Natural Resources & Energy

E1.2 MILLION COMPUTER LAB FOR EMTHONJENI HIGH SCHOOL
"Today is, indeed, a happy day for our company and I feel greatly privileged and honoured to be standing in front of you. Swaziland Electricity Company (sec) is pleased to have partnered with Motraco in financing the construction of such an essential facility at this immaculate school." This were remarks made by the Chairman of the SEC Board of Directors Sthofeni Ginindza during the official hand over of a computer laboratory at Emthonjeni High School on the 29th of June, 2018. Speaking through Lindiwe Dlamini who is also a board member, Ginindza said SEC together with Motraco, have spent a whopping E1.2 million constructing the Emthonjeni high school’s computer lab. “What makes this project special is that it is the first of its kind for our company. Since 1963 when sec was established we have made countless donations to different organisations, mostly schools, but we never thought of building a computer lab,” he said.

Ministers anvailing the plaque

The Chairperson also highlighted that SEC has been supporting the education sector in the kingdom as education is one of their corporate social investment (CSI’s) key focus areas as demonstrated by the millions of emalangeni they have invested in a number of related initiatives. Some of the initiatives include; A donation of E3 million worth of learning equipment to the electrical & electronics department at the university of Swaziland (UNISWA), construction of a E350 000 worth kitchen for Hlabazonkhe Primary School, annual sponsorship of top uniswa students (E1 500 each) in electrical engineering & information technology, assistance to a number of primary & high schools to complete their building structures, donation of computers, desks and teaching materials to several schools, annual sponsorship of two pupils, who have excelled in the IGCSE examination and funding of pupils nominated during the Swaziland Science Fair to attend an educational tour at ESKOM in South Africa, among other initiatives.
Concluding his remarks the chairperson passed appreciation to the Minister for Education for his endless efforts in improving the standard of education in the country and his determination and energy to motivate companies like SEC to continue supporting education. “I wish to assure you that sec remains committed to supporting education to ensure a better future for children from all walks of life,” he said.

Chairman of SEC Board Mr. Ginindza and Board Member Lindiwe Dlamini

The Head Teacher of Emthonjeni High School Thokozile Dlamini was thankful to SEC and Motraco for such a remarkable gift in the form of a computer lab. “Our joy is so immeasurable and we really run short of words to say thank you to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, SEC and Motraco who have bestowed such a wonderful gift to our community,” she said. Dlamini said that the SEC has rekindled a spark of hope in their hearts that students from the community will now be part of the future prosperity of the entire nation, as everybody is working towards attaining the first world status. She further promised that the School will take good care of facility and ensuring that it is always safe and well maintained.

Thokozile explaining to the Ministers about the facility.

Delivering the key note address Minister for Natural Resources and Energy Jabulile Mashwama said His Majesty the King Mswati III pronounced a goal of attaining an economic status comparable to those of developed nations by the year 2022. “The provision of sustainable energy solutions is pivotal in attaining this vision,” she said. The Minister highlighted that it important to acknowledge and leverage on the strength of the nexus approach towards development. “This computer laboratory project therefore has demonstrated the importance of interlinkages of the energy, education and ICT sectors in attaining the vision of the kingdom of Eswatini,” she said. Minister Mashwama said she was honoured to celebrate the successful completion of the Emthonjeni High School computer laboratory, which will benefit current and future generations of students at the said school. The Minister appreciated the role that SEC’s social mandate plays in the attainment of the Kingdom of Eswatini’s development goals. “This initiative not only creates stakeholder value but also creates a positive impact on the Edwaleni community,” Mashwama said.
Minister Mashwama thanked Motraco and the SEC Board for availing funds for building such an important asset for the community of Edwaleni as part of giving back to the community. The Minister also appreciated the SEC management and staff for supervising the construction of the computer laboratory to ensure that the facility was built to the required standard.

SEC MD, Thokozile Dlamini and Motraco CEO in group picture with the Ministers.

The Minister for Education Phineas Magagula when receiving the facility on behalf of his Ministry said ICT allows learners to discover educational opportunities and improve academic performance therefore the Provision of ICT connectivity is essential to provide learners with what is commonly called ‘twenty-first century skills’. “As rapid technological development constantly drive and reshape the economy, it is vital for learners and citizens to be highly proficient in the use of ICT’s,” said Magagula.
Minister Magagula said His Majesty’s Government will be forever grateful to SEC and Motraco and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy for assisting Emthonjeni High in such a time of need.

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Swaziland Renewable Readiness Assessment

Kingdom Of Swaziland Sustainable Energy for All

SPEECH BY THE HON. MINISTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE SADC WATER WEEK IN SWAZILAND.

VENUE:

HAPPY VALLEY HOTEL - EZULWINI.

DATE:

28TH MAY, 2015.

