A journalist working for Blantyre Newspapers Limited was arrested on 12 March 2008 and detained by the Police in Mzuzu for taking pictures of a group of people that had gathered outside offices of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), after a police officer was arrested.
Wanangwa Tembo said that he got a tip-off that a police officer had been arrested by the ACB while trying to solicit K2000 (approx. US$15) from an individual he arrested who had been pick-pocketing.
He said that when he went to the ACB offices he found a lot of people gathered outside trying to find out what was happening as the policeman was arrested while in uniform.
He said two police officers carrying guns approached him after he took two pictures of the crowd and demanded to see his identity card. They instructed him not to take further pictures.
"A few minutes later their senior came with two other officers and grabbed my ID and camera. They handcuffed me and threw me into their car. The senior officer beat me three times on the chest with his baton stick," he complained.
Tembo was taken to the police station where he made a caution statement and was forced to delete the pictures in his camera. He was released unconditionally two hours later.
The police also harassed two journalists; Francis Tayanja-Phiri and Edwin Nyirongo who had gone to the station to find out what was happening to their colleague.
Station officer for Mzuzu, Francis Namoyo confirmed the incident, saying the journalist was arrested after he was seen taking pictures of police officers outside the ACB offices.
Namoyo said the police were investigating the issue and Tembo would be taken to the court on charges to be discerned from the findings. However, he could not explain what was remaining to probe after they found the reporter taking pictures at the event.
He could also not justify if it was an offence to take pictures of police officers at a public place and whether it was relevant for the law-enforcers to handcuff the journalist if they were not arresting him.
In reaction, MISA Malawi said the act by the police had no room in democracy as it was tantamount to a false arrest and a gross infringement of media freedom.
MISA Malawi National Director, Innocent Chitosi, said the media fraternity expected a higher degree of professionalism from the law enforcers after undergoing several years of reform.
"The police should put in place measures to get rid of traits of dictatorship where human rights are not respected. There should be disciplinary measures against such officers who abuse their status in society to inflict injury on innocent individuals," he said.
BACKGROUND:
Tembo becomes the third journalist to be arrested by police this year alone. In January, police also arrested a reporter, Mike Chipalasa, and editor for one of Blantyre Newspapers' publications, James Mphande, for publishing a false story likely to cause fear and public alarm.
Thursday, 13 March 2008
Guidelines sought for public–private partnerships in Malawi
The World Bank is inviting expressions of interest from eligible consulting firms or consortiums with experience in working in developing-country conditions to carry out a study that will develop the procedures, guidelines and regulations for public–private partnership (PPP) programmes in Malawi.
Malawi is moving towards the privatisation of power generation, transmission and distribution; water and sanitation; refuse disposal; prisons; pipelines; hospitals; stadiums; tourism facilities; air-traffic control; vehicle fleet management; information systems; telecommunications; toll roads; and billing systems, besides others, using the PPP model.
The World Bank is the major financier of the PPP programme through its public–private infrastructure advisory facility.
An official at the World Bank’s Malawi office, Ingrid Chikazaza, says the main task of the consultant to be engaged will be to develop principles and guidelines to aid in the preparation and implementation of a PPP programme.
“The importance of these procedures is to ensure that the implementation of PPPs is well structured and that PPPs are procured in the most cost-effective and competitive way. The procedures should be produced in the form of manuals,” says Chikazaza.
He says interested firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to render the required services.
“Staff to be proposed for the tasks must have an understanding and first-hand experiece of PPP transactions . . . and must be able to work in a developing-country environment,” says Chikazaza. The World Bank is working on the establishment of PPPs in Malawi in liaison with the Malawi government’s Privatisation Commission (PC).
The PC is currently working with the South Africa-based Southern African Development Community Banking Association in implement- ing an initiative in Malawi to enhance the knowledge and capability of key public-sector officials in the development and implementation of PPPs.
Commission CEO Jimmy Lipunga says PPPs are expected to accelerate infrastructure development.
“A PPP is not a divestiture because it does not involve the transfer of ownership and control of State assets to the private sector. “The essence of a PPP is the allocation of project risk to the parties best equipped to manage these categories of risk. Generally, political risk is allocated to the public-sector partner and commercial risk is allocated to the private-sector partner,” says Lipunga.
He explains that implementation of the PPP programme will help to improve the delivery of public services by creating opportunities for greater private-sector participation in the economy.
“We intend to achieve this by transforming the role of the government from that of provider and regulator to that of facilitator in order to attain its developmental goals in partnership with the private sector,” says Lipunga.
Malawi has already made advances in its efforts to involve the private sector in the running of the power generation, transmission and distribution sectors that have resulted in the unbundling of the State-owned monopoly, the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom), into three business units – generation, transmission and distribution – which are to be privatised separately.
With funding from the World Bank, the Malawi government has engaged international consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), to validate the existing strategy of concessioning out to the private sector the transmission business unit only as recommended by earlier studies.
