Energy
MERA focuses on stakeholder aspirations in new strategic plan
February 13, 2020 / Wahard Betha
The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) says it is set to meet the needs and expectations of various stakeholders in Malawi through implementation of its third Strategic Plan and Customer Service Charter for the period of 2020 to 2024.
Speaking in Lilongwe during the launch of the strategic plan and customer services charter, Board Chairperson for MERA Joseph Bvumbwe said the strategic plan articulates the vision, mission, core values and an implementation matrix that will help the body to focus on the terms to deal with expectations during the four years.
“During the four years MERA will focus on the following priorities that have been termed as strategic pillars: positive contribution towards an energy secure nation; financial sustainability; efficient and effective service delivery; and public trust,” Bvumbwe said.
Stakeholder’s expectations include: timely processing of applications; strict enforcement of Performance and Safety Standards; continuous professional development of energy industry players; consistency in the enforcement of regulations; enhanced information communication and education of stakeholders especially regarding to MERA roles and functions; and improved efficiency in operations.
Bvumbwe said MERA desires that regulation of the industry should result into predictable and reliable energy supplies to ensure that the country has energy security in terms of supply, quality and distribution.
He stressed that during the planned four-year period, MERA will make more efforts to increase and diversify its revenue base to achieve the estimated budget of MK36.2 billion for the implementation of the plan.
He said: “We shall strive to be efficient for effective service delivery and we shall adopt best practices and provide services in accordance with governing statutes.
“We desire to enhance our transparency, open communication, and demonstrate high standard of ethics.”
The Board the board has identified potential risks and strategies to mitigate any setbacks to reaching the desired destination.
He said launch of the MERA service Charter and 2020-2024 Strategic Plan is an important landmark for MERA, in particular, and the energy sector generally.
“The Board commits to work with the CEO, Management and staff to ensure that MERA works in such a way that is not only responsive to the needs of consumers and industry players but also facilitates the overall quality implementation of the Service Charter and Strategic Plan,” he said.
Bvumbwe pleaded for continued support and cooperation from the stakeholders stressing that that is the only way to make the plans have true meaning and bear results.
In his remarks, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Binton Kutsaira, who was the Guest of Honour at the ceremony, said availability of adequate energy is a key catalyst to the country’s development and MERA is at the very heart of the solution to deal with energy crisis in the country.
Kutsaira said the strategic plan has come at an opportune time when Malawi’s energy sector is undergoing transformation as the country races towards a middle income status that requires more energy to power up economy.
He said: “The 2020-2024 MERA strategic plan has set out a comprehensive roadmap for reform of the energy sector. Its objectives are to ensure that the sector becomes more performance oriented, more flexible and more responsible.”
Kutsaira urged management of MERA to continue engaging with all stakeholders as they implement the plan.
Energy is of the key priority areas (KPAs) outlined in the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy III.
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