MBABANE – Members of Parliament (MPs) have urged Cabinet to urgently review the recently approved electricity tariff hike, arguing that the increase contradicts the clear directives issued by His Majesty King Mswati III in his Speech from the Throne.
The matter dominated debate during the first sitting of the House of Assembly following the official opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament by His Majesty King Mswati III last Friday.
Parliamentarians raised the issue while contributing to the appreciation debate on the humble address presented to the King by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini. The address formally thanked His Majesty for the speech delivered during the State Opening of Parliament last Friday.
Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini said his understanding of the King’s message was that emaSwati must have access to reliable and affordable electricity.
“It is clear that His Majesty wants every liSwati to afford electricity. If that is the case, then the tariff hike should be effectively stopped,” said Dlamini.
He emphasised that the King’s directive was explicit in calling for government to work together with the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) to find sustainable solutions to the company’s financial challenges, particularly in light of rising electricity import costs.
In his Speech, His Majesty stated that government must collaborate with EEC to address the utility’s financial difficulties while responding to immediate pressures arising from higher import prices. The King also stressed the importance of ensuring that emaSwati are not overburdened by rising costs.
According to the Mbabane East legislator, the King’s statement did not specifically reference the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA), which recently approved the tariff adjustment. In his interpretation, this omission indicated that government intervention should prioritise affordability over regulatory decisions.
“We must ensure that the King’s directives are implemented fully and that we follow through on what he has pronounced. The intention is to protect the people from further financial strain,” Dlamini submitted.
Mtsambama MP Sibongile Mamba echoed similar sentiments, stating that her constituents had mandated her to strongly oppose the approved hike.
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… MPs, PM hail Speech from the Throne
LOBAMBA – Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has joined Members of Parliament in praising the recent Speech from the Throne delivered by His Majesty King Mswati III, describing it as one of the most comprehensive and inspiring addresses in recent years.
The premier made the remarks while concluding the appreciation debate in the House of Assembly. MPs had taken turns debating and expressing gratitude for the speech delivered during the State Opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament.
According to the prime minister, the Speech reflected the depth of leadership and experience that His Majesty has demonstrated over four decades on the throne.
“This Speech clearly shows the wisdom and foresight that His Majesty has applied throughout his 40 years of leadership,” said the premier.
MPs across political lines agreed that the address touched on critical national priorities, offering both direction and urgency on issues affecting emaSwati.
Among the themes that drew praise was His Majesty’s emphasis on agape love — unconditional love for one another as a foundation for national unity and development. Parliamentarians said this principle should guide leadership at all levels and strengthen social cohesion.
Members also highlighted the King’s firm stance on improving service delivery, infrastructure and essential services.
The Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Simelane welcomed the clarity of the directives and outlined key areas that government would prioritise. She noted that the reconstruction of feeder roads in rural areas was particularly significant, as these roads are vital for transporting goods, accessing healthcare and connecting communities to economic opportunities.
“Feeder roads are not just infrastructure; they are a lifeline for rural communities. His Majesty’s emphasis on this matter shows his understanding of the daily realities of emaSwati,” she said.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
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