Latest from KOBWA

Friday, 7th March, 2025

KING MSWATI III VISITS MAGUGA DAM AND LAKE MATSAMO

KOBWA CEO Mr. Trevor Shongwe brief His Majesty King Mswati III on the management of Maguga Dam

On March 1, 2025, His Majesty King Mswati III visited the Maguga Dam to officially launch the Maguga Hydropower Expansion Project. During his visit, the King observed the dam's spillway as Mr. Trevor Shongwe, the Chief Executive Officer of the Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA), explained how the dam is managed to ensure that downstream farmers receive adequate water for irrigation.

His Majesty King Mswati III with KOBWA team

Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) Managing Director, Mr. Ernest Mkhonta, discussed the company's future projects, including the expansion of the Maguga Hydropower facility, which aims to increase electricity production from 20 megawatts (MW) to 30 MW. This expansion highlights Eswatini's commitment to sustainable energy development, with further investments in infrastructure anticipated to support economic growth and energy self-sufficiency. Mr. Mkhonta also updated His Majesty on the planned Ngwemphisi Power Project, which is expected to add 120 MW to the national grid. These initiatives are part of Eswatini's strategy to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on imported electricity.

His Majesty King III boarding KOBWA Blue Wave Rider

Following the tour of the Maguga Dam, on March 3, 2025, Their Majesties visited Lake Matsamo, which is located on the Driekoppies Dam. During this visit, the King toured the Driekoppies Dam with guidance from Mr. Trevor Shongwe and Water Bailiff Mr. Angel Gwebu.

His Majesty King Mswati III with KOBWA team

In his address to the audience, King Mswati III encouraged KOBWA to develop programs that would benefit the Matsamo community, similar to the support provided to the Maguga community. "I discussed with KOBWA the need to create initiatives that would help the community establish income-generating schemes, just as they did in Maguga," he stated. He further urged the community to consider ways to utilize Lake Matsamo for income generation, as the area has sufficient water for businesses such as crocodiles and fish farming. He noted, "If you can rear crocodiles for their skin, you can make money. Fisheries can be used to produce various types of fish, such as shrimps and tuna since they thrive in non-saline water." His Majesty's visit to Lake Matsamo was a follow-up to his previous visit the year before, during which he had assessed the progress made since then.