Energy
Completion period for power interconnection project shifted
October 21, 2021 / Noel Mkwaila
The completion period for the implementation of the Malawi-Mozambique Interconnection project has been shifted from the initial 2022 deadline to October 2023, Alex Kaitane, the Senior Project Manager at Electricity Supply Commission (ESCOM) has told the press.
Kataine attributed the change to the Covid-19 pandemic, whose preventative restriction measures to contain the disease prohibited foreign travels that would have facilitated project revision meetings between the two countries.
“During the preparatory stage, we used to conduct meetings to plan its implementation, but Covid-19 interrupted the process, a development which forced us to embrace virtual meeting, until this too, met its own challenges,” he said.
He explained that among other plans to sustain the project and ensure that it remains on track even when the coronavirus resurfaces, ESCOM intends to involve local contractors to implement it.
The aim of the Malawi-Mozambique Interconnection Project is to incorporate Malawi into the Southern African Power (SAPP) which provides a platform for trading of electricity within the SADC Member states.
“The project will address the country’s frequent power outages resulting from high demand for electricity as it will be importing 50 Megawatts (MW) from Mozambique to boost its supply,” said Kataine.
It is planned that 218 kilometers long power lines will be constructed from Mozambique to Malawi with 76 kilometers lined in Malawi and 142 kilometers in Mozambique.
The US$127 million has seen the World Bank committing US$15 million to the project while the European Union supports it with 20 million Euros. Malawi as a beneficiary country has contributed US$2.5 million.
Reports indicate that the feasibility study for the project as well as environmental impact Assessment including Resettlement Policy have all been completed while implementation contracts have also been awarded.
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The establishment of a stable and self-sustaining ecosystem, but not necessarily the one that existed before mining began. In many cases, complete restoration may be impossible, but successful remediation, reclamation, and rehabilitation can result in the timely establishment of a functional ecosystem.
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Remediation:
The cleanup of the contaminated area to safe levels by removing or isolating contaminants. At mine sites, remediation often consists of isolating contaminated material in pre-existing tailings storage facilities, capping tailings and waste rock stockpiles with clean topsoil, and collecting and treating any contaminated mine water if necessary.
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