By Tabbu Kitta Kauye

Zomba, December 24, Mana:  For the first in many years, the people of Chisi Island in Zomba now have electricity, thanks to the 46.2 Kilowatt Min grid that the government in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have constructed.

Speaking after the inauguration of the Mini-grid, 58-year-old resident Olida Mitungwi, expressed joy with the development saying their lives have completely transformed.

"I cannot believe that Chisi Island has electricity now, I have longed to see this day, and I am glad I am alive to finally witness this groundbreaking move.

"Travelling to the mainland every time we needed services that required electricity, was a risk, because lake winds are not stable, at the same it was expensive, now I am glad that we can do everything on the island,” said Mitungwi.

Mitungwi also lamented the difficulties of travelling on the lake to access services like maize milling and how they were forced to throw maize flour in the lake when wings were strong.

In his speech, Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola said the construction of the Mini-grid is testimony to Government's commitment to increase universal access to sustainable electricity for every Malawian.