The Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) Executive Director John Kapito has criticized the government for dissolving the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) board without appointing a new one, as the vacuum has now lasted two months and has affected fuel pricing, according to Kapito.

In response, the MERA Consumer affairs and PR Manager Fitina Khonje said the appointing authority knows the issues and a board will be appointed.

Meanwhile, Kapito expressed fears that the new board would spike fuel prices, as currently customers are enjoying old prices. The dissolution of the Mera Board follows as President Lazarus Chakwera dismissed the board of directors of 60 statutory corporations. A statement from the Office of the Chief Secretary, Zangazanga Chikhosi, and released Tuesday night underlined that the dissolution was with immediate effect.

Chakwera said he has been  receiving reports from various state institutions regarding the status of their operations, “which will inform the steps I will soon be taking to ensure that all institutions have the wherewithal to address the anomalies and malpractices within them.” Among the dissolved boards is the state broadcaster, the tobacco commission, communication regulatory authority, the bureau of standards, the electricity supply commission and national examination board.