Malawi and Zambia have scaled up their boundary demarcation exercise, saying this would promote peaceful co-existence and development. The two Southern African countries also said by hastening the pace of the exercise, they want to meet a directive by the African Union that set 2012 as deadline for all international boundaries demarcation.
Malawi’s Lands and Housing Minister Khumbo Chirwa alongside his Zambian counterpart Bradford Machila pledged their country’s total commitment to the exercise during the official opening of the Council of Ministers meeting on the Zambia/Malawi International Boundary meeting held in Malawi’s northern city of Mzuzu.
“Our two governments recognise the need to demarcate the boundary between our two countries to safeguard our peaceful co-existence and development. We are also mindful of the African Union (AU) directive that all international boundaries should be physically demarcated by the year 2012, hence the intensification of the demarcation process,” said Machila.
He said the two governments have also demonstrated commitment to the initiative by annually allocating funds to the project.
However, Machila said despite the commitments, the two sides still had challenges ahead of completion of the exercise, some of which were ensuring that people living along the boundary live in harmony and not culturally divided by the boundary demarcation.
“We also have the challenge of ensuring that amicable solutions are found to the problems that may arise from the physical demarcation of the boundary. We also have the challenge of ensuring that logistics and resources are made available to the joint survey team to facilitate easy access to inaccessible areas like the Nyika Plateau,” said Machila.
The council of ministers meeting brought together ministers and top government officials from the two countries to be briefed and brainstorm on progress of the demarcation exercise.
The Zambia/Malawi frontier, spanning from Mwami/Mchinji in the central of Malawi to Nakonde/Chitipa in the north of Zambia, is according to Machila, the third largest frontier that Zambia shares with her eight neighbours--covering a distance of 804km.
“It will be recalled that the Zambia/Malawi boundary was inherited from the Berlin Agreement of 1855, which refers to the watershed of the catchment’s area of Lake Malawi and the basin of waters flowing into the Luangwa River. The British government that administered the two countries before their independence, did not leave a physical demarcation of the boundary between the two countries,” he said.
Chirwa concurred with his counterpart, saying Malawi takes the exercise seriously, stressing that it was also key to stability and co-existence of citizens of the two countries living along the borders.
“Since we embarked on the project, Malawi has taken it seriously and is committed to its quick conclusion as it is a key to the stability of our communities living along the international boundaries. Stability of these communities forms the basis for the socio-economic growth that will add to the economic growth of our two countries,” Chirwa told the country’s local daily of the Daily Times.
However, Chirwa said it was imperative that the two countries’ commitment should be translated into action on the ground so that the assignment would be concluded within the AU stipulated period.
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
'Social responsibility in mining a dream'
The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in many mining corporations is just a pipe dream, according to a Bench Marks Foundation study released in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The study, on the social responsibility programmes of platinum and coal mining, was conducted in South Africa, Zambia and Malawi.
"The mining industry (in South Africa) successfully lobbied to reverse control by the department of environment and tourism through the mechanism of the National Environment Management Act, back to the department of minerals and energy, as it had been under Apartheid," it said.
"Having brought about this reversal, the mining corporations have not only demonstrated their power over the government, but their cavalier attitude to matters concerning the environment."
The study revealed that many mining operations across the country operate without water-use licences, causing clashes between communities and farmers on the one hand and mining corporations on the other.
In Zambia, despite all the talk about CSR, the new mine owners had shown themselves remarkably reluctant to assist cash-strapped local councils to improve social service provision.
"Although the idea of CSR is gaining some importance within policy debates in Zambia, it is not applied widely and is usually associated with philanthropy (voluntary promotion of human welfare)."
The situation in Malawi was more grim. The study found that mining corporations in that country were not pressured by any legislation charters or empowerment programmes.
"... Outdated mining legislation, the parliamentary impasse and the country's seeming eagerness for foreign investment will most probably see Malawi making all the mistakes of its neighbours in making mining corporations accountable and responsible," the study observed.
The Bench Marks Foundation is an NGO established in 2001 to ensure principles of Corporate Social Responsibility are upheld, focusing mainly on the extractive industry in South Africa.
