Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola has assured Members of Parliament that the electrification of 460 trading centers under the ninth phase of the Malawi Rural Electrification Project (MAREP) is nearing completion, with 80% of the work already done.
Responding to questions from various constituencies during a parliamentary session, Matola acknowledged initial delays caused by challenges, including a foreign exchange shortage. However, he stated that the government has addressed these issues, enabling significant progress.
“We will provide a detailed update on the number of trading centers already connected before Parliament adjourns,” Matola said.
He noted that Likoma Island is not included in the current phase as it is already fully connected to off-grid electricity.
Matola assured MPs that all necessary materials for the project are now in place, expressing optimism about its imminent completion.
“The government remains committed to ensuring that the entire country benefits from electrification without any form of favoritism or discrimination,” he added, emphasizing that the project is funded through the fuel levy.
MAREP 9 aims to enhance rural electrification and improve access to electricity in trading centers across Malawi, contributing to the country’s overall development goals.
