Lilongwe council buys three electric vehicles to beat fuel shortages
The city council has spent K615 million on three electric cars so officers can keep collecting revenue during fuel shortages.
Lilongwe City Council has invested K615 million in three electric vehicles to keep municipal work running through recurring fuel shortages. The council says the cars will let officers travel across the city for revenue collection and administrative duties without relying entirely on petrol and diesel.
Chief Executive Officer Clement Stambuli said recurring fuel shortages had made it increasingly hard to keep the council's transport fleet running smoothly, and the purchase was prompted by that problem. The investment is expected to improve revenue collection and field operations and reduce the risk of activities stopping whenever fuel runs out.
The council will need to establish whether the K615 million spend produces measurable savings and better service delivery over time. Its success will depend on reliable electricity supply, charging infrastructure, battery maintenance and how well the vehicles are managed.
Why it mattersCouncil officers who collect revenue and carry out field work will be able to keep moving when fuel is scarce, and the council must show whether the K615 million pays off.