The study, on the social responsibility programmes of platinum and coal mining, was conducted in South Africa, Zambia and Malawi.
"The mining industry (in South Africa) successfully lobbied to reverse control by the department of environment and tourism through the mechanism of the National Environment Management Act, back to the department of minerals and energy, as it had been under Apartheid," it said.
"Having brought about this reversal, the mining corporations have not only demonstrated their power over the government, but their cavalier attitude to matters concerning the environment."
The study revealed that many mining operations across the country operate without water-use licences, causing clashes between communities and farmers on the one hand and mining corporations on the other.
In Zambia, despite all the talk about CSR, the new mine owners had shown themselves remarkably reluctant to assist cash-strapped local councils to improve social service provision.
"Although the idea of CSR is gaining some importance within policy debates in Zambia, it is not applied widely and is usually associated with philanthropy (voluntary promotion of human welfare)."
The situation in Malawi was more grim. The study found that mining corporations in that country were not pressured by any legislation charters or empowerment programmes.
"... Outdated mining legislation, the parliamentary impasse and the country's seeming eagerness for foreign investment will most probably see Malawi making all the mistakes of its neighbours in making mining corporations accountable and responsible," the study observed.
The Bench Marks Foundation is an NGO established in 2001 to ensure principles of Corporate Social Responsibility are upheld, focusing mainly on the extractive industry in South Africa.
Celtel Malawi to invest USD90 million in network upgrade
Celtel Malawi, a subsidiary of Middle East and African telecoms firm Zain Group, says it plans to invest USD90 million in its financial year 2008/09 to improve its network and extend coverage to all parts of the country. The operator also hopes to use part of the monies set aside to enable it to reduce the cost of its handsets. The decision to cut mobile phone costs is a result of the government’s recent initiative to implement new tax measures, it said. In the 2008/2009 national budget presentation, the government announced it was scrapping a 25% customs duty and excise on imported handsets, but introducing in its place a 10% domestic excise tax on airtime.
Life as a GP in Malawi —the warm heart of Africa
Dr Martina Collins writes about her experiences as a volunteer GP in the African country of Malawi, where her daily struggles with a lack of resources were offset by a real sense of making a difference to people's lives.
Trying to persuade a mother to get herself and her underweight baby tested for HIV, deciding if a nasty-looking cellulitis is bad enough to warrant some of the limited supply of flucloxacillin, treating the 20th child with malaria that day... these are all part of a day’s work for a GP in Malawi.
As third-year registrars on the Cork and south-east training schemes, we were lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to work in a primary care setting in Malawi, with the Billy Riordan Memorial Clinic. This was arranged as an educational attachment through the South East Training Programme and was a first for GP training in Ireland.
Tropical diseases
The post offered first-hand experience of the diagnosis and treatment of tropical diseases while promoting an understanding of the art of medicine in a developing country within a different cultural setting. While initial feelings were those of excitement tempered by apprehension, we now look back on our four-month stints as the highlight of our careers to date.
The ‘warm heart of Africa’ was the phrase initially coined to promote Malawi abroad. After spending some time in the country, however, you realise how apt this actually is. It is one of the smallest countries in Africa, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in spirit. The people are warm, friendly and inspiring and the landscape is beautiful.
Lacking the major game parks and tourist attractions of neighbouring countries means its beauty is unspoiled. Tourists are a novelty and, for the most part, are welcomed and well treated.
Behind the beauty and joie de vivre, however, lie some pretty sobering statistics. One of the poorest countries in the world, Malawi has a population of almost 14 million in a country 1.5 times the size of Ireland.
Great courage
People there have a life expectancy of just 43 years and there is an estimated HIV prevalence of 14 per cent. While working in the clinic, it was difficult to forget these facts. They were offset, however, by the locals’ great courage in the face of adversity.
The Billy Riordan Memorial Clinic is located in the village of Cape Maclear or ‘The Cape’, as it is fondly known. This is a village of about 6,000 people on the shores of Lake Malawi. The clinic was set up by Mags Riordan, a Dingle native whose son Billy was tragically drowned aged 25 at Cape Maclear.
