The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi says deforestation is contributing to internment power supply in the country.
Escom regional manager(South) MacVittie Chiphwanya said this in an interview yesterday when the corporation in collaboration with Blanyre City Council(BCC) planted trees along the Naperi River in Blantyre.
He said when areas that have no trees are hit by strong winds, Escom power lines easily get damaged , causing blackouts.
Said Chiphwanya: ”We decided to assist the city council in restoring the environment. As a corporation, we need trees as well. All the electricity poles you see come from trees. Where there are no trees, our business is affected.
He said Escom plans to plant 7000 trees during this National forestry Season.
On his part, BCC deputy mayor Joseph Makwinja commended Escom for partnering the council in the exercise.
He said Blantyre used to be a green city, but it is no longer the same due to deforestation which has also caused soil erosion.
Said Makwinja: ”From this season, we want to make sure that all the trees we have planted, including those planted last year, are closely monitored.”
He said the council is committed to restoring Blantyre as a green city.
Source: The Nation_March 3, 2021_Jonathan Pasungwi- Staff Reporter