The Dutch Reformed Church missionaries, who first planted their roots at Mvera before expanding to Kongwe, Nkhoma, Mlanda, Malingunde, Chinthembwe and beyond, were not just preachers of the gospel—they were architects of transformation. Their mission extended far beyond the pulpit, birthing a wave of ambitious projects that shaped the country’s landscape, particularly in education. Among their crowning achievements stood Robert Blake Secondary School at Kongwe, Dowa.
At Kongwe, the missionaries harnessed the power of the Lingadzi River, constructing a dam that became the lifeblood of both the school and the mission. With a mini hydro-plant in place, the flowing waters provided not just a reliable source of water, but also electricity. For years, the system ran faithfully, a testament to the ingenuity of its creators. But nature, aided by human activity, gradually took its toll. Erosion, siltation and the relentless march of time rendered the hydro-plant unsustainable. Today, sadly, it stands silent.
Hydropower is a remarkable energy source, but its Achilles’ heel lies in its vulnerability to shifting weather patterns. A few years back, Malawi got a harsh reminder of this reality when water levels in both Lake Malawi and the Shire River dropped drastically, crippling electricity generation. Had those conditions persisted, we would have faced power shortages akin to the crisis that recently gripped Zambia and Zimbabwe, where the drying up of the Zambezi River left turbines idle and cities in darkness. It is a sobering thought—one that underscores the urgent need for resilient energy solutions in the face of an unpredictable climate.
The idea of boosting our generation capacity with diesel-powered generators has been floated before, but let us be honest—diesel generation is nothing more than a short-term fix, not a sustainable solution. We must remember our history. Before Malawi had hydroelectric power stations, we relied entirely on diesel generators. Back then, petroleum prices were relatively low, but everything changed after the 1973 oil crisis.
Since then, we have seen multiple oil shocks, each sending fuel prices soaring. Consider this: in 1960, a barrel of petroleum averaged just $1.63; today, it stands at a staggering $39.33. The harsh reality is that Malawian consumers simply cannot afford electricity from diesel in the long run. Betting on it would be like building a house on sand—costly, unstable, and doomed to collapse under economic pressure.
Coal has often been proposed as a viable alternative, and in terms of sheer energy output, there is no denying its potential. With its high calorific value, coal can generate large amounts of electricity at a relatively low cost. But the environmental price is steep. Burning coal releases a toxic cocktail of pollutants—carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and mercury—all of which pose serious risks to both the planet and human health.
This columnist firmly believes that solar and wind energy are among the most viable alternatives for Malawi’s power needs. Solar, in particular, offers immense potential, but its biggest hurdle is space—photovoltaic panels require vast areas to generate substantial electricity. With Malawi’s growing population and increasing land pressure, this presents a challenge. However, with careful planning and a keen eye, unpopulated or marginal lands can be identified and put to good use.
On the bright side, the economics of solar power are becoming increasingly favorable. The prices of solar panels continue to decline, thanks to advancements in technology and a market dynamic where supply is beginning to outpace demand. This trend is promising, making solar energy an ever more attractive and accessible option for the country’s energy future.
Wind is a resource Malawi can no longer afford to overlook. There has long been skepticism about whether our country has wind currents strong enough to sustain power generation, but I choose to differ. Dismissing wind energy outright is premature—what we need is proper research and strategic site selection.
Across the world, wind power has thrived in places once considered unsuitable, thanks to technological advancements in turbine efficiency and placement. In Malawi, areas with consistent wind patterns, such as upland regions and lakeshore corridors, could hold untapped potential
Anyone who frequently visits Lake Malawi will have noticed how, at night, the waves crash fiercely against the shore, stirred by powerful winds. This is no random occurrence—these winds drive the lake’s restless waters with undeniable force. Since childhood, I have heard of the dreaded mwera winds, notorious for their destructive power, often capsizing boats and bringing turmoil to the lake. But what if, instead of fearing mwera, we harnessed its energy for the nation’s benefit?
