By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE:Eswatini is facing high costs of water, electricity and other basic commodities and poor women in the rural areas remain the most affected.

Reacting to an article published by this Swaziland News earlier on Friday, Colani Hlatjwako, the One Billion Rising Africa Coordinator said, women remain the most affected by the social challenges in eSwatini, a tiny Kingdom ruled by King Mswati as an absolute Monarch.

It has been reported that, Eswatini Water Services Corporation(EWSC) held a Management meeting this week to discuss the possibilities of increasing water again.

“As you know water is a very important resource for women, by the nature of our bodies we take a bath more often and, we are expected to cook for the family. So with the expensive water, women are the most affected. We are surprised to learn that the Water Services wants to increase water again,” said the Coordinator of the women rights organization.

Jabulile Mashwama, the Managing Director of the Eswatini Water Services Corporation(EWSC) was not immediately available for a comment.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News, Wandile Dludlu, the Deputy President of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) accused the eSwatini Government of prioritizing profits at the expense of life, Eswatini Water Services Corporation is a State owned company under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy.

“Water is life and therefore, this basic commodity must be accessible. But in eSwatini, water is not considered a source of life but used to generate profits. This Government does not care for the welfare of emaSwati thus using water to generate profits at the expense of life,” said the PUDEMO Deputy President.