Fallen in love
Billy had been to visit Malawi a number of times and had fallen in love with the area. The clinic began seeing its first patients in 2004, and the work it has done since its inception is a more-than-fitting tribute to his memory.
The clinic is run by a team consisting of two resident medical staff complemented by an ever-changing group of volunteer doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and administrators. Dr Jeanette van Os from Holland and Catherine Ginnell, a nurse from Westmeath are the resident staff.
They are very committed individuals. At times, they have to work without any extra volunteer staff and are responsible for the clinical aspects of running the clinic. The majority of volunteers tend to be Irish because of the strong Irish connection, but there are also volunteers from the UK, from Holland and from further afield.
Communal breakfast.
A typical working day in Malawi started with communal breakfast, during which any issues that had arisen on-call overnight would be discussed. Following this, we had a short walk to the clinic. As this happened to be in the same direction as one of the local schools, there was never a shortage of helpers to carry our bags, hold our hands or hitch a piggy back!
On arrival at the clinic, most of the morning’s patients would already be waiting. Following the usual round of ‘Mwadzuka bwanji’ (good morning in Chichewa, the local dialect), which was generally greeted with laughter at our pronunciation, we got stuck into work.
Clinic ran from 8am to 12pm and from 2pm to 4pm. Conditions typically encountered in a day’s work included malaria, dysentery, bilharzia and HIV-related illnesses. This was in addition to the typical coughs, colds, aches and pains encountered in any GP surgery throughout the world.
Consultations were carried out via interpreters. As time progressed, however, we found ourselves learning more and more Chichewa as the interpreters were only too delighted to teach. The clinic is very much primary healthcare-orientated, although Dr van Os also provides some obstetric services. Of huge importance, a free anti-retroviral (ARV) therapy service has just been started and HIV testing will start soon. Prior to this, those on ARVs had to travel to the next village to get their medication.
The clinic also has 12 in-patient beds, which are used for short-stay admissions, for example for those requiring IV fluids, antibiotics or quinine or children requiring observation. The hospital beds and tables in these wards have come courtesy of the amalgamation of Cashel and Clonmel hospitals. The doctor’s desk even had a helpful list of Cashel NCHD bleep numbers, should one feel homesick!
Patient numbers were variable, depending on whether or not it was peak malaria season. The time between morning and evening clinics was spent reviewing any patients that were admitted and returning to the volunteer accommodation, or ‘The Gap’, as it was known, for lunch.
After-hours emergencies were dealt with in a small treatment room at The Gap with transfer to the clinic by ambulance if necessary. Because the clinic has no access to diagnostics or surgery, anyone requiring these is transported via ambulance to the next town of Monkey Bay (roads and weather permitting). However, services at Monkey Bay are also very limited.
Limited equipment
Professionally and personally, the Malawi experience was fantastic. Although the work seems daunting at the start, you quickly settle in and it is rewarding to see how much can be done for people with very limited drugs and equipment.
Some of the highlights are the job satisfaction and camaraderie at the clinic, not to mention the patients, who never seem to complain and are always in good spirits. For anyone who has come through the Irish hospital system, where ‘teamwork’ is a phrase often used but seldom practised, working in the clinic is like a breath of fresh air. Nurses canulate, doctors change dressings. If it’s busy, everyone chips in to get the job done.
Furthermore, those who like the gruesome side of medicine will not be disappointed. There are numerous abscesses to be incised and drained and cockroaches to be extracted from ears. There is also a chance to see at first hand conditions only previously read about in textbooks, from leprosy to snake bites to African medicine.
Some downsides
Of course, there are some downsides to the job. At times, the lack of access to diagnostics and basic medications can be very frustrating. Also, depending on the number of medical staff, the on-call can be frequent, although generally quiet. Needless to say, the most difficult thing to become accustomed to is seeing children die.
Because working at the clinic requires living in close proximity with fellow volunteers, people generally become firm friends following the experience. There is never a shortage of banter, especially if there happens to be English volunteers around and there are plenty of people with whom to have the craic. After-work activities can range from swimming and volleyball to getting thrashed in soccer by the locals. There is also snorkelling, kayaking and a dive school for the more adventurous types.
