Chinese Government Wednesday handed over 226 solar powered street lighting systems to Malawi government and donated 533 solar mobile systems to Ministry of Health through Ministry of Energy.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at ministry of energy headquarters in Lilongwe, Energy Minister Ibrahim Matola said the 226 solar street lighting systems have already been installed at Capital Hill under the Chinese company of ZTE Corporation following the agreement signed in 2012.
He said it is the Government policy to promote renewable energy technologies including solar in order to mitigate greenhouse gas emission among other reasons.
Matola disclosed that Malawi Government is working towards achieving the target set by the United Nations under the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative which is to increase the contribution of renewable energy in the energy mix to 30 percent by the year 2013.
He said the project has come at a better time when security at Capital Hill has elapsed and vandalism mostly occurs during the night.
“This will add the beauty to Capital Hill especially at night, the solar street lights will contribute towards enhancing security here at this place which is the seat of the government of Malawi,” said the minister.
Matola said walking or driving around Capital Hill at night will be nice due to the presence of the street lights because they can be seen far as area 18, 10 and city centre. They have indeed added beauty to capital city of Malawi.
He, therefore, said this is in line with aspirations of the United Nations and indeed of the Malawi government as stipulated in National Energy Policy of 2003.
Chinese Ambassador Pan Heyjun thanked the Malawi government for the cooperation and support during the time ZTE was installing the solar lights at the Capital Hill.
He said, “The project will not only help those working at Capital Hill but the nation as a whole.”
He said the Chinese government will in the next coming few years invest more in the energy sector.
In his turn, Deputy Minister for Health Chikumbutso Hiwa commended the Chinese government for the donation as it will go long way in assisting those who are in remote areas.
He said the solar mobile systems will be installed in those health centres where there is no electricity for important uses such as storage of vaccines.
“This has demonstrated the cordial relationship between the two governments, we really appreciate the support the Chinese government has given us,” said Hiwa.
He said all the solar mobile systems will be sent to the rural health centres soon to help improve the working situations for the health personnel.
