THE MINISTRY OF ENERGY HOSTS PARLIAMENARY COMMITTEES OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CLIMATE CHANGE, AND GOVERNANCE ASSURANCE AND PUBLIC SECTOR REFORMS

On the 10th of March 2023, the Ministry of Energy in Malawi hosted the parliamentary committees of Natural Resources and Climate Change, and Governance Assurance and Public Sector Reforms at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre. The meeting which was co-chaired by Chairpersons of both Committees Honourables Werani Chilenga and Noel Lipipa respectively, was held to update the committees on the progress of the Malawi Rural Electrification Program (MAREP) phase 9.

The Ministry of Energy gave an update on the current situation of the supply and delivery of materials for the project. The ministry reported that the procurement of materials was still ongoing, and that there had been some delays due to several administrative issues. However, the ministry assured the committees that the delivery of materials would be completed in the coming months.

Furthermore, the ministry stated that the construction works would take a period of 8 months once the materials have been delivered. The project aims to provide electricity to 416 rural areas that have never been connected to the national grid. The electrification of rural areas is crucial for economic development as it provides access to information and technology, improves health, and promotes education.

The meeting was an opportunity for the committees to ask questions and raise concerns about the progress of the project. The committees were also able to provide suggestions and recommendations to the Ministry on how to improve the Programme.

Overall, the meeting was a positive step towards the successful implementation of MAREP phase 9. The Ministry of Energy’s commitment to providing regular updates to the parliamentary committees demonstrates its transparency and accountability to the public.