BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – There is a need for Eswatini to make means of providing access to electricity to the remaining 18 percent of Emaswati who still live in the dark.
This was said by Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane. She threw this challenge this past Saturday at Malandelas in Malkerns, during the commemoration of the Earth Hour.
Mkhonta-Simelane was representing Minister for Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela, who had been out of the country, as he had joined Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s delegation that went to Taiwan, as they were invited by that country’s Government.
As the Minister threw the challenge of complete electricity access for Eswatini, she also proposed her own solution to the problem. The Minister proposed a mix of solutions including solar, wind, thermal power, and modern grids. The Minister emphasised that these were the solutions that would ensure a bright future for Eswatini. The Minister urged the country to pursue these energy solutions in order to meet the needs of all citizens and ensure a sustainable future.
The Earth Hour 2024 was under the theme, “Make this the biggest hour for earth, give an hour for earth.” During the event, the challenge of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees was highlighted. The need for immediate action to reduce emissions was stressed, rather than waiting for the future. The message was clear that everyone needs to take responsibility for their actions and make changes to protect the environment.
Mkhonta-Simelane emphasised the need to pursue technologies and innovations that could help accelerate the green transition. She stressed that everyone, from the private sector to individuals, had a role to play in protecting the environment. She called for collaboration to achieve this goal. The Minister called for collective action and urged everyone to make a commitment to reducing their environmental impact.
Earth Hour is an annual environmental campaign that takes place every March, during which people are encouraged to switch off non-essential lights and appliances for an hour, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, in order to raise awareness about climate change. The event is observed worldwide, and the goal is to reduce energy consumption and encourage sustainable living practices. This year, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy participated in the event and urged everyone to do their part in protecting the environment.
