Energy Officer in the Ministry of Energy Alinafe Kasinja said most rural communities would greatly develop because once electricity is connected, the areas are poised to become busy with different developmental progressive activities.

He was speaking during the commissioning of a 12.5KWh Solar Power Hub by Community Energy Malawi (CEM) in Sub-Traditional Authority Chakanza in Balaka on Tuesday and called on the community to properly look after the electricity hub.

Community Energy Malawi District Energy Officer Louis Yona said through the solar power hub, the organization plans to connect electricity to Mzepa Primary School and some teachers’ houses in addition to shops which they plan to construct around the hub.

He said so far shops have been constructed around the hub but plans to add more for accessibility and developing a place as a town for the community and surrounding areas.

"This project started as far back as 2010 and we have been working here with the community in irrigation using solar powered pumps and so far it has proved a success," said Yona.

"We will also be leaving the solar power hub in their hands so they can use it for their farming produce but that at the moment we will hang on with them to give the right expertise to properly look after the property," he added.

He said the hub has been set up with funding from the Scottish government.