Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

MINISTRIES SWITCHED OFF OVER E26M DEBT

By Simanga Gamedze | 2025-03-31

SEVERAL government ministries experienced a three-day power outage after the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) disconnected their electricity due to an outstanding debt, reportedly amounting to E26 million.

The ministries that had no electricity since Tuesday were foreign and international cooperation as well as labour and social security, while the ministry of home affairs and Mbabane Magistrate’s Court were affected for at least two days.

By 7pm yesterday, all the mentioned government departments had no power.
EEC Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager Khaya Mavuso revealed that the country’s power utility recently carried out major disconnections in an effort to recover about E65 million owed by postpaid customers who have not paid their bills for over 30 days, with some debts going beyond 90 days as at the end of March, 2024.

Mavuso confirmed that both private and public companies, including government, were among those who owed EEC.
However, he could not disclose specific details about the debt.

“The debt is compromising EEC’s ability to meet its monthly financial obligations, which affects our ability to provide a reliable electricity supply for economic growth,” Mavuso said.
He urged customers to pay their bills to avoid disconnection.

“We would like to appeal to our customers to settle their bills on time. We also appreciate those who have already responded to our call and encourage them to continue making payments every month,” said Mavuso.

On that note, Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo said EEC should continue maintaining a good relationship with its clients, including government. “The ministry of finance is always willing to assist government departments facing challenges in paying their bills,” Nxumalo said. He added that he hoped the relevant authorities had already taken steps to address the issue.

According to the auditor general’s report for the financial year ended March 31, 2024 which was tabled by Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg in the House of Assembly last year, the total figure owed by government totalled E234 628 834.45. A sum of E49.3 million was reported as outstanding to EEC.

share story