Picturesque and popular
Cape Maclear is very picturesque and a popular backpacker destination. There are lodges, restaurants and a bar or two, so there is no excuse to be bored. Local brews and Carlsberg (or ‘Greens’, as it is known) are the beverages of choice.
Indeed, the Malawi experience in some ways reflects the Carlsberg slogan. It is ‘probably’ the best spot in the world to visit if you want to work in a developing country, meet new people and embrace a challenge.
At the moment, the clinic is increasing the services it provides. In addition to expanding its feeding programme for undernourished children, the previously-mentioned ARV Clinic is in operation. Mags is also in the process of building a new school in the area.
As one can imagine, the workload is also increasing and Dr van Os would always welcome a pair of helping hands for any length of time. Unlike larger NGOs, it accepts volunteers for short stints, and if there is a partner who wants to volunteer also (even in a non-medical role), they can often be accommodated. Because the clinic is well established with protocols in place to aid in its smooth running, it is relatively easy to slot in and get stuck in over a short space of time.
Ideal starting point
For anyone who has ever considered working in Africa, this is the ideal starting point – whether it is for a few weeks or months. Some paediatrics or emergency department experience would be helpful, but not essential. The most valuable skills would be sound clinical acumen, adaptability, an easy-going personality and a sense of adventure.
As the time comes to leave the clinic, people invariably regret not being able to stay longer. As it says in the guidebook, “You are bound to leave a part of your own heart in the ‘warm heart of Africa’.”
We certainly did.
To volunteer at the clinic in Malwai or to support the project, contact Mags Riordan at the Billy Malawi Project at magsriordan@esatclear.ie.
Trying to persuade a mother to get herself and her underweight baby tested for HIV, deciding if a nasty-looking cellulitis is bad enough to warrant some of the limited supply of flucloxacillin, treating the 20th child with malaria that day... these are all part of a day’s work for a GP in Malawi.
As third-year registrars on the Cork and south-east training schemes, we were lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to work in a primary care setting in Malawi, with the Billy Riordan Memorial Clinic. This was arranged as an educational attachment through the South East Training Programme and was a first for GP training in Ireland.
Tropical diseases
The post offered first-hand experience of the diagnosis and treatment of tropical diseases while promoting an understanding of the art of medicine in a developing country within a different cultural setting. While initial feelings were those of excitement tempered by apprehension, we now look back on our four-month stints as the highlight of our careers to date.
The ‘warm heart of Africa’ was the phrase initially coined to promote Malawi abroad. After spending some time in the country, however, you realise how apt this actually is. It is one of the smallest countries in Africa, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in spirit. The people are warm, friendly and inspiring and the landscape is beautiful.
Lacking the major game parks and tourist attractions of neighbouring countries means its beauty is unspoiled. Tourists are a novelty and, for the most part, are welcomed and well treated.
Behind the beauty and joie de vivre, however, lie some pretty sobering statistics. One of the poorest countries in the world, Malawi has a population of almost 14 million in a country 1.5 times the size of Ireland.
Great courage
People there have a life expectancy of just 43 years and there is an estimated HIV prevalence of 14 per cent. While working in the clinic, it was difficult to forget these facts. They were offset, however, by the locals’ great courage in the face of adversity.
The Billy Riordan Memorial Clinic is located in the village of Cape Maclear or ‘The Cape’, as it is fondly known. This is a village of about 6,000 people on the shores of Lake Malawi. The clinic was set up by Mags Riordan, a Dingle native whose son Billy was tragically drowned aged 25 at Cape Maclear.
Fallen in love
Billy had been to visit Malawi a number of times and had fallen in love with the area. The clinic began seeing its first patients in 2004, and the work it has done since its inception is a more-than-fitting tribute to his memory.
The clinic is run by a team consisting of two resident medical staff complemented by an ever-changing group of volunteer doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and administrators. Dr Jeanette van Os from Holland and Catherine Ginnell, a nurse from Westmeath are the resident staff.
