By Suleman Chitera

Ethanol distiller, PressCane Limited has paid over K895 million in compensation to households affected by an effluent spillage in Chikwawa District last year and early this year, concluding a key phase of regulatory compliance following months of enforcement actions and environmental assessments.

See also Community applauds Press Cane on effluent disposal

The compensation was formally handed over to Chikwawa District Council for distribution to affected communities, in line with directives issued by the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) and the National Water Resources Authority (NWRA).

See also Press Cane completes K10 billion waste to fertilizer plant

The spillage affected farmland during a critical stage of the agricultural season when crops were close to harvest, resulting in significant losses for households in the district.

Speaking after the cheque handover on Monday, PressCane Chief Executive Officer Bryson Mkhomaanthu said the payment marks the completion of key obligations under the compliance order.Government Moves to Prosecute Press Cane Over Toxic Waste Spill in Chikwawa

“This demonstrates our commitment and that we have fully addressed the requirements issued by MEPA after the unfortunate incident.”

“By today, we have implemented all corrective measures required under the compliance order, including rehabilitation and strengthening of effluent ponds, increasing freeboard capacity, installation of water monitoring wells, and decommissioning of selected secondary ponds,” he said. 

See also Mkandawire expressed happiness with PressCane (002)

Chikwawa District Commissioner Frank Mkandawire, who received the cheque on behalf of the affected families, welcomed the compensation, saying it brings the long-awaited closure for the affected communities.

“We are very happy that today we are bringing closure to an issue that has been ongoing for some time here in Chikwawa. The spillage happened at a critical time when crops were about to ripen, and it significantly affected households,” he said.

See also PressCane drives re-greening with tree planting in Chikwawa

He added that the compensation will help the affected families prepare for the next agricultural season