Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola says Malawi Government is committed to support power generation initiatives in the country.
Matola made the remarks today during the stakeholders consultation meeting at Sunbird Capital in Lilongwe aimed at reviewing the Strategic Plan for EGENCO, the backbone for electricity production in the country.
“My presence at the meeting symbolizes government’s commitment to support the power generation initiatives in the country. Government through my ministry is very keen to see that EGENCO has a Strategic Plan that speaks to the aspiration of the country’s power generation development,” Matola wrote on his official Facebook page.
Matola said the Malawi 2063 Vision , which is the national blueprint for development, is very clear that it is the government’s intention to continue investing in the energy sector beyond hydro, which is currently the main source of energy.
” As a nation we need to have sustainable power development in the country. It is my Ministry’s responsibility and desire to completely mitigate any potential shortages in power generation that leads to frequent power outages and results in reduced investment in the growth of mining and industrial sectors,” Matola said, adding that this is why Government supports EGENCO’s Strategic Plan 100 percent to ensure that the company produces not just enough electricity, but reliable, diversifies and affordable power for Malawians.
The Minister of Energy said EGENCO as a Government company has the potential and strategic advantage to lead in power generation in the country.
” We have noted with a lot of relief that while they faced a lot of challenges that were caused by global trends and natural disasters, they pulled themselves out of them. They delivered Tedzani IV, three months ahead of time during the COVID 19 pandemic. They have recently restored Kapichira despite all sorts of odd. We therefore draw comfort that the strategic Plan they are desiring to bring, will be delivered if given the necessary support by all stakeholders,” he said.
Matola added that : “As a Ministry, while we recognize the critical role that IPPs are playing and will continue to play, it is our resolve that the government owned electricity generating company must not only be supported verbally but be given resources and priority to develop new power plants so that our people should continue to have affordable electricity in their homes and the industries. “
