Ingenious Malawian Generates Electricity to Power Rural Communities
Nkosi has become a beacon of hope in Group Village Headman Bondera Nyirenda's area, where electricity was once a distant dream.
Mzimba, Malawi - In a country where less than 10% of the population has access to the electrical grid, a remarkable individual in Mzimba, Malawi, is lighting up lives using locally available resources, writes Alinafe Sambo.
Cored Nkosi, with no formal technical training but armed with resourcefulness and determination, has set up the Kasangazi Hydro Power Station, generating 5 kilowatt-hours (kwh) of electricity to power nearly 30 households.
The lack of access to electricity is a critical issue for Malawi, particularly in rural areas, where approximately 80% of the population resides, and access to electricity remains under 1%.
Nkosi has become a beacon of hope in Group Village Headman Bondera Nyirenda's area, where electricity was once a distant dream.
He recounts that his inspiration for the project came from witnessing the difficulties his family and others faced during school holidays when they were left in the dark without access to entertainment and electrical appliances.
"I diverted water into a plastic pipe with a 2-liter bottle attached to its end to create a high-speed volume of water to drive the turbines. From this setup, I managed to generate electricity," Nkosi explained.
Realizing that his initial setup produced less energy than expected, Nkosi designed a larger generator using a maize mill motor, which now generates 5 kilowatts of electricity—sufficient to serve 30 households in his vicinity.
"With the 5 kilowatts now being produced, many young people can run businesses such as hairdressing salons, barbershops, and machine-based carpentry and joinery," Nkosi stated.
Despite his innovative initiative, the power station faces numerous challenges, which, if addressed, could significantly enhance electricity production.
"We lack crucial operational resources like equipment such as cables, switch gear, and transformers. If we receive support in these areas, the quality of the generated power can be improved," Nkosi noted.
He believes that with additional resources, the Kasangazi Hydro Power Station can expand and provide sufficient electricity to electrify more households and businesses in the region.
Group Village Headman Bondera Nyirenda praised Nkosi's skills and innovation, noting that the electrification of the Kasangazi area has notably benefited students at Kasangazi Primary School, leading to improved academic performance.
However, Nyirenda voiced concerns about some government officials and companies who have raised funds to assist the power plant but allegedly diverted the funds for personal gain.
Nkosi's initiative has transformed lives in the area. Maggie Mguntha, one of the beneficiaries, shared her experiences, expressing how she no longer has to walk long distances to charge her phone, and her dream of having an electrified home has become a reality.
Chiza Shaba, another beneficiary, used the electricity to start a barbershop, supporting his family with the income he generates.
With dedication and innovation, Cored Nkosi's project is providing electricity and improving lives in a region that has long struggled with energy access.