Balaka district commissioner (DC) Ali Phiri has described Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (Marep) as a catalyst for development.
He said this in an interview on Monday following the switching on of Marep Phase 8 Mwaye Power Line by Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Aggrey Masilast week in Traditional Authority Kalembo in the district.
Chimwemwe Banda after unveiling the plaque
The DC said when teachers are posted to rural areas, many of them decline to go there because of lack of electricity.
He said the switching on of the power line will provide electricity to a number of areas in Balaka North and ease the council’s work in posting staff, especially teachers.
Said Phiri: “When we deploy teachers to rural areas, they feel as if we are punishing them. But with power available in the rural areas, they will be motivated.”
“Teachers will be able to work at night when preparing lessons and marking pupils’ work. They can also conduct evening classes.”
In a separate interview, Balaka district education manager Davie Nserebo said many teachers who were upgrading themselves have been complaining that without power, reading has always been a challenge.
“Teachers used to complain that they could not access the Internet due to unavailability of power, but that will change now,” he said.
Through Marep Phase 8, the ministry has connected 336 centres to electricity nationwide.
