Tariff Hikes in Eswatini: A Crushing Blow to the Most Vulnerable
The proposed tariff hikes by the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) and the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) have ignited a firestorm of debate across the Kingdom. As editor of this publication, I believe it is imperative to delve into the implications of these increases, particularly for the most vulnerable members of our society.
Let's begin by revisiting the plight of ordinary Swazis who previously lacked access to electricity. Thanks to the commendable Taiwan initiative, many homes were illuminated for the first time. However, the proposed tariff hike casts a shadow on this progress. How can those who barely afford the current rates be expected to shoulder an additional burden?
Consider also the small businesses struggling to stay afloat in our challenging economic climate. The mandatory monthly fee of E217.00 for facility charge, irrespective of actual consumption, is a bitter pill to swallow. A salon, for instance, consumes far less electricity than a welding workshop. Why then should they be subjected to the same tariff?
On October 30, 2024, the House of Assembly approved a 12 percent water tariff hike, staggered over the next three years. While the EWSC's desire to expand services to rural communities is laudable, it should not come at the expense of consumers. The government has a fundamental responsibility to provide essential services to its citizens. Shifting this burden onto the shoulders of those already struggling is a dereliction of duty.
This begs the question: is the government of Eswatini truly aware of its own existence and the hardships faced by its people? The approval of the water tariff hike by parliamentarians, who are supposed to be the voice of the people, is a slap in the face to every Swazi. With over 70 percent of the population living below the poverty line, staggering unemployment rates, a collapsing health system, and a struggling education sector, one wonders where we are headed as a nation.
The proposed tariff hikes are not merely economic issues; they are a reflection of a deeper malaise within our society. They highlight the disconnect between the government and the people it is meant to serve. It is time for our leaders to wake up and take decisive action to address the pressing needs of the nation. The future of Eswatini hangs in the balance.