Contractors working on the construction of an additional 64 megawatts into the national grid at Kapichira Power Station have indicated that the project is on track and will be completed in August next year as scheduled.
China GezhouBa Group of Companies (CGGC) site manager at Kapichira, Liu Rongding, assured Escom board chairperson Kaisi Sadala on Friday that the project is going on well.
CGGC signed a contract with the Malawi Government in February last year to construct and install two-32 megawatts machines at the station. The project has a buffer of another six months if it misses the deadline.
Sadala toured the power station intake and the power house of the station.
In his remarks, Sadala said the board visited the power station to appreciate the project which he said will reduce power rationing in the country.
“The issue of power is critical. We have had a lot of complaints from the public and the investors. The fact is that there is insufficient capacity and load shedding is now the order of the day.
“As at now, it is a big challenge because investors cannot come to Malawi. We do not have enough power. But with the additional 64 megawatts, it will go a long way to reduce power blackouts and attract investors,†he said.
Escom acting chief executive Peter Ntonda said the demand for power in the country outstrips the generation and supply.
He also expressed hope that the $55 million project will relieve Escom of some pressure.
Power demand in the country is currently at slightly over 344 megawatts against a total installed capacity of 285 megawatts.
