US tips Malawi on Millennium Challenge Corporation compact

Tom Sangala July 6, 2018

280 1 minute read

BY FAITH KAMTAMBE:

The United States (US) Ambassador to Malawi, Virginia Palmer, has advised Malawi to keep Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) creditworthy and free from manipulation if the country is to be eligible for a new Millennium Challenge Corporation’s Compact.

Palmer also said the Anti- Corruption Bureau (ACB) has to be fully-staffed and undertake its work effectively to enhance transparency and accountability in the country.

Speaking during celebrations marking the US’s 242 birthday in Lilongwe on Wednesday, Palmer said, as the current Compact ends on September 20 this year, it is critical that all procedures should be followed for the first Compact to be successful and for the country to qualify for the second one.

Palmer said she is very proud that the Compact with Malawi has increased the number of customers connected to the national electricity grid and improved the capacity of Malawi’s transmission lines.

“We are going to be cutting a lot of ribbons on new sub-stations before the Compact ends on September 20. But Compact investments were meant to spur investment in new generation so I hope Malawi will quickly – and using proper procurement procedures – sign Power Purchase Agreements to get power on line and signal to the world that Malawi is open for business,” Palmer said.

Palmer further said it is the embassy’s wish that all investigations by the ACB are concluded.

“I would like to see the ACB get fully staffed. I would like see investigations getting carried all the way to their conclusion including prosecutions and convictions and when that happens the signal goes out to people who want to steal and it won’t be tolerated,” she said.

Commenting on the coming elections, Palmer said political parties should desist from violence to ensure peace and stability.

“I will be sorry not to be here but I will be watching with keen interest from the United States. There is the technical capacity if political leaders commit themselves to avoiding violence,” she said.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Francis Kasaila, said Malawi would continue to learn from the US government.

“We appreciate the support that we continue receiving from the US government as a young democracy. They have been there for us. We do not want to reach their development status at 242, we can get there quicker,” Kasaila said.

Americans celebrate their Independence Day on July 4.