World Connect

Mchezi Hydroelectric Power Project

Year: 2020

Country: Malawi

Project Status: Funded

Impact Sector: Environment

Project Investment: $9,226.03

Project Launch: 7-22-20

With this World Connect grant, the local Media and Technology Society (MTESO) will create a hydroelectric power source to generate off-grid electricity for two villages in Nkatabay. By diverting water from the Kavuzi River through a cement-lined canal to this hydroelectricity plant, 60kW of power will be generated on a regular basis, enough to power 134 households, a community maize mill, two primary schools, an Agricultural Extension Center, and an irrigation system. The project will unlock business and education potential in the community where over 675 people are expected to benefit.

Project Update: 3-29-21

Hastings Mkandawire, a Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) alumnus, and community members from Chamaoya Village are implementing a $9,226 World Connect funded Hydro-Electric Power project. So far, the team has constructed a 30-meter-long water diverting intake weir with two sluice gates, a dam which allows them to control the water volume in the canal. A headrace canal, a main component of a hydropower system, is being constructed with rocks, bricks, and cement and essential equipment has been procured. Twenty five community members have been trained in small scale hydro-power project systems to help with maintenance and sustainability of the project. About 134 households, 2 primary schools, Kavuzi Agricultural EPA Station and Mtanantha Irrigation Scheme are expected to benefit from the project once completed.