LOBAMBA – Members of Parliament have challenged the minister for Natural Resources and Energy over contentious customer billing practices by the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC).
Mtfongwaneni MP Nathi Hlophe asked during the house of assembly sitting if government was aware that the EEC allegedly erects power poles on or near private land without proper consent, only to charge property owners when they request relocation. He further demanded to know what procedures the utility company is mandated to follow and whether government would stop charging citizens for moving infrastructure installed without consultation.
In response, the Minister for Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela, rejected claims of systemic negligence, pointing out that the EEC maintains over 37 000 kilometres of power lines across Eswatini and maintains positive relations with the public. He suggested that any improper installations represent isolated incidents rather than standard corporate practice.
Outlining the legal framework under Sections 55 and 57, the minister detailed the required protocol for erecting infrastructure. He explained that the EEC directly engages property owners to seek consent before installing equipment on private land. He mentioned that if an owner objects, the matter is referred to the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) for formal arbitration.
Prince Lonkhokhela stated that even after consent is granted, a mandatory 30-day waiting period is observed before poles are erected, allowing property owners time to reconsider.
Defending the relocation fees, Prince Lonkhokhela explained that because initial installations are conducted with owner approval, any subsequent request to move a pole requires the property owner to cover the relocation costs. He noted that in some instances, new land buyers inherit existing poles previously authorised by prior property owners.
MP Hlophe pressed the minister on transparency, asking whether written documentation exists for citizens to reference these regulatory procedures. Adding to the debate, KuMethula MP Jabulani Simelane cited severe cable theft in his constituency, questioning why victims are forced to pay replacement fees for stolen electricity wires even after the police have apprehended the thieves
In response, Prince Lonkhokhela confirmed that written documentation governing these procedures exists and promised that ministry officials would visit the affected constituencies to inspect local grievances directly. However, regarding the contentious issue of charging theft victims for replacement cables, the minister advised lawmakers to table a formal motion in Parliament through established procedures.
Leave a comment