CDEDI wants ESCOM to reverse electricity tariffs hike

Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has asked the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) to reverse decision on tariffs hike, describing it as illegal.

The call follows revelation that ESCOM hiked the tariffs without any approval from the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA).

In the statement CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa described the news as as it is illegal for ESCOM to make unilateral decisions.

“We are, therefore, inclined to believe that the Tonse Alliance Government is remotely controlling MERA to push the blame on ESCOM, following a backlash from the public over exorbitant charges, tariffs and levies on essential services and products such as water, electricity, fuel, cooking oil, etc.

“Malawians of goodwill may wish to recall that on 21st April, 2021, CDEDI led the country in nationwide peaceful demonstrations against these insulting tariffs and charges on essential goods and services, which are hurting the poor and the marginalized,” said Namiwa.

Namiwa has since asked authorities to discipline ESCOM over this embarrassing incident and also ensure that consumers have been paid back what was overcharged.