Programme Director,

Honourable Members of Ministry’s Portfolio Committee from both Houses of Parliament,

Principal Secretaries,

SADC Representatives,

Representatives of the Global Water Partnership – Southern Africa,

Representatives of WaterAid,

Program Officer - European Union,

Chief Executive Officers and Captains of different Industries

Members of the National Water Authority,

Members of the River Basin Authorities,

Senior Government Officials,

Representatives of the Youth,

Members of the media,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen.

It is my singular honour and privilege to stand before you to deliver these remarks on behalf of the government of the Kingdom of Swaziland and on my own behalf.

Allow me at the outset to recognize and appreciate your presence in this gathering as you have taken time out of your hectic schedule to grace this occasion. This no doubt, indicates the importance you place on the proper management and development of the country’s water resources. Let me assure you that His Majesty’s Government subscribes to the ideals of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), its developmental agenda and the quest to uplift the quality of lives and dignity of its people through the provision of good quality water in sufficient quantities.

Allow me to also pay my special tribute to our guests from the SADC Water Division and the Global Water Partnership - Southern Africa (GWP – SA) for coming to support our efforts in trying to deal with the critical issues of water resources management and development for the betterment of the lives of the Swazi people.

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen

I have been informed that the SADC Water Week is an initiative which was last held in the year 2000. It gave rise to the development of important Regional documents like the SADC Vision for Water, Life and the Environment and the subsequent related documents like the Regional Strategic Action Programmes I, II and II. As a SADC Member State we appreciate the importance of this platform wherein the SADC Water Division interacts with the different countries on areas of interest for inclusion in the Regional Water Program. It also presents an opportunity for national stakeholders to be appraised on the regional programs and the benefits accrued thereof.

I have also been advised that the theme for the Water Week is “From Vision to Action” and my special appeal is that as we move from Vision to Action we take note of the multiple roles played by water in driving national economies. The SADC region is also faced with the challenge to increase efficiency in the use of the water resources and to provide greater policy coherence to support the growing economies through infrastructure development, while considering the trade-offs between social equity, environmental integrity and economic development. Therefore, conventional policy and decision-making in ‘silos’ needs to give way to an approach that builds synergies across sectors.

The recently introduced nexus approach provides an opportunity to help the SADC region to apply the Integrated Water Resources Management concept as well as integration and cooperation in the management of water resources for its various uses and demands; particularly for energy and food security.

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen

The noble initiative to involve the youth and the media on issues of water resources management is greatly appreciated. This is but the only way we can ensure that our water resources is protected and is available even for future generations as the youth is our investment for the future. I believe your deliberations of the two days will take cognizance of the resolutions emanating from the youth meeting which was held yesterday at this very same place. It is my sincere hope that the newly established Swaziland Youth Forum on Environment, Water and Sanitation will also take leaf from this gathering in advancing their future agenda.

Swaziland sits in shared River Basins with South Africa and Mozambique, therefore proper water resources management is key to the fulfillment of His Majesty’s Government priorities to provide clean water for all by the year 2022. This is clearly articulated in the National Development Strategy (NDS). It should also be noted that the country is a signatory to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), wherein goal number 7 strives to halve the population without access to potable water and basic sanitation by the current year, 2015. As we move forward, these aspirations can only be achieved if national water resources are managed in an effective and efficient manner.

May I at this point recognize the important role played by the SADC Water Division in providing guidance on issues related to adherence to the Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses to which Swaziland also subscribes. The provisions of this document are important in the management and utilization of water resources in our shared basins. As a region with scarce water resources shared amongst different States, the Protocol has ensured that water is used as an instrument for peace.

Your able coordination of the basket funding by the different International Cooperating Partners where Swaziland has also been a beneficiary, is highly appreciated. Currently our country enjoys support from the German, UK and Australian governments in undertaking the Lomahasha/Namaacha potable water supply feasibility study, a project which will bring better lives to the people in these areas.

We also value your support in initiatives like the annual Water Resources Technical Committee meetings, the annual Regional Dialogues and the biannual Ministers of Water meetings which are used as a platform where Member States share ideas on how to better manage the diminishing water resources.

It is my wish that the SADC Water Weeks could be an annual event just like the World Water Days which are celebrated annually to give recognition to the important role water plays in the wellbeing of mankind. I have been advised that your deliberations of the two days will cover a wide range of national water resources management issues, in an attempt to influence their inclusion in the regional water program. I believe your deliberations in the two days will result in important national issues worth including in the fourth Regional Strategic Action Program.

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen

As I seek to conclude my remarks, let me take this opportunity to thank those that have made this event the success that it is, starting with the Local Organising Committee, the SADC Water Division and the Global Water Partnership - Southern Africa who is our implementing partner in the SADC Water Weeks. I would also like to thank our International Cooperating Partners who have given the financial assistance needed to carry out such an initiative.

With these few remarks, it is my honour and pleasure to declare the Swaziland SADC Water Week officially opened. I wish you fruitful deliberations in the course of the two days.

THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

SPEECH BY THE HON. MINISTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY AT THE OFFICIAL OPENINGÂ OF NTONDOZI RURAL WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION PROJECTS PHASE II.

VENUE:
MPHINI PRIMARY SCHOOL.

DATE:
05th JUNE, 2015.

Programme Director,

Bantfwabenkhosi,

Bobabe Tikhulu,

Regional Administrator – Hhohho Region,

Honourable Portfolio Committee Members of both Houses of Parliament,

Honourable Member of Parliament for Ntondozi Inkhundla,

UNICEF Country Representatives

Gone Rural – Bomake

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- Representative,

Indvuna and Bucopho Benkhundla for Lobamba Inkhundla,

Government officials,

Mphini community,

Water and sanitation committee members,

Members of the media,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

It gives me great pleasure to officiate at this auspicious occasion for the official opening of yet other water supply schemes in the country that intend to benefit the community of this area.

The Ministry is greatly honoured by the presence of the community leadershipÂ that benefitted from this project, UNICEF Country Representative, Gone Rural Bomake Representatives, Members of Portfolio Committee for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy from both Houses of Parliament, the Honourable Member of Parliament for Ntondozi Inkhundla, and senior government officials from my Ministry and other Ministries.

I am pleased to announce that in 2013, the Minister for Natural Resources and Energy handed 5 boreholes, drilled and installedÂ Hand Pumps benefitting 100 homesteads from Ka- Ndinda community under the same Inkhundla. These were fully funded by Gone Rural Bomake and its cooperating partners. I have been reliably informed that this is now a second phase for the Ntondozi Rural Water Supply Project completed through funding provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints in collaboration with UNICEF through Gone Rural Bomake. I am also informed that the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints has also pledged to donate approximately 100 Hippo Tanks to be used by this community.Â My Ministry is grateful for this support and cordially welcomes the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day SaintsÂ who have also joined the WASH Cooperating partners who supports my Ministry in achieving the set national and international goals and objectives for the provision of potable water to rural communities.Â Â

The drilling and construction of these projects was done by the officials under my Ministry in partenship with the Mphini community and Gone Rural Bomake.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am also reliably informed that these water supply schemes we are about to officially commission today are fed from three drilled boreholes which yields a total of 5 liters per second. Besides being safe from pollutants, this water is enough to support the needs of about 1,440 people.Â The Ministry has also ensured that the water is treated before it is given to the community through sand filters which remove all impurities it might contain to ensure that the people do not drink contaminated water.

These water schemes intends to provide water supply to the schools and the community and this will go a long way in eradicating instances of water borne diseases, consequently allowingÂ teachers and learners sufficient time to concentrate at school thus achieving academic excellence. The project has removed the burden for walking long distances in search for water. Â

I am more than humbled to announce that these water supply schemes were wholly funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints through Gone Rural Bomake while UNICEF provided the pumps in collaboration with my Ministry and the Ministry of Health. As a Ministry, we are so grateful for this support.

This project is one of the great strides that the Ministry has taken to fulfill His Majesty’s Government priorities in the provision of clean water for all by 2022 as articulated in the National Development Strategy (NDS) and His Majesty’s vision of attaining First World Status. It should be noted that the country as a signatory to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (goal number 7), strives to halve the population that is without access to potable water by 2015.

According to the Ministry’s Strategic Plan (2014 – 2018); on an annual basis my Ministry through the Department of Water Affairs is to complete four (4) macro (reticulated schemes)potable water supply schemes and sixty (60) micro potable water hand pumps which are similar to the ones being opened here today. This project is an indication that my Ministry is committed to deliver on the issues as raised in the Strategy document.

My Ministry notes and appreciates the commitment displayed by the community during the construction of these projects. Now that the project has been completed, the community still has a very active role to play in ensuring that the water continues to flow to the different service points.

I urge you to continue contributing to the community fund which I have been advised currently stands at One Thousand Five Hundered Emalangeni (E1, 500). The maintenance of this fund will help you to source spares to fix minor repairs associated with the functioning of the scheme.

I also strongly urge the community to use the skills acquired through the training afforded by my Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to effectively manage these water supply and sanitation scheme.Â In the event you encounter major maintenance challenges that you cannot deal with, please do not hesitate to call the Ministry for assistance.

I further implore you to cooperate with the Committee which you elected whenever your participation is required.Â This will ensure that the scheme realizes its planned life span of 25 years. I am happy to highlight that the community has formed a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Committee that will manage this scheme at local level. They have also managed to achieve 98% (144 VIP Latrines) sanitation coverage with the Ministry of Health’s able assistance and good guidance.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all those who were part of the preparations for this successful occasion and those who participated in all the magnificent entertainment activities that we have witnessed.

With these few remarks, it is my honour and pleasure to declare the Ntondozi Water Supply and Sanitation schemes officially opened.

May God Bless You All.