ENERGY MINISTRY TELLS MERA TO TOUGHEN UP – Malawi News Online

During a visit, Minister of Energy, Bintony Kutsaira, has asked the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) to whip the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) and fuel firms to ensure that they operate efficiently.

Kutsaira made the call after noting that Escom registered a huge backlog of people waiting to be connected to power. “Malawians deserve the best services. So make sure they get the best services.” Kutsaira told Mera board and management after the visit, “Where there is laxity among players, it is your duty as a regulator to come in and ensure that sanity prevails,”

Speaking of toughening up, Mera conducted awareness on the dangers of illegal fuel trading. Mera Public Relations Officer, Patrick Maulidi, emphasized that illegal fuel vending is very harmful, considering that it can destroy lives and property. “It is only Mera that certifies people to sell fuel. We, therefore, regulate the procurement process, transportation and selling up ro the end user where within the process, if anything happens, the board is responsible.” Mchinji Police Station Officer, Joyce Mazalo, also remarked that the police will also take its role in getting rid of the businesses.  

The warning follows another warning earlier this year, when the Legal Affairs Committee urged the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining to review laws and regulations for construction of filling stations in Malawi.