Malawi govt under pressure to effect Escom reforms over US warning
Government is under severe pressure to effect reforms at Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) and tackle corruption seriously after threats from the US to withdraw the US$350m Millennium Challenge Account if the issues are not addressed.
The US wants the government to remove the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) dominated board, tackle chronic graft at the power utility state company and the introduction of tariffs which should be economically viable.
The US ambassador to Malawi Virginia Palmer has since threatened the withdrawal of the second phase of the MCC if the issues are not addressed.
“Malawi will obviously complete the first phase but the second phase funding will depend if the issues raised have been addressed,” said Palmer.
There have been wide reports of corruption in the procurement of materials for the MCC.
The US has also openly said the DPP dominated boards at Escom and Electricity Generation Company (Egenco) is a contributor to the inefficiencies at the two institutions.
The MCC project aims to improve the energy sector especially in the distribution of electricity.
The government is yet to respond to Palmer’s comments.
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Don’t give these crooks money. Support private ventures that are accountable. They cannot change! A poor country that has few people that think are rich and oppress the poor more and more. Why do you give them money still?
Where is santana? Wamva koma!! What the US is saying including what Calista said are genuine voices of reason and straight to the point!! This is the time for DPP to break or build the trust with partners, electorate etc!!
DPP has taken the nation to a wrong direction!! Those who were doubting the difference between wisdom and intelligence can now learn and appreciate a lot based on the acts and conducts of DPP leadership!! Muona zimene achiteee zikhala …………. mungoti pheeeeeeeee………!
DEAR PALMER/TRUMP
PLEASE RESCUE THE PEOPLE
OF MALAWI IN EVERYWAY
POSSIBLE
THIS IS MORE THAN SHIT HOLE
GOVERNANCE AT ITS GREATEST !
I beg to differ with this Amati reporter from Mpemba school. How did the ambao knew that the whole board is DPP. Does also all employees of Escom or eunco members of DPP.? Corruption is Malawi is all over including reporters like this man. Reporters are the worst corrupt because of poor package. Remove the log in your eye before you accuse others. Many are hiding and make a loud noise that it is the government , yet they are the ones who are corrupt.
You don’t know Ambassadors have access to intelligence reports from their country’s intelligence community in the country? The FBI will have every board member’s profile and could share the same with Ambassador Palmer
Good move Ambassador Palmer. These thieves need to be given such conditions in order to see that the funds no longer end in their pocket.
The solution to Egenco and Escom woes is very simple indeed….remove the Politicians or cronies from the boards and leadership positions!!! Once these crooks are removed, contracts will be awarded on merit and managers will be answerable to the people and not a politician or politicians! Thumbs up Ambassador Palmer….please pump sense into our corrupt politicians!!
The government has to act on the request, not commenting as such.
Knowing the arrogance of our President he will just dismiss US utterances and tell them to pack up and go instead of listening to voice of reason. Mr President, all these voices can’t be wrong and you are the only one who is correct.
Is the removal of Pexie Ligoya as chairman, and replacing him with Thom Mpinganjira reflect removal of DPP influence at Escom? I don’t think so.