Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, through the Department of Water Affairs – Joint River Basin Authorities Project Board, met with stakeholders on 19 February 2026 at the George Hotel in Manzini to discuss a proposed plan for how much medium and large-scale commercial farms should pay for water.
Acting Principal Secretary Sicelo Nxumalo explained that this reform is not just about changing prices. He stated that “differential water pricing is not merely about tariff adjustments; it is about establishing a fair, transparent, and sustainable framework that aligns water charges with the scale, purpose, and economic value of water use.”
The plan aims to protect families and small farmers who need water for their basic needs while ensuring that large-scale users pay their fair share toward looking after the country’s water.
Emelda Magagula from the Department of Water Affairs spoke about the practical benefits of this new system. She explained that the money collected from these water charges will be used to fund better ways of monitoring our rivers in real-time.
This technology helps the government give early warnings when floods are coming or when a drought is starting, which helps save the lives of people and livestock and keeps irrigation equipment safe. The funds will also support national water security, including studies on where to build new dams and how to manage current ones better.
Nxumalo emphasized that a change was necessary because “a uniform pricing approach would not adequately reflect the differences” in how different groups use water. He added that while the government wants to recover costs, the objective is “not to undermine productivity or competitiveness, but to strengthen long-term water security and institutional sustainability.” He noted that the government wants to hear from all different groups to make sure the final plan is balanced and can be put into practice effectively.
The meeting brought together people from the government, river basin groups, private businesses, and community organizations. Closing his remarks, the Acting Principal Secretary reminded the audience that “water is life, but it is also a driver of economic growth and national development,” noting that managing it responsibly is a shared responsibility for all citizens to ensure there is enough for generations to come.
