A representative of Cedar Energy, a firm constructing a three megawatt hydropower station in Phalombe District has indicated, the power plant would be commissioned by end next month.
The company started construction of the power plant in June last year on Muloza River in the district.
In a response to a questionnaire, the company’s general director James Roditi said they received turbines in December. “Should no unforeseen delays happen, we will be commissioning the plant by the end of February because installers from Gilkes in the United Kingdom are in the process of installing turbines and generators that we have received,” Roditi said.
He added that over 50,000 households and tea factories in Mulanje and Phalombe districts are going to benefit from the project but also they will provide free connections to schools and clinics in the area as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.
Minister of Energy Newton Kambala commended the company for their hard work, saying even though three megawatts is minimal, it will go a long way in minimizing load shedding and increasing access to electricity.
Kambala further urged investors to explore opportunities in the sector.
“I have engaged players in the financial sector and have expressed willingness to finance such projects and I think Malawians should participate and seize the opportunities that lie in the sector,” Kambala said.
The company is one of eight companies which signed power purchase agreements with government to start selling power to the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi.
Source: The Daily Times_January 8, 2021-By Justin Mkweu