By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, October 20, Mana: Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola says government will continue connecting electricity to many trading centres across the country through the Malawi Rural Electrification Program (MAREP), as one way of improving livelihoods.
Matola made the assurance on Saturday at Kacheta Trading Centre in the area of Traditional Authority Chadza in Lilongwe during the commissioning of MAREP phase 9 electricity at Kacheta Trading Centre,
“Energy is the driver of the economy. It is an enabler; hence bringing electricity to this area is a milestone in transforming the livelihood. As you have also seen here, there is a historical Ngala mountain which will now be attracting people to see it, hence boosting the tourism sector,” he said.
Matola said it is President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s vision to see the lives of the people more especially those living in rural areas to access amenities aimed at transforming their lives.
Member of Parliament for Msozi North who is also Minister of Trade and Industry Sosten Gwengwe thanked the government for bringing electricity in the area which he said will boost small-scale business.
“I am so happy with this development. I want to assure people of this area that the government will continue to provide developments such as the construction of bridges, classroom blocks, clinics and many more,” he said.
One of the business people, Jonathan Malembo thanked the government for the initiative saying it will boost business activities in the area.
It is anticipated that 360 houses will be connected to electricity in the area.
Ministry of Energy targets 460 sites in MAREP phase 9 across the country and in the meantime it has managed to complete and commission 237 centres countrywide, representing 67 percent.
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera commissioned the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) phase 9 on 24th September, 2024 in the area of Group Village Nguluwe under Traditional Authority Mbenje in Nsanje district.
