Ongoing Consultation with Middle–Large Scale Water Users Moves today moved to Usuthu, Mbuluzi and Ngwavuma River Basins
The ongoing national consultation on the Differential Water Pricing Framework continued today in Manzini, bringing together Middle to Large-Scale Water Users from the RES, Illovo, Nisela Farms Eswatini, Crooks Plantations, RFG, Sugar Associations. The engagement was convened by the Department of Water Affairs under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, with support from government institutions, Ministry of Economic Development and Planning, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, Siphofaneni Irrigation Districts, Malkerns Irrigation District, River Basin Authorities and the Media.
The session forms part of a targeted phase of engagements aimed at refining the proposed Differential Water Pricing Framework. Discussions focused on ensuring that water pricing reflects equity, sustainability, cost recovery, and economic efficiency, while safeguarding national water security.
Delivering technical insights, Acting CEO Ms. Takhona Dlamini clarified key aspects of water usage, allocation efficiency, and resource management. She emphasized that the Joint River Basin Authorities – Project Board is the responsible institution mandated to oversee water allocation and ensure efficient, equitable, and sustainable management of basin resources. She highlighted the importance of aligning water charges with actual water use, infrastructure demands, and long-term basin sustainability.
Participants engaged constructively on implementation considerations, sector-specific impacts, and the need to balance productivity with responsible water stewardship. The consultation reaffirmed government’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and collaborative decision-making as reforms progress toward a fair and sustainable water pricing framework for Eswatini.