The studies recommended that the generation business unit should remain in government hands but that independent power producers should be permitted to roll out their operations and compete with Escom’s generation business unit.
“The PwC consultancy will confirm if this is the most suitable option for Malawi’s needs while ensuring that the electricity sector remains an attractive option for private-sector investment,” says Lipunga.
The Malawi government and the World Bank have also been advertising for several consultancies for reforms in the water and sanitation, and aviation sectors.
The ongoing reforms in the water and sanitation sector will culminate in the involvement of the private sector in the running of the water boards, starting with the major ones –the Blantyre and Lilongwe Water Boards.
Malawi is moving towards the privatisation of power generation, transmission and distribution; water and sanitation; refuse disposal; prisons; pipelines; hospitals; stadiums; tourism facilities; air-traffic control; vehicle fleet management; information systems; telecommunications; toll roads; and billing systems, besides others, using the PPP model.
The World Bank is the major financier of the PPP programme through its public–private infrastructure advisory facility.
An official at the World Bank’s Malawi office, Ingrid Chikazaza, says the main task of the consultant to be engaged will be to develop principles and guidelines to aid in the preparation and implementation of a PPP programme.
“The importance of these procedures is to ensure that the implementation of PPPs is well structured and that PPPs are procured in the most cost-effective and competitive way. The procedures should be produced in the form of manuals,” says Chikazaza.
He says interested firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to render the required services.
“Staff to be proposed for the tasks must have an understanding and first-hand experiece of PPP transactions . . . and must be able to work in a developing-country environment,” says Chikazaza. The World Bank is working on the establishment of PPPs in Malawi in liaison with the Malawi government’s Privatisation Commission (PC).
The PC is currently working with the South Africa-based Southern African Development Community Banking Association in implement- ing an initiative in Malawi to enhance the knowledge and capability of key public-sector officials in the development and implementation of PPPs.
Commission CEO Jimmy Lipunga says PPPs are expected to accelerate infrastructure development.
“A PPP is not a divestiture because it does not involve the transfer of ownership and control of State assets to the private sector. “The essence of a PPP is the allocation of project risk to the parties best equipped to manage these categories of risk. Generally, political risk is allocated to the public-sector partner and commercial risk is allocated to the private-sector partner,” says Lipunga.
He explains that implementation of the PPP programme will help to improve the delivery of public services by creating opportunities for greater private-sector participation in the economy.
“We intend to achieve this by transforming the role of the government from that of provider and regulator to that of facilitator in order to attain its developmental goals in partnership with the private sector,” says Lipunga.
Malawi has already made advances in its efforts to involve the private sector in the running of the power generation, transmission and distribution sectors that have resulted in the unbundling of the State-owned monopoly, the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom), into three business units – generation, transmission and distribution – which are to be privatised separately.
With funding from the World Bank, the Malawi government has engaged international consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), to validate the existing strategy of concessioning out to the private sector the transmission business unit only as recommended by earlier studies.
The studies recommended that the generation business unit should remain in government hands but that independent power producers should be permitted to roll out their operations and compete with Escom’s generation business unit.
“The PwC consultancy will confirm if this is the most suitable option for Malawi’s needs while ensuring that the electricity sector remains an attractive option for private-sector investment,” says Lipunga.
The Malawi government and the World Bank have also been advertising for several consultancies for reforms in the water and sanitation, and aviation sectors.
The ongoing reforms in the water and sanitation sector will culminate in the involvement of the private sector in the running of the water boards, starting with the major ones –the Blantyre and Lilongwe Water Boards.
Bell College spawns Malawi book
FORMER nursing tutors at Hamilton’s Bell College have written a book about Malawi.
Entitled Prayers and Pancakes, the book is by the Rev Annette Morrison, from Carluke, and Georgie MacMillan, from Quarter.
It is being published in aid of the Strathclyde University Malawi Millennium Project.
The book comprises a collection of anecdotes and recollections from people who have helped in aid programmes for the troubled African nation.
Before the University of West Scotland came about, Bell College was an early partner in the Strathclyde University Malawi Millennium Project that helps to train the country’s future teachers, nurses, scientists and engineers.
Entitled Prayers and Pancakes, the book is by the Rev Annette Morrison, from Carluke, and Georgie MacMillan, from Quarter.
It is being published in aid of the Strathclyde University Malawi Millennium Project.
The book comprises a collection of anecdotes and recollections from people who have helped in aid programmes for the troubled African nation.
Before the University of West Scotland came about, Bell College was an early partner in the Strathclyde University Malawi Millennium Project that helps to train the country’s future teachers, nurses, scientists and engineers.
MSP forges strong links with Malawi
CLYDESDALE MSP Karen Gillon, last week arrived home from a trip to Africa’s poorest nation, Malawi.
