BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE — Environmental experts have warned that Eswatini risks damaging critical ecosystems if energy expansion and industrial development are pursued without strong environmental protection measures.
This emerged during the Bring Your Fire Live Dialogues hosted at the University of Eswatini Luyengo Campus as part of activities leading to the MTN Bushfire Festival.
Environmental Information Officer at the Eswatini Environment Authority, Zandisile Howe, said increasing energy production and consumption would inevitably generate more waste and pollution.
“And more waste in our environment means more pollution, which then also degrades our ecosystems,” she said. Howe explained that wetlands and biodiversity were essential in helping communities survive floods and droughts, warning that environmental degradation could affect water quality and public health.
“There are certain trees that were helping us medically. But with development, if it is not interlinked with environmental protection, we risk losing these important resources,” she added.
Director of the Eswatini Meteorological Service, Duduzile Nhlengetfwa Masina, said sustainable development remained central to climate policy at both national and international levels. “As we industrialise, we are planning with the understanding that we want clean and renewable energy,” she said. She also encouraged the country to prioritise energy efficiency to maximise existing electricity resources.
According to the Eswatini Electricity Company Head of Environment Unit, Dr Constance Van Zuydam, Eswatini currently imports over 70 percent of its electricity while generating only 30 percent locally. She said government and the power utility were intensifying efforts to connect the remaining 12 percent of unserved communities through rural electrification programmes and off grid solutions. Van Zuydam further encouraged communities to adopt renewable energy technologies such as biogas and solar systems.
Meanwhile, World Vision Eswatini Livelihood and Food Security Lead, Mpendulo Simelane, said environmental programmes would only succeed if communities saw direct benefits. “Whatever you bring must solve their problem. Their biggest problem is food security,” he said. Simelane urged experts and policymakers to combine scientific innovation with indigenous knowledge when introducing climate solutions.
Head of Corporate Services and Sustainability at MTN Eswatini, Sibusiso Nhleko, called for stronger partnerships between the private sector, government and communities.
He said sustainable business practices such as solar investments and waste recycling partnerships could help reduce environmental pressure while improving livelihoods.
The event attracted students, environmental advocates and development stakeholders, with discussions focusing on climate action, energy access and sustainable development.
