MPS APPROVE WATER TARIFF HIKE

LOBAMBA – The House of Assembly has approved a 12 per cent water tariff hike that will be staggered in the next three years.

The tariff hike that will be effected at four per cent every year was approved through the adoption of a report by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy House of Assembly Portfolio Committee, despite opposition by other Members of Parliament (MPs). The MPs who supported the hike were convinced by the idea that the hike will fund Eswatini Water Service Corporation’s (EWSC) initiative to expand to rural areas.

The Chairperson of the Natural Resources and Energy Portfolio Committee in the House of Assembly, Madala Mhlanga, said the tariff should have been implemented in April this year, as currently EWSC is operating at a loss. He said the annual four per cent tariff will be implemented beginning next year, 2026 and in 2027, amounting to 12 per cent in total. Currently EWSC is making a loss of E0.2 million. He added that the annual four per cent is the least that EWCS could get, after serious consideration by experts.

Rural

He shared that the 10 members of the committee engagements with the ministry and experts unearthed that the increase is also informed by the extension to rural water. Mhlanga mentioned that Lubulini and Zindwendweni are among communities where the rural expansion is being piloted. “The tariff hike will help in maintaining the infrastructure. We need the support of the House. We cannot stand in the way of development. The tariffs will not affect those consuming less than 10 000 litres per month,” he added. Appointed MP Nkosungumenzi Dlamini highlighted that the expansion of EWSC to rural areas is in line with SDG 6, which speaks to access to clean water by 2030.  She added that in some rural areas, people use water tankers to get water, which are more expensive than EWSC bills.

Among those who supported the tariff hike during the debate included Kubuta MP Masiphula Mamba, Sigwe MP David Ngcamphalala, Zombodze Emuva MP Ntando Mkhonta, Kumethula MP Jabulani Simelane and Gilgal MP Sifiso Gadlela. The Kubuta MP said he understand the tariff on basis that the country has to increase water coverage by 2030 to 100 per cent. “The only way to raise these funds is through the tariff hike,” he said.

Tankers

Mafutseni MP Sabelo Mtetwa said those who consume less than 10 000 litres per month will not be affected by the hike.  “If you use less than 10 000 litres, you won’t be affected. People pay E1 000 for 7 000 litres of water when hiring tankers, yet with EWSC those customers will pay less than E200 per month,” he said. Sigwe MP highlighted that he is from the lowveld, where there is scarcity of water. He highlighted that in his constituency, they recently constructed a health centre, which needs water, along with schools and other structures. He said with the expansion of EWSC, those structures will be supported.

MP Gadlela noted that people in some constituencies, including his, are still sharing water sources with cattle and other animals. Zombodze Emuva MP said initially, he wanted to oppose the tariff hike but after learning of the benefits during the engagements with the ministry, he was converted to fully support the hike.  “There is an ongoing project under my constituency that needs funding. I support this with the hope that by 2030, we will have clean water,” he said.

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