Authorities have disclosed plans to invest approximately 105 billion kwacha in the Malawi Rural Electrification Project (MAREP) phase 10, set to replace the soon-to-be-completed MAREP phase 9.
The new phase aims to expand electricity access to over 70,000 households, building on the success of phase 9, which connected over 16,000 households to the grid.
Speaking to MIJ Online, Deputy Director for Electrification in the Ministry of Energy, Francisco Chingoli, expressed satisfaction with the progress of MAREP phase 9, which is expected to conclude by the end of August.
Chingoli highlighted that phase 10 will increase the number of beneficiaries, with a significant increase in budget allocation from 69 billion kwacha in phase 9 to 105 billion kwacha in phase 10.
According to Chingoli the preparatory activities for MAREP phase 10 are complete, and the procurement process is set to begin.
Meanwhile, Chairperson for the Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurance, Noel Lipipa, expressed delight with the progress of the project during his visit to beneficiaries in Dedza, Mulanje, and Mangochi districts.
Lipipa encouraged rural residents with grass-thatched houses to take advantage of the pre-mode system offered by ESCOM, which allows for connection to the grid without the need for wiring.
The Malawi Rural Electrification Project aims to bring electricity to rural areas, promoting economic development and improving the quality of life for thousands of households.
With phase 10 on the horizon, the government’s commitment to expanding access to electricity is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s rural communities.
