President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has called on Malawians to protect public infrastructure, warning that vandalism poses a major obstacle to the nation’s progress. The president made the appeal on Monday during the launch of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at the Kanengo Substation in Lilongwe.
Speaking at the event, President Chakwera expressed gratitude to the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) for funding the initiative. He emphasized the need for a collective sense of ownership to safeguard Malawi’s developmental strides.
“It is a shame that some individuals choose to sabotage the country’s progress by destroying electricity poles and other ESCOM assets,” he said. “I urge all Malawians to adopt a spirit of patriotism and protect these developments, which are critical to our nation’s future.”
The BESS project is a landmark in Malawi’s energy sector, designed to stabilize the power grid and lower electricity costs. “This groundbreaking innovation will enhance grid stability and provide affordable electricity to millions of Malawians,” Chakwera added.
ESCOM Chairperson Morgan Tembo highlighted the project’s practical benefits, stating that the system will store 20 megawatts of electricity for use during peak demand hours. “The BESS project will ensure a more reliable power supply, improving access to electricity across the country,” he said.
Joseph Karanja Nganga, GEAPP’s Vice President for Africa, echoed these sentiments, describing the project as a vital step toward renewable energy integration in Malawi. “This battery storage system will bring stability to the network, enabling electrification and fostering economic development, education, and healthcare improvements,” he said.
The BESS project underscores Malawi’s commitment to advancing renewable energy while addressing the nation’s energy challenges. The president’s call for vigilance against vandalism highlights the importance of collective responsibility in sustaining these gains.
