Technology

Renewable energy campaigners call for standard products

Campaigners for renewable alternative sources of energy have underscored the need for relevant authorities to ensure solar products coming in the country are up to standard if the nation is to end the recurring energy crisis.

The call comes months after government’s decision to remove VAT tax on all solar equipment, as announced in the 2019/2020 national budget.

Ntago: We need to change the situation.

Meanwhile Kenneth Ntago, Advocacy Officer for Renew-N-Able Malawi has told MIJ Online that most of the country’s energy is coming from hydro and it is also not that accessible especially to the rural masses.

“Most of our energy is coming from hydro, we have seen authorities also putting in place a number of initiatives including the Malawi Rural Electrification project but this is still not enough to meet demand,’’ said Ntago.

While commending government on the move, Mtago said removing VAT alone is not enough as this might also trigger the increase of substandard products on the local market.

‘’ If I buy substandard products and they are not working to my advantage the news that I will spread out there is that solar does not work. That is something we do not want at all,’’ he added.

According to Mtago, now is the time for relevant authorities such as Malawi Bureau of standards, MRA and well as MERA to ensure that the products on the market are up to standard as well as empower the citizenry to demand for quality.

He added that the citizenry must also be empowered to Demand the best products from certified companies selling these products.