Malawi Environment Protection Authority (Mepa) has lifted an order it issued stopping production at PressCane Limited in Chikwawa District pending improvement of effluent spillage and waste management processes.
Mepa lifted the suspension after verifying progress made on some recommendations and conditions issued by the authority.
The decision effectively allows PressCane to resume production after a five- month shutdown.
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In a letter to PressCane dated May 18 2026, Mepa director general Wilfred Kadewa said the authority conducted a verification exercise at PressCane Limited on April 15 2026 on the progress made on the recommendations and conditions given to the company.
Reads the letter in part: “The verification exercise noted significant progress in the rehabilitation of effluent ponds, decommissioning of secondary ponds, raising of embankments, sludge management, environmental restoration activities, and installation of a fertiliser plant aimed at achieving zero effluent discharge.
“Furthermore, Mepa has received confirmation from the district commissioner’s office regarding the handover of a cheque of K895 000 000 to the Chikwawa District Council for compensation of affected people. In view of the progress made, Mepa hereby lifts the Environment Protection Order.”
Mepa said it issued the stop order on January 26 2026 to prevent further environmental damage and for the company to implement corrective measures, rehabilitate the affected areas, and address compensation for the affected communities, as required by law.
Reacting to the development, PressCane chief executive officer Bryson Mkhomaanthu said the company will continue with its programme of waste management as guided by the law.
“We are happy that the stop order has been lifted and that we can now start our operations after almost five months,” he said.
Mepa closed the company in January this year, ordering it to clean up, assess the damage and compensate affected communities. The National Water Resources Authority also issued orders and imposed a K40 million fine on the ethanol distillery.
