MERA suspends processing fuel service stations construction licences

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has temporarily suspended the processing and insurance of Fuel Service Station (FSS) construction licenses in the country.

In a statement, the energy body says the suspension aims at creating a space for it to embark on a process of reviewing these Fuel Service Stations construction and conduct a study on their distribution and location in the country.

The suspension is effective September 1, 2022 and the update will be made to the public once the review is finalized.

According to MERA, the study which is in line with the suspension of the Fuel Service Stations construction licenses seeks to do the following:

1. Map operating FSSs and approved sites for construction of FSSs and estimate the population they serve.
2. Identify areas where FSSs are required based on local authority plans , social-economic, environmental and demographic factors.
3. Develop a web-based Geographic Information System that covers points 1 to 2 above for future access by the public and authorities, and lastly
4. Examine the implication of the FSSs’ spatial distribution on business viability, public safety and healthy, and the protection of the environment.

The Authority also discloses that currently, there are 328 operational FSSs of which 41 are in the northern region, 146 in the central region and 141 in the southern region.

It adds that 66 FSSs are under construction and is processing 167 applications of which once processes concluded, the country may have 561 FSSs.

“The study will assist MERA to assess how the upcoming FSSs, if approved and constructed, will impact on the landscape.

“The assessment is further expected to guide developers to invest in areas where such services are required,” reads the statement in part.

Meanwhile, the Malawi’s energy body reminds all stakeholders that Section 16 of the Liquid Fuels and Gas (production and supply) Act stipulates that no person shall construct or modify installation and facilities of the Liquid Fuels and Gas Supply chain without a license from MERA.

Chisomo Phiri

I am an experienced young journalist who writes for Malawi’s major print and online publications. I currently work for The Maravi Post (www.maravipost.com), one of the Malawi’s fastest growing Online Newspapers as a National Reporter. I am interested in environmental, science and innovation, Education and human rights reporting