Contractors working on the $350.7 million (K261 billion) Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) energy compact-funded projects in the Northern Region have missed deadlines in their works.
During a tour organised last week by Millennium Challenges Account Malawi (MCA-M), the local implementing agency, it was observed that all the contractors have missed the April 2018 deadline.
The works, which were supposed to be finalised in April, have been extended to September.
This is also the time all works on the MCC energy compact are supposed to wind up.
Speaking during the tour, Jiao Jun Qiang, one of the engineers at Chinese International Electrical Company, a firm constructing Luwinga, Bwengu, Chintheche and Bunda sub-stations, attributed the delay to the extended rainy season in the region.
He said they now remain with the roadwork and installation works.
“We promise to finish the work on time in September as what is remaining is not as huge,” said Jiao.
MCA-Malawi communications and outreach director Zilani Khonje said in an interview they are confident that all engineering projects will be completed in time.
“We still remain optimistic that by September 2018, all projects will be completed. The consulting engineer has assured us that it will be completed by this July.
“ It is only the substation works that have not been completed but the 132 kilovolts transmission line from Luwinga to Bwengu is on schedule,” she said.
Khonje said the programme has now consumed over 65 percent of the compact fund which includes the infrastructure development, power sector reforms and environment and natural resources management aspect.
The construction works are under the infrastructure development project component that aims at rehabilitating, upgrading and modernising electricity generation, transmission and distribution assets in urgent need of repair, to preserve existing generation, improve the capability of the transmission system, and increase the efficiency and sustainability of hydropower generation, according to MCA-M brief.
The main activity under this component is the complete overhaul of Nkula A Hydro Power Station to improve the availability of power by reducing outages caused by the condition of the assets and maximising power output.
The refurbishment will improve the reliability of the plant and extend its useful life