They are very committed individuals. At times, they have to work without any extra volunteer staff and are responsible for the clinical aspects of running the clinic. The majority of volunteers tend to be Irish because of the strong Irish connection, but there are also volunteers from the UK, from Holland and from further afield.
Communal breakfast.
A typical working day in Malawi started with communal breakfast, during which any issues that had arisen on-call overnight would be discussed. Following this, we had a short walk to the clinic. As this happened to be in the same direction as one of the local schools, there was never a shortage of helpers to carry our bags, hold our hands or hitch a piggy back!
On arrival at the clinic, most of the morning’s patients would already be waiting. Following the usual round of ‘Mwadzuka bwanji’ (good morning in Chichewa, the local dialect), which was generally greeted with laughter at our pronunciation, we got stuck into work.
Clinic ran from 8am to 12pm and from 2pm to 4pm. Conditions typically encountered in a day’s work included malaria, dysentery, bilharzia and HIV-related illnesses. This was in addition to the typical coughs, colds, aches and pains encountered in any GP surgery throughout the world.
Consultations were carried out via interpreters. As time progressed, however, we found ourselves learning more and more Chichewa as the interpreters were only too delighted to teach. The clinic is very much primary healthcare-orientated, although Dr van Os also provides some obstetric services. Of huge importance, a free anti-retroviral (ARV) therapy service has just been started and HIV testing will start soon. Prior to this, those on ARVs had to travel to the next village to get their medication.
The clinic also has 12 in-patient beds, which are used for short-stay admissions, for example for those requiring IV fluids, antibiotics or quinine or children requiring observation. The hospital beds and tables in these wards have come courtesy of the amalgamation of Cashel and Clonmel hospitals. The doctor’s desk even had a helpful list of Cashel NCHD bleep numbers, should one feel homesick!
Patient numbers were variable, depending on whether or not it was peak malaria season. The time between morning and evening clinics was spent reviewing any patients that were admitted and returning to the volunteer accommodation, or ‘The Gap’, as it was known, for lunch.
After-hours emergencies were dealt with in a small treatment room at The Gap with transfer to the clinic by ambulance if necessary. Because the clinic has no access to diagnostics or surgery, anyone requiring these is transported via ambulance to the next town of Monkey Bay (roads and weather permitting). However, services at Monkey Bay are also very limited.
Limited equipment
Professionally and personally, the Malawi experience was fantastic. Although the work seems daunting at the start, you quickly settle in and it is rewarding to see how much can be done for people with very limited drugs and equipment.
Some of the highlights are the job satisfaction and camaraderie at the clinic, not to mention the patients, who never seem to complain and are always in good spirits. For anyone who has come through the Irish hospital system, where ‘teamwork’ is a phrase often used but seldom practised, working in the clinic is like a breath of fresh air. Nurses canulate, doctors change dressings. If it’s busy, everyone chips in to get the job done.
Furthermore, those who like the gruesome side of medicine will not be disappointed. There are numerous abscesses to be incised and drained and cockroaches to be extracted from ears. There is also a chance to see at first hand conditions only previously read about in textbooks, from leprosy to snake bites to African medicine.
Some downsides
Of course, there are some downsides to the job. At times, the lack of access to diagnostics and basic medications can be very frustrating. Also, depending on the number of medical staff, the on-call can be frequent, although generally quiet. Needless to say, the most difficult thing to become accustomed to is seeing children die.
Because working at the clinic requires living in close proximity with fellow volunteers, people generally become firm friends following the experience. There is never a shortage of banter, especially if there happens to be English volunteers around and there are plenty of people with whom to have the craic. After-work activities can range from swimming and volleyball to getting thrashed in soccer by the locals. There is also snorkelling, kayaking and a dive school for the more adventurous types.
Picturesque and popular
Cape Maclear is very picturesque and a popular backpacker destination. There are lodges, restaurants and a bar or two, so there is no excuse to be bored. Local brews and Carlsberg (or ‘Greens’, as it is known) are the beverages of choice.
Indeed, the Malawi experience in some ways reflects the Carlsberg slogan. It is ‘probably’ the best spot in the world to visit if you want to work in a developing country, meet new people and embrace a challenge.
