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Malawi energy project to displace 3 500 people

An initial study by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) through consulting engineer Fichtner has found that the project to modernise the country’s power infrastructure will displace 51 households totalling 3 500 people.

The study findings come ahead of fresh studies to be conducted by the consultant on resettlement and grievance management in the areas where the power grid will pass through.

Power is one of the constrains to economic growth
Power is one of the constrains to economic growth

Millennium Challenge Account (MCA)-Malawi communications and outreach director Zilani Khonje confirmed the development, saying following the assessment, the compact will develop a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and the Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP).

“We came up with a screening report on the number of households and individuals to be affected by the infrastructure development project. About 51 households and 3 500 people are, according to the report, going to be affected by the project.

“MCA-Malawi, through SMEC, a consultant engaged for resettlement and grievance management, is in the field conducting an assessment on the exact numbers of households, people and other assets to be affected by the infrastructure development project,” she said.

Khonje said the majority of those affected will be from Balaka, Phalombe, Lilongwe, Mzimba and Nkhata Bay where the power transmission line will pass through,” she said.

Khonje said they expect to have actual figures of people affected on the 400 kilovolts (kV) [from Phombeya in Balaka to Lilongwe] line in January 2015 and in February 2015 for the 132 kV line running from Chintheche to Luwinga to new Bwengu.

MCA-Malawi will in April 2015 give the exact figures of the people to be affected, she said.

Khonje said MCA-Malawi has engaged a resettlement action plan consultant, SMEC International, to develop the RAP for implementation, adding that MCA was optimistic the project will beat its timeline.

“We are working to ensure that all project activities in the critical path are implemented within the project’s timeline. The RAP process lies on the critical path and currently, we are progressing as planned,” she said.

Khonje said consulting engineer, Fichtner, is responsible for designing and supervising the project and prior to designing, the engineer conducted the environmental social impact assessment on the 400 kV line.

“This was completed and approved by the Department of Environmental Affairs. Following this, they commenced and completed the project designs. Currently, the designs for Nkula A rehabilitation have been finalised,” she said.

 

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