Power connection excites Mzimba communities

 People around Luviri Trading Centre in Mzimba District have commended government for giving them electricity.

The people said this on Tuesday when President Lazarus Chakwera commissioned electricity at the trading centre under the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (Marep phase 9).

In an interview, Sub-Traditional Authority (T/A) Chiputula Nhlane hailed the initiative, saying electricity will boost economic activities in the area.

“Electricity will boost small-scale businesses as people will run barbershops, salons and maize mills. Not only that but this means our schools, clinic and churches will have electricity,” he said.

A businessman Portipher Nkhata said he will stock items that need refrigerator.

“I will buy a fridge so that I can sell cold drinks. I will also start others businesses that require power such as barbershop,” he said.

Another community member William Soko said electricity was crucial for people’s livelihoods.

“We need power to light houses or run businesses such as welding and fabrication,” he said.

In a separate interview, Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola said government is committed to increasing access to electricity, especially in rural areas.

He highlighted the importance of the project in improving rural areas’ socio-economic activities.

Said Matola: “This is the beginning of commissioning of electricity under Marep phase 9 which has faced a number of delays over the past four years to be completed.

“Today, we are commissioning electricity at Luviri Trading Centre which will connect electricity to over 4 000 people and so far about 150 people have already applied for electrification in their homes.”

He said Marep Phase 9 is expected to connect electricity to 460 sites in the country.

Marep seeks to connect power to rural communities to spur their economic development.