AQUATIC WEEDS REMAIN ENVIRONMENTAL/ECONOMIC PROBLEM

UNCLAS LILONGWE 000045

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF/S AND OES/PCI
GABORONE FOR REO TPIERCE
DEPT INTERIOR FOR USBR/INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - MHOOD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV ENRG EAID ECON MI
SUBJECT: AQUATIC WEEDS REMAIN ENVIRONMENTAL/ECONOMIC PROBLEM

REF: A. 03 GABORONE 02152


B. 03 LILONGWE 00935

C. 03 LILONGWE 00282


1. Following continued power outages, The Electricity Supply
Corporation of Malawi Limited (ESCOM) announced on January 5
that the recent onset of seasonal rains has caused an
increase in the amount of biotrash (primarily in the form of
aquatic weeds and silt) on the Shire River, which has
"severely hampered" power generation at ESCOM's hydroelectric
facilities. ESCOM predicts that the current power outages
will continue through the end of the rainy season
(mid-April),as nearly all of the nation's power is produced
in hydroelectric facilities. In some areas, the power
outages have hindered the day-to-day operations of businesses
and basic service providers, such as the local water boards.
(NOTE: Without power, the local water boards have been unable
to provide clean water to some urban areas.)


2. As reported reftel C, an accident precipitated by aquatic
weeds in March 2003 crippled power production and led to
electricity rationing for several months. Fearing a similar
occurrence, the Consumers Association of Malawi has planned a
march on January 16 to deliver to ESCOM and the Blantyre
Water Board (BWB) a petition demanding quick resolution of
the current problems and preventative measure be put in place.

COMMENT
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3. ESCOM's continued and predictable problems with aquatic
weeds hinder economic development and threaten urban
sanitation. Post sees OES's pending Integrated Management of
the Lake Malawi/Niasa/Nyasa Basin as an opportune means of
finding a sustainable solution to this critical situation,
while also promoting general cooperation and coordination
among the three nations bordering the lake.
BROWNING