The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy collected E143.4 million in the second quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, an improvement of over 200 per cent from the previous quarter, driven largely by fuel and electricity levies while water and energy projects recorded steady progress.
This is contained in the Ministry’s Second Quarter Performance Report covering 1 July to 30 September 2026, presented to both Houses of Parliament by Minister HRH Prince Lonkhokhela in October.
The Minister during the presentation of the report said the quarter showed steady delivery across the Ministry’s mandate despite constraints.
He said the Ministry realised the results despite real constraints, among them limited fuel and vehicles, shortages of drilling plant, procurement delays, staff vacancies and vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
During the presentation of the report, the Minister stated that major water infrastructure projects are nearing completion. Whilst, the construction of the long awaited Lower Maguduza hydro-power project is currently at 72 per cent and is expected to be completed within the first quarter of FY2027/28.
In the water sector, the Department of Water Affairs continued to rehabilitate and implement water and sanitation projects aimed at promoting economic and social development, with significant progress made in expanding rural access and developing sustainable water sources.
According to the report, construction of seven water schemes is ongoing under the collaboration with World Vision, targeting approximately 12 555 beneficiaries.
Progress ranges from 25 per cent to 91 per cent. Mhlangatane-Mpofu in Mhlangatane is at 91 percent, Kubuta-Moti at 65 per cent, Maseyisini-Nyamane at 60 per cent, Maseyisini-Joppa at 55 per cent, Mkhiweni-Mbelebeleni at 50 per cent, Sigwe-Sibovini at 35 per cent and Shiselweni 11-Skhotseni at 25 per cent.
Two other key schemes are also advancing. Luhlangotsini Extension Water Supply Scheme is 70 per cent complete while Khuphuka Water Supply Scheme in the Lubombo region is at 60 per cent. St Peters Water Supply Scheme in Lubombo is 100 per cent complete and awaiting official commissioning.
Groundwater development exceeded the annual target. The report states that 19 boreholes were drilled in water-stressed communities against a planned 15. The distribution was 6 in Hhohho, 7 in Lubombo, 4 in Shiselweni and 2 in Manzini. Seventeen additional sites have been surveyed for future drilling.
The hand-pump programme also progressed. Nine new hand-pumps were installed, six in Lubombo at Tintsandzaneni, Maladini, Nyokanyenti, Sikhava 1, Matjamnyama and Lanjani, two in Manzini at Kaphunga and Gundvwini and one in Shiselweni at Lukhetseni, while 30 malfunctioning pumps were repaired countrywide.
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