New broom at embattled Escom, exit Mwapasa enter Dr. Chiwaya
Amid power blackout woes in Malawi, chief executive officer for the embattled power utility company, Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Evelyn Mwapasa, has been fired.
According to an internal memo signed by Escom’s director of human resources and administration, D. Z. Namandwa, the new man at the helm is Dr. Alexion Chiwaya.
Dr. Chiwaya is an accomplished former Escom CEO and engineer who comes with a pool of experience in the country’s energy sector.
Apart from previously working with Escom as CEO, Dr. Chiwaya also worked as CEO for Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) during the People’s Party (PP) government of former president Joyce Banda.
According to the internal memo dated 9th November, Mwapasa has been redeployed within the public service.
“Let us welcome Dr. Chiwaya and also wish the outgoing Chief Executive Officer all the best,” reads the internal memo addressed to all heads of department and all members of staff of the embattled Escom and copied to the company’s executive management.
The country’s power generation woes hasworsened with a loss of 20 megawatts (MW), leading some areas to go without power for over 24 hours.
The Electricity Generation Company (Egenco), which sells its power to Escom for supply to consumers, described the downward spiral of power generation from 180 megawatts (MW) to 160MW as “alarming”.
From the 160MW being generated, between 60MW and 70MW is reserved for critical centres of national interest, including hospitals and water boards, with the remaining 100MW or less expected to be shared by domestic and industrial consumers, according to Egenco chief executive officer William Liabunya.
Analysts have, however, cautioned on the energy crisis being experienced in the country, saying it is neither sustainable nor compatible with the level of growth which would make Malawi develop.
Thanks for the reminder a A Chiaale (Chisale?). Correct, both Bingu and Muluzi did something on power generation. Even Joyce Banda did something – very minimal though. Remember that Kamuzu had already developed Kapichira and Wovwe in terms of infrastructure by the time he stepped down from power. Muluzi and Bingu just placed the turbines and Joyce Banda just launched what Kamuzu (had constructed) and Bingu had established (inserting the turbines). Much of what Muluzi did was launching what Dr. Banda had already established. I still remember the function during which Muluzi launched the Wovwe plant. The man of the… Read more »
evelyn wafera chilungamo these people wants someone they would easily be manipulating kuti adziba dollar ku escom and they have just realised that they chose a wrong a person
Chiwaya is by any definition a failed manager. I don’t know how anyone can bring him back to ESCOM. May be because it had to be someone from there or here
My advice to Dr. Chiwaya. Think of using coal as the primary source of energy. If you can read the reasons why George Bush refused to sign the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, it will give you a direction.
Countrymen, I don’t think that it is a matter of being Llomwe, Chewa, Yao, Ngoni, No. Where we are things have moved from bad to worse. And, in my view, Evelyn Mwapasa, one of the greatest citizens of this great Republic is just a sacrificial lamb in the entire tragedy Malawi finds herself in. I was privileged to be among those who were invited to participate in a consultation forum between ESCOM & EGENCO on one hand and CSOs on the other. This is where, I think, things are: 1. While the national power demand hoovers around 350 mwattes EGENCO… Read more »
Well said. Now go and talk to MCP and offer to help draw up their manifesto
Very wise thoughts. Thanks for your time to write this Kent
My friend dig your history properly. Don’t omit Muluzi who also did some investments in hydro power. Remember very well my friend. It’s not from Kamuzu to Bingu no.
Engineers have to be on top of these engineering companies.Way to Go.
evelyn mwapasa is a professional accountant ,she doesn’t tolerate corruption which the DPP lead government is addictive to .Go well mwapasa and get a good job,leave this useless govenment. you can go back to ICAM ,we will welcome you
The truth about the matter is the lady is a professional does not allow zachinyengo on procurement on the Gensets on the expense of poor Malawians
This lady doesn’t play around! They had to fire her and put someone they can easily manipulate. Dr Chiwaya was once a CEO at ESSCOM and is responsible for this mess that has matured today.
Dzitaye Evelyn continue being professional.
Anayiwononga okha escom.