BWB Signs Contract with Indian Firm on Power Plant

Dr. Hanjahanja Dr. Hanjahanja - pic by Hezekiah Namonde

The Blantyre Water Board (BWB) has signed a contract with an Indian company, TATA Consulting Engineers to conduct a feasibility study and a detailed design for the development of a 30 megawatts solar power plant at walkers’ ferry Nkula site.

BWB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Robert Hanjahanja told journalists on Saturday that the 72 million United States Dollars solar project will assist the organization to overcome financial pressures that they have been facing to settle huge electricity bills to the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM).

“We generate between K1.8 billion to K1.9 billion a month in terms of revenue and 80 percent of it goes to ESCOM. We hope this solar plant will go a long way to reduce the burden we have when it comes to paying the bills and that it will introduce more reliability for we will have control on how much power we will be using.

He added that the 30 megawatts solar power will help them to move away from the national power grid which is offered by ESCOM, which means the electricity company will supply it to others.

TATA consulting Engineers limited general manager Rajeev Menon has assured to complete the project within its duration of between 18 to 24 months.

 “We know our objective and we know that this is an excellent mission. For us this is great job and we expect to do it on time,” said Menon

Ministry of Finance Acting Director of Debt and Aid Nations Msowoya says the government expects the project to be done with speed, warning the contractor to avoid unnecessary delays and contractual complications.

Government obtained a loan from the government of India to implement the solar power plant at walkers ferry with hope to enhance provision of clean and sufficient water to residents in Blantyre and other surrounding areas.

Read 1333 times
Login to post comments
Go to top
JSN Time 2 is designed by JoomlaShine.com | powered by JSN Sun Framework