Eswatini needs E1.2 bln for invasives
By Delisa Magagula
The Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) has revealed that the country needs approximately E1.2 billion to effectively fight invasive plant species dominating river systems and degrading natural habitats.
The estimate was confirmed during a field tour of the Lusushwana River pilot site in Lozitha on Friday, where several stakeholders including private companies and UN agencies assessed the scale of environmental damage.
Speaking through ENTC representative Mduduzi Ndzinisa, the organisation’s CEO, Thulani Methula, said invasive plants were spreading faster than communities and conservation teams could clear them.
“We are dealing with an environmental emergency. If Eswatini does not act now, these invasive species will choke our rivers, destroy biodiversity, and undermine water security for downstream users,” Ndzinisa said on behalf of Methula.
Methula said communities lacked protective clothing, tools, and suitable technology to remove the dense vegetation safely.
“The volunteers are committed, but the work is dangerous and slow without the right equipment, we need sustained financing and stronger partnerships,” Ndzinisa said.
Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin also stressed the urgency of long-term investment.
“Downstream users benefit from healthy catchments, and they must be part of protecting them. Sustainable finance can unlock solutions that endure,” he said.
He further mentioned that, the pilot project has shown that invasive species removal requires consistent funding, specialised machinery, and community mobilisation particularly involving women and youth.
Methula said that unless funding improves, Eswatini’s rivers will continue to deteriorate.
“We must treat this as a national priority. The E1.2 billion figure reflects the real cost of securing our ecosystems,” he said.