Electricity Generation Company(Malawi) has expressed hope that the country will meet its power generation goals.
It has cited the establishment of power plants in other regions, notably the Central and Northern, to prop up power generation capacity.
Egenco Director of Operations Maxon Chitawo said this at Nanjoka Power Station in Salima, where Energy Minister Ibrahim Matola launched construction works at the Salima Solar PV Power Plant.
”We are committed to reducing power outages in the country and this can only be achieved if we use locally available resources, notably solar, to generate electricity. The other means of achieving this is by opening other power stations away from Shire River hydro-power stations in the Shire Valley.
”Currently, our capacity of generation depends on hydro power, which is in the Shire Valley, which is prone to cyclones. As such, for power outages to be reduced, we have to look at other options,” Chitawo said.
He further urged people to refrain from vandalism, saying electricity benefits all people.
On his part, Matola said the construction of a solar plant in the lakeshore district is in line with the governments vision of having 1000 megawatts(mw) by 2025 from 500mw.
”The government is committed to ensuring that access to electricity is eased,” he said.
Matola also concurred with Chitawo on the need to safeguard Egenco property by refraining from vandalism.
Over $13 million has been set aside for the 18 months project, with the Chinese contractor ready on the ground.
Source: The Daily Times_November 24, 2023_By Ousman Kaliati