito Za boma komanso mabungwe omwe siaboma.

Pali chiyembekezo kuti zokambiranazi zithandizo kusintha pakagwitidwe ka ntchito.

12/08/2026

07/08/2026

18,215 farmers to benefit from reformed FISP in Balaka

A total of 18,215 farmers in Balaka are expected to benefit from the reformed Farm Inputs Subsidy Program (FISP) for the 2026/27 agricultural season.

Briefing the Balaka District Full Council Thursday FISP Coordinator Brazio Mphepo said the program targets poor smallholder maize farmers with cultivable land, the capacity to farm and membership in functional Farmer Organizations (FO).

“Each beneficiary household will receive one 50-kilogram bag of NPK basal fertilizer, one 50-kilogram bag of Urea top-dressing fertilizer and one 5-kilogram pack of certified Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) maize seed under the program.

“The beneficiaries will contribute MK20,000 per bag of fertilizer and MK10,000 for the maize seed package,” said Mphepo.

Speaking in an interview, Director of Agricultural Services David Alli said the reformed FISP is different from previous programs in which Farmer Organizations (FOs) will be identifying beneficiaries and distributing subsidized farm inputs.

"Beneficiaries will now be identified through functional Farmer Organizations. They will be in groups and will be required to produce and use Mbeya organic fertilizer from the inorganic fertilizer they will receive to promote sustainable agricultural production," said Alli.

He said the reforms are expected to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in the implementation of the subsidy program while making sure that deserving farmers access the inputs.

Reported by Everlyn Sambani

31/07/2026

Balaka District Council Bids Farewell to Two Community Development Officers

Balaka District Council on Friday held a farewell ceremony in honour of Principal Community Development Officer McDonald Nyaka, who has been transferred to Lilongwe, and Community Development Assistant Ida Chifika, who has retired from the civil service.

The ceremony brought together members of the council’s management and staff to appreciate the two officers for their commitment and dedicated service during their time in Balaka.

Speaking during the event, District Environmental Health Officer Thomson Kajombo, who represented the District Commissioner, commended Nyaka and Chifika for their professionalism and hard work.

Kajombo said the two officers made significant contributions to community development and wished them success in their future endeavours.

In his remarks, Nyaka thanked the Balaka District Council management and staff for the support they rendered to him throughout his stay in the district.

He said the management team played a key role in shaping his career and expressed satisfaction with the relationships and achievements made during his tenure.

“I am leaving Balaka a happy man because of the support and cooperation I received from management and fellow members of staff,” said Nyaka.

Speaking on behalf of retirees, Chifika thanked everyone who spared time to attend the farewell function, saying she felt honoured by the gesture.

She said the support and appreciation shown by colleagues would remain one of the memorable moments of her career in the civil service.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of gifts and best wishes to the two officers as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Mary Makhiringa captured the moments