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Cama powerless on energy tariffs

Kapito: People need to use energy saver bulbs
Kapito: People need to use energy saver bulbs

The Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama) says it is powerless in pushing for affordable electricity tariffs and has since called on Malawians to be economic with power usage.

Cama executive director John Kapito made the stand last week during a Cama-Media Interactive Meeting and maintained his position yesterday in a fresh interview.

Malawians have been crying foul over higher electricity tariffs which have negatively impacted on their standard of living.

However, Cama which is supposed to protect consumers from exploitation has said Malawians have to reduce energy consumption by embarking on various practices that will cut bills.

Kapito said Cama has no powers to push for affordable tariffs and if it tries to push, its efforts will be meaningless as issues of tariffs are policy based.

“People have to ensure that they use energy saver bulbs, switch off sockets, and make sure an individual does not boil volumes of water to make tea or switch on geysers just for one person. We should use electricity only when it is needed, so bulbs have to be off during the day,” he said.

Kapito also said the country’s tariffs were very low compared to other countries; a development he said contributes to power outages and also scares investors to come and generate electricity.

He said calling for other power suppliers would mean raising tariffs higher which will further burden Malawians. He said, therefore, people have to adapt to the current environment.

Council for Non Governmental Organisations (Congoma) chairperson Voice Mhone said Cama is a member of Congoma and whatever it says is adopted.

Malawi Watch executive director Billy Banda, said for the time being Cama was justified to call on Malawians to be economic.

However, he said Malawians cannot continue to be exploited. He said government has to come in and cushion as failure would lead to depletion of forests, arguing firewood and charcoal were alternatives Malawians have at their disposal.

Minister of Information and Civic Education Moses Kunkuyu asked for more time to consult for government’s position on the idea.

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