At the moment, the clinic is increasing the services it provides. In addition to expanding its feeding programme for undernourished children, the previously-mentioned ARV Clinic is in operation. Mags is also in the process of building a new school in the area.
As one can imagine, the workload is also increasing and Dr van Os would always welcome a pair of helping hands for any length of time. Unlike larger NGOs, it accepts volunteers for short stints, and if there is a partner who wants to volunteer also (even in a non-medical role), they can often be accommodated. Because the clinic is well established with protocols in place to aid in its smooth running, it is relatively easy to slot in and get stuck in over a short space of time.
Ideal starting point
For anyone who has ever considered working in Africa, this is the ideal starting point – whether it is for a few weeks or months. Some paediatrics or emergency department experience would be helpful, but not essential. The most valuable skills would be sound clinical acumen, adaptability, an easy-going personality and a sense of adventure.
As the time comes to leave the clinic, people invariably regret not being able to stay longer. As it says in the guidebook, “You are bound to leave a part of your own heart in the ‘warm heart of Africa’.”
We certainly did.
To volunteer at the clinic in Malwai or to support the project, contact Mags Riordan at the Billy Malawi Project at magsriordan@esatclear.ie.
Malawi ex-President defies ban, heads for elections
Former Malawi President Bakili Muluzi is defying a rally ban imposed on him by police saying he will continue with the 2009 general elections campaign despite efforts to stop him.
Mr Muluzi who is under house arrest and was released on bail on Friday, five days after his arrest for allegedly plotting a coup to the current government, saw his home raided by police on Sunday, barring him from attending a rally in the township of Ndirande.
Police went a step further in firing tear gas to break up the supporter's crowd that gathered for Mr Muluzi, saying the gathering was illegal, as it did not follow right procedures. In retaliation, supporters threw stones at riot police at the rally in a township.
"I can't just be locked up in this house, I'm a presidential candidate for the 2009 elections and I have to go around and campaign," he was quoted as saying by the BBC.
Mr Muluzi was Malawi's President from 1994 to 2004, ruling in an authoritarian way, and wants to stand in next year`s election against President Bingu wa Mutharika. In April, Mr Muluzi won a contest to be named the presidential candidate of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the next polls.
President Mutharika accused his predecessor last month of being behind a plot to remove him from office by 16 May this year. President Mutharika was elected as the UDF candidate in 2004 but soon fell out with Mr Muluzi and formed his own party, saying his former political associates were opposed to his anti-corruption drive.
When Muluzi was arrested on Sunday, his security officers were disarmed and told not to be reporting for duty anymore, but Malawian High Court on Friday reversed the order saying they should be reinstated and those who were now guarding Muluzi's home to leave immediately.
As Malawi elections are approaching, violence and intimidation on political leaders and civilians is intensifying.
Mr Muluzi who is under house arrest and was released on bail on Friday, five days after his arrest for allegedly plotting a coup to the current government, saw his home raided by police on Sunday, barring him from attending a rally in the township of Ndirande.
Police went a step further in firing tear gas to break up the supporter's crowd that gathered for Mr Muluzi, saying the gathering was illegal, as it did not follow right procedures. In retaliation, supporters threw stones at riot police at the rally in a township.
"I can't just be locked up in this house, I'm a presidential candidate for the 2009 elections and I have to go around and campaign," he was quoted as saying by the BBC.
Mr Muluzi was Malawi's President from 1994 to 2004, ruling in an authoritarian way, and wants to stand in next year`s election against President Bingu wa Mutharika. In April, Mr Muluzi won a contest to be named the presidential candidate of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the next polls.
President Mutharika accused his predecessor last month of being behind a plot to remove him from office by 16 May this year. President Mutharika was elected as the UDF candidate in 2004 but soon fell out with Mr Muluzi and formed his own party, saying his former political associates were opposed to his anti-corruption drive.
When Muluzi was arrested on Sunday, his security officers were disarmed and told not to be reporting for duty anymore, but Malawian High Court on Friday reversed the order saying they should be reinstated and those who were now guarding Muluzi's home to leave immediately.
As Malawi elections are approaching, violence and intimidation on political leaders and civilians is intensifying.
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