Marep 9 delays worry MPs

Members of Parliament (MPs) from both sides of the House have expressed concern with delays to roll out phase nine of Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (Marep 9), asking the Ministry of Energy to expedite the process.

The MPs made the call in Parliament yesterday after noting that the delay was denying constituents development.

Nkhotakota Central MP Peter Mazizi (Malawi Congress Party-MCP) said people in his constituency are anxious as to when Marep 9 will be rolled out as they need electricity for various activities.

“Our concern is that we have centres that have been earmarked for electricity in my constituency but we are worried because of the delays. So, we would like the minister to come out clearly as to when the projects will be rolled out,” he said.

Thyolo Central MP Ben Phiri (Democratic Progressive Party) said it was not progressive for people to wait over two years for Marep 9.

He said: “As time passes, the value of the money for implementing Marep is being affected by devaluations, which will in turn affect number of sites.

“For two or three years now you have not bought anything but the money has been accumulating and it has lost value along the way due to devaluations.”

Phiri called on the ministry to be efficient in implementing Marep 9.

Mangochi Malombe MP Misolo Kapichila (United Democratic Front) called on Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola to state when exactly Marep will roll out.

In response, the minister said the contractors and the ministry will sign contracts today.

However, he admitted that Marep 9 has delayed due to a number of factors.

“I will bring a statement in this House regarding the delay of Marep Phase 9,” said Matola

Dedza Central East MP Joshua Malango (MCP) called on the minister to state when exactly he will make a statement on the Marep 9, saying this is not the first time the minister committed to bring a statement to Parliament.

Implementation of Marep 9 has been marred by procurement issues.