By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – His Majesty King Mswati III has officially commissioned the expansion of the Maguga Hydropower Project, a significant step towards enhancing Eswatini’s energy production capabilities.
The expansion will boost the Maguga Power Station’s output by an additional 10MW, raising the total power capacity to 30MW. The power station is managed by the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC).
During his visit, His Majesty was also briefed on other potential projects in the Maguga area, including a promising power project at Ngwemphisi, which is expected to generate 120MW of electricity.
His Majesty, accompanied by Emakhosikati and other members of the Royal family, expressed concern about the state of the Maguga Road. Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, who was part of the delegation, assured the King that government would prioritize repairs to the road.
The Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela, introduced the key figures managing the Maguga Dam and the Hydroelectric Power Station. Among them were EEC Managing Director Ernest Mkhonta and Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) CEO Trevor Shongwe.
The Maguga Dam, which was inaugurated by His Majesty in 2003, has a storage capacity of 332 million cubic meters. It continues to serve its purpose effectively by supporting agricultural productivity and contributing to electricity generation.
This expansion is expected to significantly boost the nation’s energy security and support its development goals.
(Pics: Eswatini Government)
