Malawi needs non-renewable National iDs
Nkusa-Nkhoma, who is a legislator for Mchinji South constituency on Wednesday received round of applause from people in Traditional Authority Kambwiri in Salima when she advocated on their behalf for the need of National Registration Bureau identity Cards to be for life so that rural farmers do not face the challenge of travelling long distances for renewal.
Nkusa-Nkhoma addressing local farmers at Msengedzi Irrigation scheme said that it does not make any sense for people from rural areas to be renewing identity cards to access farm input.
“It is important that we talk about these things so we can ignite a national debate and I am sure Parliament will help to change this law,” said the deputy minister.
Nkusa-Nkhoma said: “Travelling to the cities for the rural farmers is very expensive and too involving, hence a need to change this law.” 
Commenting on the importance of the Msengedzi Solar Irrigation scheme , Nkusa-Nkhoma said the project is important because it will help to ensure that there is food security at household level.
Msengedzi Solar Powered Pump Irrigation Scheme is situated in Salima South West Constituency, TA Kambwiri, Snr GVH Chimbalanga about 5km from Salima Boma.
The scheme is in Katerera EPA, Salima RDP under Salima Agricultural Development Division (ADD), in Salima District Council. The scheme is accessible from Salima town through Salima- Balaka lakeshore road (M5).
Msengedzi Irrigation scheme started in 2006, with few beneficiaries. The scheme was using treadle pumps and watering cans to irrigate a total area of 1ha with earthen canals.
In 2008, FIDP upgraded the scheme where new canals and a 10Hp diesel pump was installed.
The scheme has 9 hectares potential area for irrigation, however only 2 hectares developed in 2008 which farmers are now using during irrigation season. The area is dominated with alluvial loam clay soils and is relatively flat suitable for growing rice and winter maize.
Chairman of the scheme Mr Robert Phiri told journalists that the scheme is comprised of 45 beneficiaries, of which 10 are males, 25 females and 10 youths from surrounding villages who earn their living through irrigated crops such as; maize, vegetables, rice and fishing.
Under the water resources Act of 1969 farmers using water for irrigation are supposed to pay in respective of the volume of water used. The water quality is good for irrigation development.” Phiri said.
On challenges Phiri said the scheme is underutilized due to shortage of water since the pump was broken down.
The scheme area is too small hence need to be extended to accommodate more farmers.
“Lack of trusted marketing outlets for the irrigated produce.” Phiri said.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
The legislature is making a point ids no need to renew even those countries that started long time ago they don’t renew why Malawi should is really waste of money
Since the Deputy Minister Nkusa-Nkhoma and a lot of readers here do not acknowledge, appreciate, and understand the need for renewal of such things as IDs and most importantly, the National ID, I will therefore take this opportunity to use it else where. Never hesitate to inform me if you are ready to have this opportunity back. Thanks
I agree with you ma’m… Malawi need non-renewable id now
I stand with govt on the need to renew IDs, but they should be renewed at least every ten years or so. A person in his/her 20s won’t look the same in his/her 60s. You and me are a perfect example 😁🤓
Your change of face because of age doesn’t change your identity, my friend. That is why they take your fingerprints not only your face because fingerprints don’t changes with age. get an education and you will know that IDs don’t have to be renewable. Finder prints are the most important feature in identifying someone and not facial looks because you are the only one that has such fingerprints in the world but your face, in spite of age can also resemble someone’s face in the country or in your family. So facial looks are not very much a reliable feature… Read more »
How can an ID EXPIRE. Just another money making scheme. More fire
Nkusa Nkhoma – Legistrator for Mchinji south need to be commended by all Malawians. Big up Madam. If all Legistrators were able to think the way you have thought, we would have a vibrant Legistrative house in Malawi. What the government is doing on this renewal of national ID is nothing other than pure day light robbery. Think of the fees one is charged to process the ID information which is already in the computer, no wonder, all this is done with the aim to syphone Malawians their hard earned cash. One wonders whether Chilima is indeed working, or he… Read more »
I also second with her.Why should someone renew his/her ID?Unless if the ID is lost thats when someone can go and have a new one bearing the old details.
I totally agree with that line on thinking. If one secures a NID at 18 years and the Lord blesses that person with long life into the 80’s or indeed 90’s how many times will the NID be renewed? The arrangement is monotonous and needs to go. Renewal cost not only travel but one has also to pay a fee for the renewal. Please madam MP, push for this change. We are with you all the way.
A very valid point. This 7 years is not working. The hassle and cost on citizens is not worth it.