Electricity Power Lines

The government of Malawi will soon mount a hunt for feasible sites for hydro electrical power stations in this Southern Africa nation where power cuts and inadequate electrical power supply are inhibiting speedy development.

Officials say feasibility studies will be carried out on more than ten rivers across the country for the said purpose.

"Malawi has many rivers with potential to generate hydro electricity," Finance minister Mr. Ken Kandodo says citing the Bua, Ruo, South Lukuru, Songwe and Dwangwa rivers

He said after the feasibility studies are done, his office would then approach financial bodies to fund projects to follow.

10 million United States Dollars for the feasibility studies was sourced from the African Development Bank.

It is not clear, however, when the studies will commence.

"We are confident that the private sector will come forward with money to build powers stations that will be connected to the national electricity grid," says Kandodo.

Currently, Malawi relies on electricity generated on Shire river at Nkula, Tedzani and Womvye Power stations.

According to ESCOM statistics, Malawi has 267 megawatts of available capacity of electric power generated against a demand of slightly over 300 megawatts.

Malawi and neighboring Mozambique are currently discussing possible electricity power sharing deal which is reportedly facing misunderstandings.