Institutions, individuals and companies that have applied for new electricity connections with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) will have to wait a little longer as the utility body is waiting for connection materials which they ordered outside the country to arrive.
Due to limited resources such as wires, Escom is currently connecting new customers on rational basis, depending on the nature of connection and availability of related materials required.
Escom Public Relations Officer Kitty Chingota disclosed this in a written response on Tuesday.
The reaction comes against the backdrop of a complaint by Ekwendeni Resource for the Blind in Mzimba, which has stayed for about one and half years without being reconnected to the national grid after the school’s roof was blown off by winds.
The school’s teaching and learning equipment such as embossers and computers are not functioning because electricity was cut off and according to the school boarding master Chimwemwe Mvula, the challenge has compromised access to quality education for the special needs learners.
However, Chingota said Escom will start connecting electricity to applicants once the imported materials arrive in the country.
“We are aware about the outstanding new connections. We ordered materials and we are awaiting for the delivery by our supplier. Immediately we receive the materials, we will swiftly move to connect the customers. the materials are imported,” Chongota said.
However, Mvula said the situation is pathetic as learners are struggling to learn.
“Imagine that when we want to print examinations, we that dictate because we cannot transform print into braille. We are requesting if Escom could find means of assisting us with other options. Otherwise, the wire problem which Escom tells us has been there for a long time,” Mvula said.
Minister of Education Agnes NyaLonje said she is surprised to note Escom has stayed that long to reconnect the school.
NyaLonje said Escom could consider priorities when connecting electricity, adding special needs schools deserve more attention.
Source: The Daily Times_July 21, 2022_By Samuel Kalimira