Swaziland – 12 August 2016

Swaziland to procure 28% power through biomass

Surrounded by South Africa, land-locked Swaziland is looking to develop a 35MW biomass power plant, which will commence operation in three years.

According to Renewable Energy World, once operational, the plant will supply an estimated 28% of the country’s total electricity demand.

A local forestry and sawmilling company, Montigny, is currently developing plans with various partners to drive the project from pre-feasibility to bankable feasibility.

The Swazi-based firm owns 60,000 hectares of Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certified plantations, which will be used as the primary feedstock for the biomass plant.

ESI-Africa.com

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King of impoverished Swaziland gets millions in budget

King Mswati III’s royal budget has been increased to $69.8 million in the current financial year at a time when Swaziland continues to struggle with rising poverty and a sluggish economic growth, official documents reveal.

According to official figures mentioned in the “Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland’s estimates for the years from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2019” report, the royal budget was $55.3 million in the last financial year, but this year it has been increased by $13.9 million.

The budget also has an extra $6.7 million allocation for the king’s private jet.

Moreover, the budget for construction of link roads to royal palaces has been increased by $6.4 million. It was $2 million in the last budget.

AA.com.tr