MBABANE: Johannes Manikela,the Chairperson of the Federation of Eswatini Business Community(FESBC) in the Hhohho region has warned that businesses will struggle to survive after the 10.8% electricity hike.
Speaking to this Swaziland News on Wednesday, the FESBC Chairperson said every big and small business was depended on electricity for daily operations.
“It's high time that we stop depending on South Africa because each time an electricity hike is effected that side it also affects us, we need to start producing our own. Every business,big or small depends on electricity, once the operational costs escalate, the business suffers and that subsequently leads to job losses,” he said.
Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo had not responded at the time of compiling this report.
On Tuesday, Sikhumbuzo Tsabedze, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) announced a 10.98 % electricity increase for domestic users and a 10.8% hike for businesses.
FESBC Chairman in the Hhohho regim.