ESCOM UNDER INVESTIGATIONS FOR FAULTY MACHINES

Malawi government through the Ministry Energy, Mines and Natural Resources says it is investigating the Electricity Corporation of Malawi (Escom) following allegations that it purchased faulty power generating equipment.

According to reports it’s noted that the Corporation closed down some power plant to service two machines which were commissioned on December 27, 2013.

ESCOM was established under the Companies Act of 1984. The mandate of the Corporation is to generate, transmit and distribute electricity in the country.

In March this year, the Corporation also closed the same power plant for 28 days to repair the same machines.

Consumer rights activist and executive director of the Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama) John Kapito suspected foul play, claiming the corporation swindled a lot of money in the process of purchasing the equipment.

Kapito said the development is affecting both business players and the public who are experiencing frequent power outages.

He said Escom must have purchased old power generating equipment which was installed at the power plant.

However, Atupele Muluzi, Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Resources said government is currently working with other public institutions to get to the bottom of the issue.

“Government is tireless working with concerned entities to find out what exactly happen. I urge critics to desist from making unfounded comments. Very shortly, we will come up with a statement to that effect.” Muluzi said