Mzuzu City considers embracing solar power

Mzuzu City Council (MCC) plans to migrate from hydro-electric power to solar energy for street lights in the city.

The decision seeks to save money spent on electricity bills.

MCC chief executive officer McLoud Kadam’manja said this when he briefed journalists on a media tour to different government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to appreciate the progress made on the reforms agenda.

He said MCC incurs huge electricity bills.

Kadam’manja observed that since the city is growing, construction of roads needs to be intensified with the necessary provisions such as pavements and street lights.

The migration is expected to take place in the next phase of the reforms which is expected to start in the next financial year.

Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) Public Sector Reforms Unit chief reforms officer Emily Tembo was impressed with MCC’s reforms, saying something good is happening in public institutions, thereby offering better services to residents.

In 2015, President Peter Mutharika launched the reforms agenda which is being facilitated by OPC Public Sector Reforms Management Unit.

If implemented, Mzuzu would become the second city council to use solar for street lights after Zomba City Council.