Malawi: The people of Chisi island in Zomba now have electricity after the construction of a 46.2 Kilowatt Min grid. The government constructed the grid in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
A 58-year-old resident of the community, Olida Mitungwi shared that the community is delighted with inauguration of the mini grid. He said that the life of the community is set to transform completely. He made the remarks during the inauguration of the mini grid
“I cannot believe that Chisi island has electricity now, I have longed to see this day, and I am glad I am alive to finally witness this groundbreaking move.
“Travelling to the mainland every time we needed services that required electricity, was a risk, because lake winds are not stable, at the same it was expensive, now I am glad that we can do everything on the island ” said Mitungwi.
Mitungwi said that it is difficult to travel in the community across the lake. As such many people can not access services like maize milling. The members of the community were forced to throw maize flour in the lake when winds were strong.
Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola also expressed his delight on the inauguration of the grid. He said that the development is a proof of Government’s commitment to increase universal access to sustainable electricity.
“It is heart warming to see how the coming of electricity has transformed lives of people here; the health centre is now able to store all essential medicines requiring cold temperatures, learners can study all day without disruptions and businesses are booming all because of electricity” Said Matola
UNDP Portifoli Manager for Reselliance Rabi Gaudo, said UNDP plans to extend capacity of the Mini grid, so that it caters for the 400 households on the island, as the current capacity of 46.2 Kilowatt can only supply to 200 households.
Member of Parliament for Zomba Chisi constituency Mark Botoman, said an island has many limitation, however bringing electricity at chisi island, will help the people on the island access all social amenities without challenges.
The Mini grid has been constructed with a grant of one Billion Malawi kwacha from the UNDP.
As per most recently, 58 households have been connected, among them 8 institutional houses like Health Centre and Primary school.