Delays in the procurement of materials for the implementation of phase nine of the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (Marep) has irked the Natural Resources Committee of Parliament. 

On Wednesday, the Committee had an interface with authorities from Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) and the Ministry of Energy to discuss the progress on Marep and the backlog of electricity connection applications.

During the interface, it transpired that procurement of materials is a challenge taking toll on the project, a development raising fears that it’s implementation would face further delays.

The committee’s Chairperson Werani Chilenga said they are disappointed with this.

Chilenga suggested the need to find other ways that would help to expedite the implementation considering the high demand of electricity in the country.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Energy Alfonso Chikuni attributed the delay to among other things, the devaluation of kwacha and scarcity of foreign exchange.

Chikuni however thinks there is need to review the project so as to iron out some of the challenges choking progress.