Firm sensitises Nkhata Bay communities
As a way of curbing the spread of HIV and early pregnancies during construction works in Nkhata Bay District, Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited has embarked on sensitising communities on dangers of socialising recklessly during the construction of the 132 KV transmission line from Chintheche in Nkhata Bay to Bwengu in Mzimba.
The Millennium Challenge Account-Malawi (MCA-Malawi), with funding from the United States Government, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), signed contracts with five firms, including Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited, for the construction of the 400KV and 132KV power lines and sub-stations, as well as the rehabilitation, modernisation and upgrading of Nkula A hydro power plant.
Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited’s health safety environment and social manager Ramu Mohan said that it is the company’s policy to sensitise communities on HIV and Aids issues before commencement of a project in any area it is mandated to operate.
“Wherever we have projects, we educate the communities on HIV and safety,” explained Mohan.
He also said the company also educates workers on the dangers of having unprotected sex which result into contracting HIV or sexually transmitted diseases.
“HIV is everywhere and that is why we educate our employees and communities on the same,” he said.
The company donated 4 000 male condoms and 2 000 female condoms to community based organisations (CBOs) to encourage use of protection against sexually transmitted diseases in the area.
On his part, Group Village Head Singo who represented Senior Chief Mkumbira, applauded Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited for educating his subjects on HIV and Aids issues.
