Managing director for Mach Milk Company, Madalitso Charles Phiri, told journalists in Blantyre on Tuesday that they have paid K32 million to ESCOM which is yet to provide them with electricity at the company.

“Three other shareholders and I have invested over 190 million kwacha to establish a powdered milk manufacturing company near Mpemba in Blantyre. We are just waiting for ESCOM to fix us a meter to start our work,” said Phiri.

He then asked government to remove the burden that investors are experiencing when they want their newly established companies to be connected to electricity.

Phiri said they expect to employ 200 people and engage various cooperatives, Chadzunda milk Association and direct farmers from Blantyre, Thyolo, Chikwawa and Nsanje to supply milk at the company.

He added that they expect the company to begin its operations next month.

The managing director was speaking when minister of industry toured the company on Tuesday.

Minister Roy Kachale said his ministry is engaging relevant authorities to address utility challenges.

Kachale added that his ministry is working hard to improve value chains in the country in line with the 2063 agenda.

“We want to promote rural industrialization in this country to create wealth among Malawians,” said Kachale.

There was no immediate reaction from ESCOM on the matter.