Likoma residents hail solar power

People of Likoma District say their livelihoods have improved following the installation of solar-powered electricity by Electricity Generation Company (Egenco) last year on the island.

Egenco installed the K3.2 billion solar power plant on Likoma and Chizumulu islands in November 2020 to supplement power supplied by Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) which was using diesel generator.

In random interviews one year after the project, residents say they now have uninterrupted power supply.

One welder at Mbamba Market, Mike Chindimba said his business is doing well due to the uninterrupted power supply.

He said: “Previously, Escom supplied power up to 9pm and switched it off until 12 midnight.

“However, with the Egenco solar power plant, we have power all the time.”

Chindimba said he is now able to work long hours; hence, making huge profits.

Another businessperson Cuthbert Mzumara, who owns a barbershop, said he now operates anytime without fear of power outage.

“We hope the reliable power supply will motivate investors to come to the two islands,” he said.

On his part, Dumisani Chitete, another resident, hailed Egenco’s initiative, saying the district, being a tourist destination, needs uninterrupted power supply.