By Yankho Maunjiri
Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has highlighted the importance of electrical installers in the country to have a permit from them.
Consumer and Public Relations Manager for MERA, Fitina Khonje made the remarks in Dedza on Wednesday during a sensitization meeting with electrical installers in the district.
Khonje said the installers need to have qualifications and a permit from them so as to be able to operate legally.
‘‘Some of these installers are not aware that they have to get a permit from MERA’’.
Khonje explained that MERA is able to follow and inspect works by those who have the permit to ensure they stick to standards, for their customers to be protected.
She said when electrical installation goes wrong, lives and properties are affected.
She added that those who will be found operating without a license from MERA will be fined and imprisoned for 6 months.
‘‘There is a requirement in the law that all people that are doing electrical installation should have a permit from MERA’’.
Commenting on the matter chairperson of Association of Electrical Installers( AEI) in Dedza Christopher Magombo said one of the challenges they are facing is lack of knowledge by consumers on the right procedures to follow when hiring them.
Magombo said now that MERA has enlightened them on the need to have a permit, they will sit down with the members of the Association to make sure they all have the required qualifications to be eligible for the permit.
He said this will help the installers to work freely without fear of being arrested by police.
“This will also help consumers have trust in us”, added Magombo.
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