By Chisomo Phiri
The Energy Generation Company (EGENCO) has announced that due to the current fuel scarcity, it has been forced to reduce power supply to Likoma and Chizumulu islands.
In a statement,the company says it is struggling to access enough diesel to operate its generators, which usually supplement the solar power systems in these two areas.
It says this has resulted in power outages, with Likoma island experiencing a 6-hour blackout and Chizumulu island facing a 9-hour power cut.
The power producing company says it has only managed to secure 40% of the required diesel, exacerbating the issue.
Reads part of its statement:”EGENCO is working hard to resolve this issue and ensure a steady power supply to these islands.
“The company is exploring alternative sources of diesel and is in talks with stakeholders to find a solution.
“In the meantime, residents of Likoma and Chizumulu islands are advised to conserve energy and use alternative sources of power where possible.
“We hope that EGENCO will soon find a solution to this problem and restore the power supply to these islands.”
Malawi has been experiencing fuel scarcity for over 3 weeks now.