Africa-Press – Eswatini. Amid the public outcry and backlash, the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has promised to intervene in the proposed Water and Electricity hikes.
EmaSwati have taken to social media platforms to vent their anger and frustration after the government-owned company, the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC), hiked water tariffs by 12 per cent, which has reportedly been approved by Parliament.
The Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) through the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) proposed a 25.51 per cent for 2025/26.
ESERA is expected to decide on the proposal by February 1, 2025. EEC wants a sum of E4.2 billion to be able to operate. This was revealed by ESERA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sikhumbuzo Tsabedze during a press briefing on Tuesday at Mountain View Hotel.
The Eswatini Water Services Corporation, on the other hand, has raised water tariffs by 12 per cent despite recording E354.6 million in profits. EWSC is currently extending its head offices at a cost of E85 million.
Government Spokesperson, Alpheaus Nxumalo
The Government, through a statement released by spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo on Thursday, said the concerns byemaSwati are genuine and warranted “as they affect the livelihoods of emaSwati,
particularly as the globe continues to grapple major economic challenges that largely affect developing Nations like ours and citizens in particular.”
Nxumalo said Government is aware that utility hikes are necessitated by various factors, all aimed at ensuring sustained water and electricity security in the country which will benefit emaSwati for future generations to come.
“Even so, these should align with the prevailing socio-economic status of the country, taking into consideration the buying power of citizens.
On that note, the government wishes to assure Natin that we will scrutinize the electricity hike proposal to ensure that the outcome favours Ema Swati and that the nation is protected in the process,” Nxumalo said.
He urged emaSwati to remain calm and participate in the call to make submissions on the matter to ESERA so that their views may be heard and considered.
ESERA has invited consumers to make their submissions regarding the proposed electricity hike. During the press briefing on Tuesday, ESERA CEO Tsabedze stated that they could not allow EEC to apply the proposed hike without hearing from the consumers.
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