The government h a s commissioned a 46.2 kilowatt solar photovoltaic (solar-pv) micro-grid power plant at Nkumbira on Chisi Island in Zomba District.
The micro-grid has been constructed with $500,000 (about K875.5 million) support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
So far, about 100 houses and businesses have been connected with power, but authorities target about 200 houses and businesses.
The electricity has resulted in the booming of small-scale businesses in the island such as the maize mill, cold drinks business, barber shop, video show and others.
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The Island health centre has also been connected with power, enabling expectant mothers to deliver even at night with ease.
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Commissioning the project, Energy Minister Ibrahim Matola said the electricity will greatly transform the lives of people of Chisi Island.
He said people on the Island will no longer travel long distances via water to the mainland to access services such as maize mill, barber shops and others.
“Electricity is an enabler. It will enable the people of the island to open up many small businesses which they could not do in the past,” Matola said.
He hailed UNDP for the financial support towards the project.
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UNDP Portfolio Manager for Resilience Rabi Gaudo said his organisation plans to extend the project to the other side of the island so that it connects more houses and businesses.
Zomba Chisi lawmaker Mark Botomani said he was happy to see the electricity project materialising.
According to Botomani, bringing electricity to the people of Chisi Island was one of the key promises he made to the people of the island when he was campaigning for the position of MP some nine years ago.
“I am very happy to see electricity at Chisi Island,” Botomani said.
Director of Electricity in the Ministry of Energy Million Mafuta warned the communities at the island against vandalising electricity infrastructure such as poles and wires.
The micro-grid was set up by CAA Energy
