By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Thulisile Dladla,the Deputy Prime Minister(DPM) has on behalf of King Mswati, signed the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration that seeks to, among others, reduce electricity units costs as part of the Universal Energy Access by 2030.

The Universal Energy Access is a global project seeking to ensure that,everyone on Earth has access to reliable and sustainable modern energy and this, forms part of the United Nations(UN) Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) under Goal number seven(7).

The DPM who was representing King Mswati in the recently held Africa Energy Summit held in Tanzania, endorsed the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration that outlines among others,strategies to lower electricity costs,reduce dependence on firewood, and boost clean energy production while offering hope for a brighter and more sustainable future for millions across the African continent.

Reached for comments on Wednesday morning, Wandile Dludlu, the Deputy President of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) described the Dar es Salaam Declaration as a good agreement for Africa’s developmental needs.

“But unfortunately for countries like Swaziland it will remain a pipe dream because of the governance issues.This country has been independent for the past fifty-seven(57) years if I remember well, we can count from 1968 until now but, we are still not self-sufficient when it comes to energy. In fact just this year, we had an extended(probably for the last time) deal with ESKOM and indeed in the deal, there was a clear indication that in the next ten(10) years, the Government of South Africa will reduce the energy supply. So it tells you that we are extremely in a situation suggesting that, we are far from achieving universal access to energy despite the decades of self-rule.We are not anywhere near achieving self-sufficiency on energy not to mention the mere affordability,” said the PUDEMO Deputy President.