iVerify Malawi has verified this content and determined that it is false. To arrive at this verdict, iVerify Malawi interviewed Abida Mia, ESCOM spokesperson Pilirani Phiri and some people within Chikwawa district. Mia said that it is a lie that she was involved in any removal of transformers. ESCOM Chief Public Relations and Communications Officer, Piliran Phiri said:
“I will not comment on any unverified issues but only provide context as follows:
- An A 1 MVA transformer at Ngabu Cotton Ginnery developed a fault leading to loss of power supply but we didn’t have a readily available replacement of the same size and capacity in stock.
- However, we had a small capacity ( 500KVA transformer) in stock, so to be proactive and ensure that work is done, we took this small capacity transformer to Mphungu area where they had a 1MVA transformer yet a 500KVA transformer can service the area because it is just for domestic use not commercial. So, a decision was made to swap the two transformers to make sure that both Ngabu and Mphungu have electricity. So, we took the 1MVA transformer for Mphungu to Ngabu and instal the 500 KVA that we had in stock at Mphungu. As we speak, both places have been serviced.”
