A briquette-making factory is set to open in March next year, to promote the use of alternative sources of energy, as a courtesy of the Hara Women’s Cooperative in Karonga District.

Meanwhile, the cooperative’s chairperson Witness Ngwira said the group has been trained in business management and entrepreneurial skills. The group also visited Tanzania to learn about briquettes production, which is made from rice husks in that region.

The factory will be established with support from Christian Aid, as the briquettes are aimed at replacing fuel wood which is now scarce in Karonga due to deforestation.