ESCOM, the Malawi Electricity Supply Corporation, is dedicated to enhancing the electricity supply in the Central Region of Malawi, particularly in Lilongwe.

The organization has embarked on a project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aimed at upgrading substations in the city. ESCOM's Chief Operating Officer, Maxwell Kulimakwenda, announced during a press conference that the Kanengo Substation will be upgraded from 85MW to 158MW. This improvement will allow ESCOM to accommodate approximately 60,000 new connections. Additionally, several old town substations will be upgraded from 37.5 MW to 50MW, enabling ESCOM to connect 21,000 new customers.

The project entails the installation of additional transformers and associated switchgear, as well as the construction of a control building. Kulimakwenda emphasized that the arrival of five transformers at Dedza Border Post on June 27, 2023, marked a significant milestone in the project's progress. Eng. Alfonso Chikuni, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, reiterated the government's commitment to ending load shedding by improving electricity supply. Chikuni highlighted the importance of the JICA-funded project, as it addresses the challenges faced by ESCOM and consumers in Lilongwe and the surrounding region. The project aligns with Japan's assistance policy for Malawi, focusing on "Quality growth" and the reliable and stable supply of electricity for sustainable development activities.

The implementation of the project is made possible through a grant of 2.891 billion Yen (USD 19.053 million) from JICA. The Government of Malawi is also co-financing the project, with an overall cost of approximately USD 21 million. The upgrade of substations and integration of modern equipment will not only improve the system's capacity and reliability but also pave the way for the inclusion of renewable energy sources. This endeavor aims to extend access to a more reliable and stable electricity supply, benefiting both existing and unserved customers in the region.

Source: malawi24.com