China grants Malawi $1.5m for solar projects
The People’s Republic of China has granted the Government of Malawi K600 million (about $1.5m) for the installation of solar electricity at Capital Hill in Lilongwe and other selected sites in the country.
Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony in the capital, Lilongwe on Tuesday, Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola said this would be the first time Capital Hill would have street lights.
He also said security will be enhanced in the government compound.
Said Matola: “This project is very important in the sense that it will make Capital Hill more beautiful, secure and conform with the rest of the city of Lilongwe. All the streets on Capital Hill will be electrified with stand—alone solar street lights. The advantage is that they are economical since there will be no need to pay bills.”
Matola said since Capital Hill was constructed some 38 years ago, it had no street lights, a situation that compelled the Malawi Government to ask China to assist.
Ambassador Pan Hejun said China decided to support African countries access clean energy because of the effects of climate change.
“Climate change is a global issue as it is challenging the whole mankind. This challenge is huge for the rain fed African agriculture countries like Malawi. It is because of this that we want to encourage usage of solar electricity,” said Hejun.
Apart from Capital Hill the lights will also be installed at Chancellor College, Mzuzu Central Hospital and Kamuzu Central Hospital.
