By Ncaba Ntshakala
In response to the alarming drop in water levels at the country’s major dams, Prince Lonkhokhela, the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, has commissioned a high-level delegation of experts to assess the current situation.
This initiative comes amidst a prolonged drought and severe heat waves, which have resulted in significantly reduced rainfall during what is typically the rainy season.
The delegation comprised officials from the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC), Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC), Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) and the Department of Water Affairs.
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They embarked on a critical fact-finding mission under the leadership of Acting Principal Secretary Sicelo Nxumalo. The team toured three of the nation’s most important dams which are: Luphohlo Dam, Hawane Dam, and Maguga Dam.
Luphohlo Dam, which is managed by EEC, plays a pivotal role in hydropower generation, making it a cornerstone of the nation’s energy infrastructure.
Hawane Dam, under the care of EWSC, supplies potable water to the urban centres of Mbabane and Ezulwini, while Maguga Dam, managed by KOBWA, supports hydropower generation and irrigation efforts critical to the country’s agricultural sector.
The findings of the inspection revealed a troubling picture in that Luphohlo Dam’s water levels have dropped to a 50.86 per cent capacity, while Hawane Dam is at an even more precarious 39.02 per cent.
Maguga Dam, while slightly better off, still showed a decline to 66.64 per cent. This stands in stark contrast to last year when all three dams reported 100 per cent capacity during the same period.
The delegation’s mission was not only to assess the impact of the drought but also to gather crucial data to inform future strategies for managing the country’s water resources.
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In a statement, the Ministry called on the public to adopt water conservation measures as a matter of urgency.
Practical steps such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and reducing unnecessary water usage can collectively make a significant difference.
“Despite the concerning findings, the Ministry remains optimistic that the rains will bring relief in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, the government is exploring additional measures, including the possibility of cloud seeding and increased public awareness campaigns, to address the challenges posed by the drought,” reads part of the statement.
