Chisi Island lights up after years in darkness

For the first in many years, the people of Chisi island in Zomba now have electricity, thanks to the  46.2 Kilowatt Min grid that the government in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have constructed.

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Speaking after the inauguration of the Mini-grid, 58-year-old resident Olida Mitungwi, expressed joy with the development saying their lives have completely transformed.

“I cannot believe that Chisi island has electricity now, I have longed to see this day, and I am glad I am alive to finally witness this groundbreaking move.

“Travelling to the mainland every time we needed services that required electricity, was a risk, because lake winds are not stable, at the same it was expensive, now I am glad that we can do everything on the island ” said Mitungwi.

Mitungwi also lamented the difficulties of traveling on the lake to access services like maize milling and how they were forced to throw maize flour in the lake when wings were strong.

In his speech Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola said the construction of the Mini-grid is testimony to Government’s commitment to increase universal access to sustainable electricity for every Malawian.

“It is heart warming to see how the coming of electricity has transformed lives of people here; the health centre is  now able to store all essential medicines requiring cold temperatures, learners can study all day without disruptions and businesses are booming all because of electricity,” said Matola

UNDP Portfolio Manager for Resilience Rabi Gaudo, said  UNDP plans to extend capacity of the Mini grid, so that it caters for the 400 households on the island, as the current capacity of 46.2 Kilowatt can only supply to 200 households.

Member of Parliament for Zomba Chisi constituency Mark Botoman, said an island has many limitation, however bringing electricity at Chisi Island, will help the people on the island access all social amenities without challenges.

The Mini grid has been constructed with a grant of one Billion Malawi Kwacha from the UNDP.

So far 58 households have been connected, among them 8 institutional houses like Health Centre and Primary school.