LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has said increase in the number of unskilled electrical installers is making fire accident cases to go rampant in the country.
The remarks have been made by The Board Chairperson of MERA Reverend Dr Joseph Paul Bvumbwe at a stakeholders consultation meeting on electrical inspection guidelines that took place in Lilongwe.
He said people are not complying with the guidelines of MERA when connecting electricity into their houses which causes a lot of danger to their lives and property.
Bvumbwe said they organized the meeting at the right time when electricity is a need for everyone, and stakeholders were brought together to consult on the guidelines to control the incidents caused by electricity.
He advised electrical installers to make sure they are working with regulations of MERA and that they are Properly licenced and hold each other accountable in what they do and report unqualified installers to MERA or the police so that incidents to do with electricity can be avoided.
In his remarks, Electrical contractors Association of Malawi(ECAMA) President, Mark Gadama, said they have always tried to stop illegal installations happening in the country by monitoring if installers are registered and if found illegal, they report to the authorities.
He said the fact that MERA has agreed with ECAMA to start having inspectors who will be able to monitor the installations happening in houses and companies will help to stop illegal electrification in the country.
On challenges, Gadama pointed out that people deny their association to do the installations saying they are expensive unlike the illegal ones.
He then advised company and house owners to avoid allowing illegal installations of electricity in their premises to protect their lives and property from electrical incidents.
Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) is a body corporate established under the Energy Regulatory Act no.20 of 2004 with the mandate to regulate the energy sector in Malawi.