During her ten-day stay, she was able to visit Mulanje, the area twinned with Stonehouse.
Karen said: “The link between the people of Mulanje and those of Stonehouse is being very well received over there. It is a vital relationship that can develop and grow so that everyone can learn from the experience.”
“Seeing this relationship continue to prosper will be a great tribute to everyone involved.”
Karen described the conditions in the impoverished region as “very challenging”.
She added: “Seeing the thousands of people live on just 50 pence a day, suddenly makes the poverty seem very real.”
Her highlight was seeing the progress with different projects and learning that a pregnant woman she met two years ago, had given birth to a child called Karen.
Last year, Lesley Barrie and Margaret McMeekin from Stonehouse both went out to Mulanje with the village’s Better World project to help improve the lives of the people there, by creating long-term sustainable projects.
Raising cash for Malawi orphans
MEDICAL student Emma Ross will have little time to relax when she returns to her Sutherland home for the Easter break.
For the 19-year-old of 9a Academy Street, Brora, is organising a big fundraising drive, including an Easter dance, to take place over the holidays.
Emma, a second year student at Glasgow University, wants to raise funds to take part in a charity project in Malawi in the summer.
She hopes to spend about three weeks working at the Chikondi and Mphatso Orphan Care Centre in the capital city, Lilongwe.
"I am the leader of a 14-strong team of students," she said.
"We are all medics ranging from first to fourth year of study.
"Our efforts will focus on running a health education scheme in the area to cover the main health concerns identified by the Malawian government, which are malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/Aids, nutrition and hygiene.
The project also includes a feeding programme throughout the year for every child in the centre. For many, the meal in their centre is the only meal they will have all day."
Emma is responsible for raising all the costs of the trip.
She said: "I have booked the Stag's Head in Golspie for a dance on Friday, March 28, and I am also running several raffles during the Easter break. Raffle tickets are available in Blisss Beauty and Complimentary Centre in Brora and also from Robert Grant, butcher, in Golspie."
For the 19-year-old of 9a Academy Street, Brora, is organising a big fundraising drive, including an Easter dance, to take place over the holidays.
Emma, a second year student at Glasgow University, wants to raise funds to take part in a charity project in Malawi in the summer.
She hopes to spend about three weeks working at the Chikondi and Mphatso Orphan Care Centre in the capital city, Lilongwe.
"I am the leader of a 14-strong team of students," she said.
"We are all medics ranging from first to fourth year of study.
"Our efforts will focus on running a health education scheme in the area to cover the main health concerns identified by the Malawian government, which are malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/Aids, nutrition and hygiene.
The project also includes a feeding programme throughout the year for every child in the centre. For many, the meal in their centre is the only meal they will have all day."
Emma is responsible for raising all the costs of the trip.
She said: "I have booked the Stag's Head in Golspie for a dance on Friday, March 28, and I am also running several raffles during the Easter break. Raffle tickets are available in Blisss Beauty and Complimentary Centre in Brora and also from Robert Grant, butcher, in Golspie."
EcoBank Acquires major Stake in Loita Bank, Malawi
Loita Bank, Malawi a subsidiary of Loita Cpaital partners International has been acquired by EcoBank Group.
EcoBank Group through its head quarter in Nigeria acquired a major stake in the Bank recently. Consequent to the acquisition Loita Bank, Malawi has been rechristened EcoBank Malawi.
With this acquisition EcoBank group has spread its tentacles to Southern and Central Africa.
According to Mand Sidiba, Chairman, Board of Directors, EcoBank group ‘with our entry into Malawi Ecobank is determined to develop EcoBank Malawi into a leading and profitable Bank that will play a fronline role in the economic development of Malawi.
Also, Albert Essien, Ecobank Regional Director in charge of Eastern Africa added that EcoBank will seek to provide products and services to customers in Malawi.
Affirming Loita’s confidence in Ecobanl, Chiarman Board of Loita Bank Chinyanta Justin said ‘we are pleased that our discussion with EcoBank in the recent months on how to better serve the community have led to this important investment.
EcoBank Group through its head quarter in Nigeria acquired a major stake in the Bank recently. Consequent to the acquisition Loita Bank, Malawi has been rechristened EcoBank Malawi.
With this acquisition EcoBank group has spread its tentacles to Southern and Central Africa.
According to Mand Sidiba, Chairman, Board of Directors, EcoBank group ‘with our entry into Malawi Ecobank is determined to develop EcoBank Malawi into a leading and profitable Bank that will play a fronline role in the economic development of Malawi.
Also, Albert Essien, Ecobank Regional Director in charge of Eastern Africa added that EcoBank will seek to provide products and services to customers in Malawi.
Affirming Loita’s confidence in Ecobanl, Chiarman Board of Loita Bank Chinyanta Justin said ‘we are pleased that our discussion with EcoBank in the recent months on how to better serve the community have led to this important investment.
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