BY ANDREW DLAMINI
MBABANE – The Eswatini government has reportedly allocated more than E10 million on rural electrification projects.
The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Microprojects Programme Coordinating Unit, that extends electricity access to households in remote areas across the Kingdom of Eswatini, has benefited over 7 000 individuals.
According to a report released by the Microprojects Programme Coordinating Unit, during the financial year 2022/2023, a total of 98 electricity schemes were initiated. 73 of these schemes have already been successfully completed.
The completed projects are 18 schemes were finalized in the Hhohho region, 16 in the Manzini region, 14 in the Lubombo region, and 25 in the Shiselweni region. These completed projects providing sustainable and reliable electricity to previously underserved areas.
There are still ongoing projects to further extend electrification. Currently, 26 projects are reportedly in progress, with 19 located in the Hhohho region and seven in the Lubombo region. These ongoing projects with the full committed budget amount for 2023 is E10,166,408.
According to the report, during the financial year 2022/2023, E5,943,285.92 had been utilized for projects falling under the Community Development and Social Fund (CDSF) specifically earmarked for Rural Electrification. This financial commitment, as reported, reflects the dedication to sustainable development and improving the overall well-being of Eswatini’s rural population.
