Utilities of Swaziland
Energy
Energy-wise, Swaziland is heavily dependent on South Africa, from which it receives the majority of electricity. A small amount of electricity is produced within Swaziland using hydroelectric power stations. Recent government energy policy has centred on increasing the domestic capacity for electricity provision, with further hydroelectric plants and a coal-fired station proposed. Swaziland Electricity Company is the sole producer and supplier of electricity in the country, operating five power stations. Swaziland has no natural oil or gas reserves, making the country’s oil sector heavily dependent on fuel imports from South Africa. A number of private companies, including BP, Caltex and Engen, are active in oil distribution.
Water
Swaziland is well endowed with water resources. The country receives water through five main river systems and has nine major dams, seven of which are used for irrigation, one for hydroelectricity and one for water supply. Water supply in Swaziland is overseen entirely by the government and its parastatals. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy is responsible for water supply and sanitation in rural areas, while the parastatal Swaziland Water Service Corporation manages the water supply in urban areas.
Telecoms
The government-owned Swaziland Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (SPTC) is the main telecoms company in the country and dominates the fixed line market. SPTC is expected to be split into separate post and telecoms entities in the coming years. Private company MTN Swaziland, a subsidiary of the MTN Group, dominates the mobile telephony market.