MBABANE- Residents of Bulimeni, a remote community under Nkwene Inkhundla in the Shiselweni Region, are set to receive electricity for the first time after the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) officially handed over the site for the construction of a solar mini-grid project.
The project site was handed over to the contractor, Bomdolomba Investments (Pty) Ltd trading as SMB Projects, which has been appointed to design, construct, co-finance, operate and maintain the Bulimeni Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Mini-Grid under the Africa Minigrids Programme (AMP).
The handover ceremony, held at Bulimeni on Tuesday, introduced the contractor to the community ahead of the commencement of construction.
For years, the hard-to-reach community remained beyond the reach of the national electricity grid, limiting access to basic services and economic opportunities. The mini-grid project is expected to change this by providing electricity and creating opportunities for improved livelihoods.
As part of the initiative, facilities for a hammer mill, dressmaking shop, hair salon, welding workshop and carpentry workshop will be established. The businesses will be owned and operated through local cooperatives and are expected to generate income while stimulating economic activity within the community.
The programme has also been designed to ensure that electricity serves as a catalyst for development rather than only powering homes. Revenue generated from the businesses will contribute towards the long-term sustainability of the mini-grid and help subsidise domestic electricity tariffs for households in the community.
Community members have spent the past year preparing for this phase of the project. ESERA partnered with the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) to provide business training, while feasibility studies were conducted to identify the most viable business opportunities based on local needs and available skills. SEDCO is expected to continue supporting the cooperatives beyond the construction phase.
Construction of the mini-grid is expected to begin soon and be completed by the end of October.
The project is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is serving as a core funder. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to sustainable energy while promoting inclusive rural development.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy is the implementing partner through ESERA.
Representatives from government, development partners, traditional leaders and the local community attended the handover ceremony, signalling broad support for the project and its potential to transform lives through clean energy access.
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