By Burnett Munthali
The construction of a temporary water intake for the Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP) canal risks missing its deadline due to a severe diesel shortage. The project, crucial to the region’s agricultural transformation, has faced delays even before the contractor mobilizes on-site operations.
Limbani Gomani, Deputy Coordinator for the project, revealed that approximately 40,000 litres of diesel per week are required to power construction activities. However, this fuel demand has proven challenging to meet, posing a significant threat to the project’s timeline.
“We have engaged the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) and the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) to find a sustainable solution to this fuel crisis. Ensuring the availability of diesel is critical to moving this project forward,” said Gomani during the quarterly District Stakeholders Consultative Committee meeting held in Chikwawa on Tuesday.
The delayed construction of the water intake could have far-reaching consequences, as this phase of the project is key to enabling farmers in the Mwanaalirenji and Kambadwe cooperatives to begin cultivating maize, cotton, soya beans, and paprika by June next year.
The Shire Valley Transformation Programme, a flagship agricultural initiative, is designed to empower smallholder farmers by providing them with reliable irrigation infrastructure to support crop diversification and boost productivity..
Despite the setback, Gomani expressed optimism that discussions with NOCMA and MERA would yield a viable solution to ensure the timely completion of the project.
Stakeholders in the region are closely monitoring developments, as the canal project holds the promise of enhancing food security, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth in the Shire Valley.
