... this is an instrument for promoting water conservation

Hthe Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy Communications Officer Sikelela Khoza, said he foresees no uproar on the water levy issue.

He said public engagement was not an implementation or imposing platform.

“Stakeholder consultations on Water Pricing Regulations are currently ongoing, that is the right platform for them to air their views,” said Khoza.

He further shared that it was currently a challenge for

OWEVER,

the ministry to comment on the issue as it was still ongoing and it was open for all to contribute and the media was also invited for such purposes.

Khoza said he could only confirm that the ministry, the Department of Water Affairs and the Joint River Basin Authorities – Project Board were currently engaged in a nationwide exercise conducting water pricing consultative workshops.

He said the workshops were aimed at educating water users on the implementation of the Water Act of 2003 specifically by introducing water pricing as an instrument for improving water resources management in the country.

He further disclosed that these engagements were conducted following Section 8 of the Water Act of 2003.

Pronouncements

Khoza said the exercise was a necessity as such pronouncements were also stipulated in the Water Policy of 2018.

He further disclosed that despite being enshrined as a key instrument for promoting water conservation and improving water use efficiency in both the National Water Policy and the Water Act, water pricing was still not being implemented in the country, adversely affecting water resources management with Eswatini lagging of its neighbouring countries.

Khoza said government recognises water as a social good critical for poverty alleviation, improving social well-being and human dignity.