Malawi electricity woes worsen: Kapito demands fast tracking on unbundling of Escom

Firebrand consumer activisit John Kapito has asked the government to fast track the unbundling of Escom as the power house is keeping the country in darkness all day long, all night long.

“I have never seen a work government parastatal as Escom, very ineffective, very inefficent. It should change its name to Electricity Supply Commission of Mavuto,” said Kapito.

Government wants to split Escom into two, the power generating company and the power marketing company.

This follows the government decision to allow private companies generate power and sell it to Escom in a bid to reduce daily power outages.

“Escom should stop giving excuses,” said Kapito.

Amid the chaotic supply of electricity, Escom workers are demanding a 25 percent pay rise. Escom officials are blaming low water levels in Shire River making it impossible to hydro power electricity.

Many parts of the country hardly have electricity most of the day, usually electricity returns around 10 pm by 1am the power is off.