EGENCO IN THE COMMUNITY

As well as generating power for Malawian communities, EGENCO engages in a range of socially driven activities. “We have a number of ways in which we implement our corporate social responsibility,” says Liabunya. “We ensure that we live in peace with communities surrounding our power stations and strive to ensure that they also benefit from the existence of the power stations.” To help give a sense of ownership, EGENCO employs a number of people from local areas surrounding its sites, some on a temporary basis and others permanently, and the provision of affordable maize milling services represents another employment stimulant. Further, all power stations are fitted with clinics and ambulance services which serve employees and the wider area, while nearby primary and secondary schools are also supported through provision of classroom blocks, teacher housing and learning materials. The company additionally champions female participation in science and mathematical subjects by partnering with high schools. “As an organisation whose survival depends on good climatic conditions, we also take the lead in ensuring that the Shire River catchment areas have vegetative cover so we can conserve the environment,” Liabunya adds. “We lead communities in the planting of trees every year and have so far planted 55,000 trees since the company was established. We also provide clean cook stoves to communities so that they use fuelwood sparingly.”