IF I WERE: Bintony Kutsaira

Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, I would channel my energy towards finding long-term solutions to electricity challenges other than meeting Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority  (Mera) officers to order them to shut down filling stations that are offering poor services.

If I were the minister, surely I would realise a minister should not be preoccupied with issuing ultimatums to filling stations because that can be taken care of by inspectors at Mera and my ministry.

Oh yes, if I were Bwana Kutsaira, I would appreciate that what Malawians want to hear from their minister are life-changing actions government is taking to seek cost-effective electricity generation and long-term solution to the electricity challenges as continued use of smoky diesel-powered generators is costly and unsustainable for the country’s economy and the planet haunted by climate change.

If I were the former Malawi Congress Party bigshot, this is what should have preoccupied my mind as a minister and surely not poor services offered by some filling stations that my juniors can monitor and fine at will.

If only I were the minister, I would prioritise the energy  crisis crippling the economy.

 Unfortunately, I am not one Bintony Kutsaira!