Mbabane: Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini on Friday visited the Government initiated energy projects in the Lubombo and Shiselweni regions worth E480 million, which is set to benefit thousands of Emaswati and improve the country’s overall energy supply.
The three projects are a first of its kind, a 10 Mega Watts Solar Power Plant at Qomintaba worth E250 million, E200 million Ncandweni Substation and the Ndzevane Substation worth E30 million.
Dlamini said these projects underscore Government’s commitment to the realization of an energy sufficient Eswatini. During his tour, Dlamini recognize the strides that have been made towards realizing His Majesty’s vision of providing home grown sustainable energy that is affordable to every Liswati.
The Primer said Government has made it a priority to increase national electricity capacity to improve energy security for Eswatini and reduce reliance on imported energy, in line with the 2018 National Energy Policy. Energy security is key for our industrialization and economic growth.
The 10 Mega Watts Solar Power Plant is envisaged to operate for 30 years, thereby contributing to heightened development & socio-economic stability, especially in rural communities. This project adds to a portfolio of other energy projects that the Kingdom is pursuing.
Dlamini highlighted that improving the electricity grid’s performance is crucial in ensuring the success of the many agricultural projects in the area, especially Phase II of the Lower Usuthu Small-Holder Irrigation Project (LUSIP II).
The South East grid project provides the right anecdote for farmers under the LUSIP projects who need consistent and unhindered supply of their produce to satisfy their markets and further reinforces communication systems through the introduction of an optical fibre link. This will improve the performance of communication and information technology systems, and provide opportunities for the country to improve access to high quality telecommunication services.
“The strengthening of the electricity network makes it feasible for Government to continue with the rural electrification program aimed at attaining universal access to modern energy for all Emaswati in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal number 7.” Dlamini said.
Dlamini said the Kingdom has big plans and with the vision and ability to fulfill them. The overall goal is to improve the lives of all Emaswati and give them the opportunity to be full participants and beneficiaries of economic growth as instructed by His Majesty King Mswati III.
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