Friday, 12 June 2026
News — Bulimeni community gets closer to getting electricity for the first time
For years, Bulimeni remained beyond the reach of the national electricity grid because of its remote location. Last week, the community took a significant step towards changing that reality.
The Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) officially handed over the project site to Bomdolomba Investments (Pty) Ltd t/a SMB Projects, the contractor appointed for the design, construction, co-financing, operation and maintenance of the Bulimeni Solar PV plus Battery Mini-Grid under the Africa Minigrids Programme (AMP).
The site handover marks an important milestone ahead of the commencement of construction and brings Bulimeni one step closer to accessing electricity for the first time.
For residents, the project is more than switching on the lights. Access to electricity has the potential to improve daily life, create opportunities for local businesses and reduce the need to travel long distances to access essential services.
Remarks by ESERA CEO during the site handover to the developer at Bulimeni
More than electricity
The project also goes beyond supplying electricity. Alongside the mini-grid, community-owned businesses will be established to help residents put that electricity to work. Through local cooperatives, enterprises such as a hammer mill, dressmaking shop, hair salon, welding workshop and carpentry workshop are expected to create income-generating opportunities, improve access to services and strengthen the local economy.
Remarks by the MNRE Under Secretary Ms Gabsile Mabuza who is also the Chairperson of the AMP Project Board.
Community members have already been preparing for this next phase. Through ESERA’s partnership with SEDCO, they received business management training and support to identify business opportunities that respond to local needs and available skills. SEDCO will continue supporting the cooperatives beyond construction to help ensure their long-term success.
The businesses are also expected to contribute towards the long-term sustainability of the mini-grid, with revenue generated helping subsidise domestic electricity tariffs for households within the community. Construction is expected to commence soon.
The site handover was attended by the Under Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, Gabsile Mabuza; ESERA Chief Executive Officer Skhumbuzo Tsabedze; United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Henrik Franklin; Nkwene Indvuna Yenkhundla; Bongani Dlamini, representing the Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development; Skhumbuzo Dlamini; Indvuna Yemphakatsi Senzo Shabangu; community representatives; and other stakeholders.
The programme is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and delivered in partnership with RMI. In Eswatini, the implementing partner is the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy through ESERA.
The community members dancing after the official handover of the site to the developer.
Bulimeni community members and project partners.
