Malawi leader addresses nation in blackout: Outlines roadmap  to end electiricity woes, to buy generators

Malawi President Peter Mutharika  on Monday evening addressed the nation but  many citizens missed the speech since the majoriry were in power blackout with the ongoing load shedding as the Head of State was outlining his roadmap to end  electricity woes.

Malawian President Mutharika : Missing in action
Malawian President Mutharika : We have short and long term measurers

In his address  on public broadcaster MBC Television, Mutharika admitted that energy is critical factor in Malawi’s economy.

“We need good supply of electricity for our industries to run and for our day to day lives. Currently, we are experiencing frequent blackouts because of load shedding. The water table is low and we did not sufficiently invest in energy as a country,” said Mutharika.

Mutharika said his vision is to generate sufficient amount of energy to meet the economic and social demands.

He said his administration has has put in place short and long term measures to end power outages.

Outining the short term roadmap, Mutharika said government will procure 46 Mega Watts diesel peaking generators which will be ready for use in Lilongwe and Mzuzu.

The government also plans acquiring of 78 Mega Watts of Emergency Power Plant by utility power provider  ESCOM on lease basis for an initial estimated period of 18 months.

He also talked of the procurement of 70 Mega Watts of PV Solar power from Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

“Currently, a number of IPPs have expressed interest to invest in power production using solar technology. The Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are being signed soon.

“For Immediate measures, and through Government and ESCOM intervention, dredgers have been deployed at Nkula and Kapichira Power Stations to manage siltation,” said Mutharika.

On long term measures, the Malalwi leader said  the carrying capacity of the transmission lines will  be increased to about 1,150MW by 2018.

“A 400kV Transmission Line is currently being constructed from Phombeya (Balaka) to Nkhoma. The Line is expected to be completed by September 2018. The Phombeya Sub-Station will be the landing point for the Malawi-Mozambique Interconnector,” informed the President.

He also talked of Hydro Power Projects, saying his government is making “good progress”.

The President pointed out on 170MW plant at Lower Fufu on South Rukuru river in Rumphi District, to be commissioned by 2021;  200MW hydro power plant at Kholombizo on the Shire River to be commissioned by 2022; and  350MW plant at Mpatamanga also on the Shire River to be commissioned by 2021.

Mutharika said Nkula A Rehabilitation and Modernization Project will add 12MW by September 2018; Tedzani III Rehabilitation and Modernization project will add 10MW by October 2017; Tedzani IV Power Project for 18MW will be commissioned by end of 2019.

The 41MW Mbongozi Hydro Electric Power Site on Bua River is being developed by HE Power, an IPP. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by 2020.

The Malawi leader also mentioned of coal fired power projects to diversify and expand sources of power.

“Government is pursuing a coal fired power station project at Kam’mwamba, which is expected to add an extra 300MW to the grid. Everything being equal, it is envisaged that the first fruits of this project will be realised by mid-2019, when the country will be able to tap 100MW of power from this unit and the rest by the end 2020.

“ In addition to Kam’mwamba, there are three other private sector investors who are in discussion with Government to develop coal fired power plants,” said Mutharika.

Mutharika also said Malawi Government is in discussion with InfraCo Africa Energy who have shown interest to develop 80MW in Salima and that the  power plant is expected to be commissioned by end 2017.

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Zaya Kunkhongo
Zaya Kunkhongo
7 years ago

Diesel generated power costs way way out of this world. Malawi’s forex position is precarious. Additional diesel imports for power generation will not only add pressure on our forex but also our fuel reserves which we have been told are only for 10-days. Besides, power from diesel plants costs twice/thrice the conventionally generated power. This is just politics and convinient statement our country is not in a position to fund this kind of power venture

Death Peoples Party (DPP)
Death Peoples Party (DPP)
7 years ago

Enough id Enough. Ma speech oloweza, simuchita manyazi bwana president kumabwereza za utsilu zomwezo every time you speak to us.

The solution to our woes is only from you to resign basi. Very simple.

WHEN CAN YOU RESIGN SIR?

Abeat Minthu
7 years ago

If there was elections to day could u Malawians vote for DDP/APM? Which party Would u vote to save Malawi and Malawians? Have u not seen enough of DDP? Do u want suffering, corruption continue? Same shit people. Please A Malawi zukani. 2019 is your last chance
To say enough is enough. NO old gurus from these parties UDF, DDP, PP. NO ONE should join the new party. God help Malawi and Malawi. Come back Kamuzu and see what is happening.

Abeat Minthu
7 years ago

Charles when u imported machona from USA did expect better life?U see anyone from that country has NO mind of what is a need for poor African like Malawi. Peter knows the reason for blackouts. Donors has not released money which was meant for electrucity because APM refuses to give the names of those guru friends to ACB. He is afraid of them. They will mention him . If he was a good leader he could released the names. Germany knows Who They are. The problem why Europe dont give names of African leaders Who has stolen money from their… Read more »

J.J.J.Sonke
J.J.J.Sonke
7 years ago

How is Government planning to finance and recover the cost of Diesel Generators? In 2014 ESCOM’s turn over was about 40 billion Kwacha. Diesel generated power is prohibitive expensive. Adding 25 MW diesel power to the grid, around the clock, will cost about the same amount or 40 billion Kwacha. It would require doubling the tariff to cover the cost, and that for 25 MW only? Yet most people have already installed generators at a huge cost to the country. Why is Government not asking all these companies with big generator sets to use them around the clock and connect… Read more »

J.J.J.Sonke
J.J.J.Sonke
7 years ago

How is Government or ESCOM going to recover the cost of diesel generated power? ESCOM’s turn over is about 40 billion Kwacha. (2014) Adding some 25 MW diesel power around the clock will about double the cost or another 40 billion. Is Government going to double the tariff to finance this?

all-i-can say
all-i-can say
7 years ago

What else do you expect mtchona uyu and his band of bandits to articulate? The problem with accidental leadership is lack of conviction and vision. This man is out of his depth and if I were him, I would put transition arrangements in place and give a timetable to step aside. You were hired by the people to move the country forward, but alas, Malawi is on its knees at your watch. Our country is sinking fast. Corruption is at such alarming levels that public services are so rigged with corrupt officials that nothing moves without bribes. Poverty among the… Read more »

Charles
Charles
7 years ago

Why were there no blackouts during Bingu and Joyce era, Blackouts were 2-3 hours a day during that time, now it is the oppossite we get power only for 2-3 hours a day. Tatopa ndi ma blackouts

Mario pei
Mario pei
7 years ago

Who will buy thr Generators? Mr Chaponda @10% commission Tibeledwa, tidakabeledwa ndipo tidzabeledwa..

Maunits
Maunits
7 years ago

Ankhandwe inu boma lakukanikani.

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