Power shortage affects Kungoni’s operations
Kungoni Centre of Culture and Art which is under Mua Mission in Dedza has bemoaned the power shortage which has hit the area affecting most of its operations.
The centre which started in 1976 has grown into a world recognised centre of cultural information and art training.
Among others, the centre also has the Chamare Museum and carving centre where experienced wood carvers train new recruits.
The power shortage has also affected the operations of Mua Mission Hospital.
Father Claude Boucher better known as Achisale, who spearheads Kungoni, said yesterday the power shortage problem has grounded the cultural centre, which continues to play a crucial role in preserving and promoting culture in the country.
“We are a cultural hub that is there to promote and preserve culture. A lot of activities happen here, we host tourists, who come to appreciate the beauty of Malawi through culture but we cannot do so, now because of power shortage. We have tried contacting the faults office in Salima but they have not assisted us,” Boucher said.
He indicated that Kungoni has been without electricity since December 27 last year and that they had power on January 9 this year.
“As I indicated earlier, Kungoni is a touristic centre and again, there is also a hospital which conducts operations but they are failing to do that now,” Boucher said.
Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) Public Relations Manager, Innocent Chitosi, said yesterday they were aware of the problem that their valued customers were facing around Mua Mission in Dedza.
“Our high voltage cable which crosses a 132KV line was vandalized. This is the second or third vandalism that we have suffered on the same line within the past year alone. Plans are underway to construct a line to solve the problem,” Chitosi said.
He then appealed to members of the community to help them in safeguarding the line.
“We have our own security measures but those who vandalised the cable maybe living within the community. Surely, a tip to us or to the police would save the community from such inconvenience,” Chitosi said.
