By Eunice Disi Lole

Lilongwe, May 13, Mana: Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola, has applauded  Global Energy Access for People and Planet (GEAPP), in collaboration with the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) for the successful implementation of the scaling up access to energy projects.

Matola made the remarks Tuesday at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe during the celebration of the success of the project.

The project, which is coming to a close, has been implemented for two years with funding of over K2 billion.

It has connected cooperatives to the grid, powered irrigation schemes, launched the special agriculture tariff, connected more Malawians through MAREP, enhanced collaboration in the energy sector and also advanced mini grid projects.

“I am happy to have heard testimonies from agricultural cooperatives  such as sugarcane growers and irrigation schemes, who have benefited from the project. It is a clear indication that the country is moving towards Malawi 2063 on affordable energy,” he said.

Head of PDU, Dr Janet Banda, said the Unit is impressed with the progress made whih has exceeded their expectation under the objectives set up on the grant.

She said the Unit will continue to do its work focusing on energy and agri-energy, making sure that farmers are able to do irrigation farming at affordable cost.

In an interview GEAPP Country Delivery Lead, Collen Zalengela, said as the project is concluding, they will continue to partner with government in other areas for increased energy access among Malawians.

Currently, 25 percent of Malawians have access to electricity with 11.3 percent connected to the grid.

Malawi seeks to increase electricity access to 100 percent by 2030 with 30 percent connected to the grid and 70 percent off-grid.