Africa-Press – Malawi. The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) has temporarily suspended issuance of licenses for the construction of Fuel Service Stations (FSSs) across the country.
In the announcement which has been published in the local press, the authority says it wants to conduct a study on the distribution and location of the stations.
The statement says the study seeks to map operating FSSs and approved sites for construction of FSSs and estimate the population they serve, identify areas where FSSs are required based on local authority plans, socio-economic, environment and demographic factors.
It adds that the study further seeks to develop a web based geographic information system and examine the implication of the FSSs’ spatial distribution on business viability, public safety and health and the protection of the environment.
“The study will assist Mera to assess how the upcoming FSSs, if approved and constructed, will impact on the operating landscape. The assessment is further expected to guide developers to invest in areas where such services are required,” the statement says.
The development comes amid rising concerns of lack of planning in fuel service stations construction where the stations are congested in one place, especially in cities of Blantyre and Lilongwe.
Malawi has 328 operational fuel service stations where 41 are in the northern region, 146 are in the central region while 141 fuel service stations are in the southern region.
Mera says in addition to these, 66 fuel service stations are under construction and it is processing 167 applications which will bring the number of the fuel service stations to 561 in the country if all processes are concluded.
Section 16 of the Liquid Fuels and Gas (Production and Supply) Act stipulates that no person shall construct or modify installations and facilities of the liquid fuels and gas supply chain without a license from Mera.
Justin Mkweu is a fast growing reporter who currently works with Times Group on the business desk. He is however flexible as he also writes about current affairs and national issues.
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