By Llywellenie Mpasa
Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has said the Malawi-Mozambique Power Interconnector Project will roll out soon as about 80 percent of the work has been completed.
Escom Chief Operations Officer Maxwell Mulimakwenda said this Monday in Neno at the launch of a tree replanting exercise.
The project is designed to connect Mozambique and Malawi power transmission systems to enable both countries to engage in bilateral and regional power trade in the Southern African Power Pool (Sapp).
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It will translate into improved access to electricity in the country by 50 megawatts.
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In his remarks, Mulimakwenda emphasised their commitment to environmental conservation in light of the power transmission line development.
“The project aims to contribute to the interconnection of the Malawian electrical network to the Southern African Power Pool, providing an initial 120 megawatts, equivalent to the combined power output of Nkula A and B power grids. The project is set to conclude in September,” he said.
Mulimakwenda said the Resettlement Action Plan ensures that those affected by tree-cutting for the power line would receive compensation.
“Each household that lost a fruit tree will be given with 10 trees, totaling 42,950 trees distributed to affected households,” he said.
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He added that Escom is collaborating with Larsen and Toubro of India, the contractors overseeing the project, to distribute an additional 32,000 fruit tree seedling.
During the launch on Monday, Escom took a proactive step, planting 200 fruit trees and distributing 2,000 tree seedlings at Naminjale LEA School in Neno District.
He said the collaborative efforts of Escom and the local communities involved are shaping a future that not only ensures reliable power but also prioritises environmental sustainability.
Director of Planning for Neno District Council Charles Lomoni commended Escom for engaging school children in the tree-planting initiative, emphasising the importance of instilling a sense of environmental responsibility.
“The involvement of school children in this initiative is commendable as it fosters a spirit of conserving the ecosystem through the planting of trees,” Lomoni said.
