As Malawi Rural Electrification Program (MAREP 9) is yet to commence, it has been revealed that lengthy procurement process is delaying the commencement of the programme.
Speaking in Salima on Thursday during a progress report presentation to the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Climate Change, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Energy Alfonso Chikuni said the ministry is yet to receive 49 percent of the materials to be used in the implementation of MAREP 9.
He said preparations for MAREP 9 implementation began two years ago but unfortunately construction on the ground has not commenced as the Ministry of Energy is still waiting for response from Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA).
“Government Procurement processes take about 290 days on average, as the time limit set to complete the process as demanded by law. This delays the whole work but my ministry will push for a no-objection from PPDA to enable award of construction works.” He said.
According to Chikuni obtaining a no objection will streamline and hasten procurement processes which in turn will mean that implementation of the program will also commence without delay.
On his part Chairperson for Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources, Werani Chilenga acknowledged that the ministry is having challenges in the implementation of the programem but has advised that the ministry should also review the site allocations for the programme as some districts have limited sites.
“We have noted that forex shortage is a big concern affecting the speedy implementation of the project as the Reserve Bank of Malawi has managed to pay only 3 Million Dollars to suppliers through Centenary Bank instead of 11 Million dollars needed.
“Materials by other suppliers are in the country in bond houses waiting for their redemption when forex is enough,” he said
Chilenga also pinpointed issues surrounding the equitable distribution of the energy as MPs in the committee noted that some sites that were proposed to benefit have not been included.
Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) is a Government of Malawi Project whose objective is to increase access to electricity for people in Peri-Urban and rural areas as governments effort to reduce poverty, transform rural economies, improve productivity and improve the quality of social services.
