World News: Current Events from Malawi

 Check out the latest news from Malawi:

Women’s empowerment project launched

            Joyce Banda has launched a K4.1 billion project titled the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment program, which will work to “contribute to the acceleration of efforts towards the advancement of gender equality and equity as a human right for the reduction of HIV and AIDS and poverty.”  Equality of both sexes will undoubtedly lead to greater development, economic growth, and an improved society.  The project, which will be overseen by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, will be implemented in 13 districts based on numerous factors, including poor socio-economic statistics, cultural practices that promote inequality, and high rates of HIV.  Banda has promised to “work tirelessly in improving the conditions and welfare of girls and women in the country.”

Source: http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2012/07/10/jb-launches-k4-1bn-gender-womens-empowerment-programme/

EU and Malawi sign a grant agreement in response to the kwacha devaluation

            This past Monday, Malawi and the European Union signed a K40.7 billion grant agreement to support Malawi’s poor in light of the recent kwacha devaluation.  The money will be spent on multiple programs, including a social cash transfer program, rural income program, and rural infrastructure development program.  Alexander Baum, the EU ambassador to Malawi, praised President Banda’s efforts to decrease abuse of donor funds, which is a common problem faced by many governments.  Malawi’s Finance Minister, Ken Lipenga, promised that any public officials found abusing public resources will face consequences by the Banda administration, which does not accept corruption.

Source: http://www.malawivoice.com/2012/07/10/devaluation-response-eu-malawi-sign-k40-7-billion-grant-agreement-for-the-poor-40975/

Malawian chiefs against oil drilling in Lake Malawi

Local chiefs in the Nkhata Bay district are adamantly voicing their concerns about drilling for oil in Lake Malawi.  Surestream Petroleum Company, based in the United Kingdom, has been given permission from the Malawian government to begin drilling in the lake from Karonga to Nkhotaota.  Local leaders argue that the drilling will negatively affect the lives of many Malawians.  Not only do thousands of people rely on Lake Malawi’s fishing industry for jobs, but the fish also provides Malawians with a source of inexpensive and protein-rich food.  The chiefs have formed a petition highlighting their concerns and are giving the government until July 30^th to respond.

Source: http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2012/07/10/chiefs-against-oil-drilling-on-lake-malawi/

New Olympic stadium to be built in Lilongwe

            President Joyce Banda has decided to relocate the Olympic stadium that was previously being built in Blantyre by the Mutharika administration back to its original location in Lilongwe.  Banda explained the move, stating the importance of the capital and its central location in Malawi.  The stadium will have a seating capacity of 40,500 and will feature a synthetic running track, conference rooms, shopping and exhibition rooms, press galleries, and many other amenities.  China will be funding the project through a $65 million loan.  The stadium is expected to be finished in two years.

Source: http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2012/07/12/jb-lays-foundation-stone-for-malawis-new-olympic-stadium/