The government of Japan yesterday committed a K23bn grant to support the Government of Malawi in building the capacity of power substation in Lilongwe City.
The works will include expansion and refurbishment of Kanengo Substation and the rebuilding and refurbishment of Old Town Substation as well as the construction of roads in the city.
Speaking during the signing agreement, Japanise Ambassador to Malawi Satoshi Iwakiri said the grant would help Malawi realize its 2063 developmental agenda.
”The project aims at making the current energy infrastructure more efficient and effective and improving energy supply in the capital. The outcome will be meeting national demands, as estimates show that the country’s power demand for electricity will rise to 1155 megawatts by 2025,” Iwakiri said.
Finance minister Felix Mlusu said energy was the one of the pillars in the 2063 agenda, adding that the grant would go a long way in addressing some of the challenges besetting the energy sector.
”Energy is one of the pillars in the Malawi development agenda 2063 and the supports from Japanese government is in line with the agenda and the National Energy Policy of 2018,” Mlusu said.
The substations are in dilapidated state since they were built in 1967, leading to the problem of intermittent power supply in the city.
Once the project is completed, it would boost business activities and spur the much needed economic growth.
Source: The Daily Times_October 19, 2021-By Rabecca Chimjeka