By Mbono Mdluli
LOBAMBA – The Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) and the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) have been tasked with ensuring that within the next five years, every Liswati has access to electricity and clean water.
Currently, EEC has connected 88% of Eswatini’s households to the national grid, while 75% of the population has access to clean water. This mandate, referred to as “Nkwe,” also falls under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, which oversees both companies.
This was revealed today when His Majesty King Mswati III delivered the Speech from the Throne at the House of Assembly during the opening of the Second Session of the 12th Parliament. The king commended EEC’s progress, stating that the company is on the right track to achieving full national electrification.
“The nation will be pleased to know that 88% of households are now connected to the national grid. While this is notable progress, the ultimate goal is to reach 100% countrywide well ahead of the universal energy target of 2030,” said the king.
The king emphasized the importance of the energy sector in driving Eswatini’s development and economic resilience. Over the past year, the government has made significant strides in energy generation and security, contributing to economic growth and sustainability. He encouraged EEC to collaborate with potential investors to explore alternative energy sources such as coal, biomass, and solar to achieve the country’s goal of affordable energy self-sufficiency.
Meanwhile, the king reiterated Eswatini’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which stipulates that no citizen should walk more than two kilometers to access clean water. He acknowledged that 75% of the population currently has access to clean water and reaffirmed the target of 100% coverage by 2030.
“Our goal is to achieve full water access by 2030. This will be accomplished through the implementation of various water projects across the country,” said the king.
Government’s efforts to expand electricity and water access align with Eswatini’s broader mission to promote sustainable development, improve livelihoods, and enhance economic growth.
