By Hopeson Kafumbwa, Public Relations Intern
To tackle persistent blackouts in the Central and the Northern regions of Malawi, the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited has initiated a major infrastructure upgrade under the Eastern Backbone Project. The initiative involves replacing the wooden poles with steel-latticed towers along the 132kV transmission line.
ESCOM Chief Engineer for Transmission, Leonard Machonjo, said the project is currently in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), and Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) phase, which began in August 2024 and is expected to conclude by November 2025.
“We have engaged Smec International as the consultant to oversee the ESIA and RPF processess. Once these processes are complete, we will move forward with tendering and engineering supervision to kick-start the project,” Machonjo said.
He emphasized that the project would only proceed if ESIA and RPF results are favourable. The Swedish government is funding ESIA and RPF through the Swedish Fund.
“Upon a positive assessment, funding for the initiative will be released by the financiers, which include the European Union, and other developmental partners,” he said.
The project will benefit Central Region districts such as Salima, Ntchisi, Nkhotakota, parts of Kasungu, and the entire Northern Region by reducing frequent blackouts, and power outages in these areas.
The wooden line has outlived its lifespan having been constructed 42 years ago, hence prone to termite attacks and adverse weather conditions.
EU Ambassador to Malawi, Rune Skinnebach, committed to fund the project after signing a K174 billion (€85 million) agreement with the Minister of Finance, Simplex Chithyola Banda, in Lilongwe on Monday, 29th July 2024.
EU will fund the project through a grant of EUR 30 million, whereas a concessional loan of EUR 55 million will come from the European Investment Bank. The Africa Development Bank will also invest in this project in parallel.
