Engineers should rise to the occasion by solving challenges such as energy shortages and infrastructure gaps, State Vice-President Dr. Michael Usi said on Thursday.
Dr. Usi said this when he opened the 2024 Malawi Engineering Institution (MEI) fourth Engineering Conference involving some 25 ESCOM engineers at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi.
In his speech, Usi also cited water scarcity and transportation constraints as among the challenges that require solving if the country is to meet Malawi’s 63 agenda.
“Our nation faces significant challenges: infrastructure gaps, energy shortages, water scarcity, and transportation constraints. But as we gather here, we should not look at these challenges as obstacles, but opportunities for engineers to shine,” he said.
He also urged the 400-plus participants to evaluate their engineering profession through the lens of Malawi’s development needs.
“Are we producing engineers who can design, build, and maintain the infrastructure we need?” Usi said.
The Vice-President further challenged the delegates to brainstorm the steps needed to safeguard and improve the engineering profession in Malawi.
“For instance, Malawi has over the years grappled and struggled with sub-standard infrastructure including roads which have failed to withstand the test of time….It is my plea to you, our esteemed engineers, to seriously discuss how you should review design and construction practices to make our infrastructure more resilient to climatic shocks like floods,” he said.
ESCOM, a predominantly engineering-based company, is among the sponsors of the conference held under the theme: Evaluating the Engineering Profession: Driving the Attainment of 2063.
The conference has sub-themes such as Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability; Innovations and Automation in Malawi – Challenges and Potentials; Engineering Professional Development in Malawi – Roadmap and Challenges; and Risk Sharing in Contracting for a Volatile Economy – lessons and Experiences from Malawi.
Some of the ESCOM staff attending the conference are Mary Chirwa, Yawo Nyali, Effort Tigu, Chifundo Segula, Gloria Kambirinya, Kenneth Mjojo, Mcdowel Kumatso, Atupele Mwagomba, Tymon Makhumbo, Dumisani Kananza, Bernadette Hara, James Chiumia, Femia Zgambo, Gilbert Mwafulirwa, Rosemary Kantema, Kingsley Tchale, Peter Murotho, Martin Mbwandira, John Wahera, Gilbson Chilungo, Christopher Beza, Laurent Nyirenda, James Chiumia and Gibson Nkhata.