Escom set to spend K10bn on repair works

Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) says it will spend about K10 billion to repair its infrastructure damaged by Tropical Storm Ana last month.

Escom acting chief executive officer Clement Kanyama said this on Sunday during a meeting with the newly appointed Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola to discuss the operations of the power supplier.

He said Tropical Storm Ana caused a lot of damage to its infrastructure, which will require the parastatal to spend billions of kwacha to resume normal power distribution.

Kanyama said: “We have lost about 11 towers and this means we have to spend billions of kwacha as each tower costs about K80 million.

“We have also lost other accessories which were also damaged during the heavy rains. These include transformers and poles which need to be replaced.”

He said Escom intends to finance part of the damaged infrastructure from its budget.

Kanyama said areas around Chikwawa Boma and some parts of Nchalo, which were the most affected, now have power.

“We are now working on restoring power in other parts of Nsanje District which were completely out of power due to damaged infrastructure. All things being equal, we plan to complete our works by next week,” he said.

Matola called for patience as Escom carries out restoration works.

He said the ministry is ready and willing to assist the parastatal where need arises to ensure speedy restoration works.

“We have been briefed and seen how Escom is struggling and pushing to restore power. We call upon Malawians to understand the situation Escom and Egenco are going through. The companies ares working tirelessly to restore power,” said Matola.