Energy Minister Newton Kambala has been called to act on  governance concerns at National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma) and Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom).

The call was made by Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), after noting that key staff members at the parastatals have been arrested but key decisions are being made in their absence. For instance, Nocma has proceeded with the tender for the supply of fuel in the absence of the key staff members. On the other hand, at Escom, it is alleged that some members of management were arrested but are still making management decisions. According to a letter dated November 17 2020, HRDC Chairperson Gift Trapence asked for a meeting with the energy minister to discuss the concerns.

According to the letter by Trapence, Nocma has also recently advertised several contracts while members of management are under arrest. “Clearly, there is a management crisis at Nocma and thus we do not think that the remaining members of the executive management can form a ‘quorum’.” says part of the letter.