By Cosmas Kaunga, ESCOM Outreach Officer
Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited Officer in-Charge (OIC) for Dowa, Amon Chirwa, says all employees for the power utility company must strive to serve customers better as they are the life-blood of the company.
Chirwa said this on Monday, 27th November 2023, at an event which his office organised to honour Osman Baibulo and Menard Chizonda as the best performing employees for the district this month.
Chirwa said he was moved by the unwavering commitment and dedication of the employees in ensuring that customers are assisted effectively and efficiently.
“The employees that we have recognised in this month of November are in two categories of Employee of the Month and Improved Performance Employee,” he said.
The OIC then explained how the awardees were selected.
“For the Employee of the Month, we were looking at how well employees meet targets, perform their tasks beyond the minimum required, their capabilities in addressing challenges and also giving feedback. We were also compelled to award employees who constructively take advice from supervisors in that at the end, their performance has improved immensely,” he said.
Chirwa said as a result of dedication and hard work, Dowa ESCOM is able to resolve faults within the timeframe stipulated in the Customer Service Charter.
Mayamiko Chaluluka, a supervisor for Dowa ESCOM, however, said there are some challenges that impinge on the employees’ performance at his office.
He cited limited access to personal protective equipment as among the challenges.
During the awards ceremony, Baibulo was recognised for having improved his performance whereas Chizonda was named as the Employee of the Month. Both walked away with a K25,000 cash prize each and certificates of recognition.
Baibulo said, previously, he used not to apply himself fully to his work when assigned by his supervisors.
“I could come to work late most of the times and sometimes, knock off earlier. My supervisor used to advise me to take my job seriously,” he said.
Baibulo said he took heed of the pieces of advice from the supervisors and improved his performance.
“Now, I am even proud of myself because even customers come to my supervisor to express satisfaction with the work that I do with support of my colleagues,” he said.
Chizonda said he likes learning new things and applying knowledge gained in his line of duty, to serve customers better.
“I have always applied myself fully in carrying out my work to ensure that I surpass the targets set by my supervisors. I also communicate to my supervisors any challenges that I face while carrying my assignments,” he said.
In September this year, ESCOM Limited launched its Integrated Strategic Plan 2023/27 (ISP27), which among others, seeks to ensure that its employees are empowered to deliver the goods.
“Under this strategic goal, we will focus on transforming our operations in order to achieve operational efficiency, effectiveness, safety and cultural transformation,” ISP27 reads in part.
