Principal Secretary in the ministry of energy, engineer Alfoso Chikuni, says the project has registered significant pregress on feasibility study, engineering designs and has remained with the Environmental and Social Management Plans which incorporate compensations.

Chikuni says the construction of the high voltage power lines will commence soon after government has paid the budgeted compensations to the affected people.

"What we are remaining with is the compensation so that the works can start. The government has budgeted for such works and very soon we will start," he said.

In April this year, during his visit to Mozambique, President Lazarus Chakwera launched the project which will in the near future turn Malawi into a power high-way.

On progress made to talk with Tanzania and Mozambique to construct mini grids in rivers bordering the countries such as, at Songwe and Zoa falls in Thyolo, Chikuni says the agreement, including the feasibility study for Songwe were done awaiting financiers.

He added that through the World Bank, three mini grids are on the card while Chisi island mini grid will be through in the next two months.

Speaking to Zodiak Online on Saturday, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences energy expert Dr. Suzgo Kaunda, says the inter-connector project is ideal for the social-economic development since it will cover the country’s power deficit.

"That project is very important because it will add extra electricity to Malawi. As you are aware that our country is in very much deficit of electricity. So this will really add electricity for our own social-economical development," Dr. Kaunda said.

The project, being financed by the World Bank, the European Bank and the German state-owned bank KfW, is expected to be ready by October 2023.

Malawi lost about 130 megawatts of its power generation in January this year after Tropical Storm Ana destroyed Kapichira Hydropower power station.