Project overview

The Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) proposes to develop the Lower Maguduza Hydropower Scheme at Sidvokodvo, downstream of the existing Maguduza Power Station, on the Great Usuthu River. The project is intended to increase local electricity generation and reduce reliance on imported electricity. It is expected to generate about 67 GWh of electricity per year and has an installed capacity in the range of about 13.5 MW.

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​Project Description‍

The project is a “run-of-river” hydropower scheme. This means it uses flowing river water to generate electricity, and returns the diverted water back to the river. No water is consumed by the power generation process.

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Main components include:
• A low weir (small dam wall) across the river to divert part of the river flow.
• A canal and channel/culvert to carry water around a large river bend.
• An intake and penstock (pipe) to deliver water to the turbines.
• A powerhouse with turbines and generators.
• A step-up substation and power lines connecting to the existing 66 kV grid.

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The scheme takes advantage of a large horseshoe bend in the river: water is diverted at one end of the bend, carried along a canal with a gentler slope, and returned to the river at the other end. This creates a drop of about 60 metres which is used to generate
electricity.

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​Project footprint and Land Use‍

The core construction area is approximately 9 hectares, but the overall project footprint increases to about 45 hectares when including areas that will be fenced and secured through servitudes. Existing land uses in the area include commercial dairy farming (Eswatini Dairy),
subsistence agriculture on Swazi Nation Land, arable agriculture and grazing on Crown Land, and nearby recreational and tourism facilities.

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Environmental Social Impact Assessment

An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was conducted to identify potential impacts and to define appropriate mitigation measures. Stakeholder engagement formed part of the ESIA process through public meetings, focus group discussions and one-on-one engagements. The ESIA concluded the project could
proceed with mitigation measures in place, and the project was approved for implementation on 15 March 2021.

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Key potential impacts

The ESIA identified both positive and negative impacts. The main potential negative impacts include:
• Land take and disturbance: Some land will be required for permanent infrastructure (weir, canal, penstocks, powerhouse) and for temporar
construction areas. This may reduce land available for farming in some locations.
• Access restrictions: During construction, certain areas may have restricted access for safety and operational reasons.
• Traffic, dust and noise: Construction activities may increase traffic and create dust and noise, which can affect nearby residents and road users.
• Biodiversity disturbance: Clearing of vegetation may remove habitat and nesting sites. Riverine habitat near the weir and outlet works will be permanently altered.
• Water resources/ecology: Changes to river flows in the reach between the intake and outlet (about 10 km) may affect river ecology.
• Community health and safety: Increased workforce presence can place pressure
on local services and may increase health and safety risks if not well managed.

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Mitigation Measures

A comprehensive mitigation plan was developed to outline a programme of implementation of mitigation measures for the impacts identified in the ESIA. Key
measures typically include:
• Construction controls to manage dust, noise, and traffic (e.g., speed limits, watering of dusty roads, agreed haul routes, working hour controls where necessary).
•  Clear demarcation of construction areas and safe access management, including signage and community safety awareness.
• Vegetation clearing minimised to only what is necessary and rehabilitation of disturbed areas after construction.
• Pollution prevention measures to protect the river (e.g., bunded fuel storage, spill response procedures, no-wash zones near watercourses).
• Biodiversity protection actions such as relocating identified protected plant species where feasible and avoiding unnecessary disturbance of riverine habitat.
• Operational rules for environmental flows (water releases) to reduce ecological impacts, as required by approvals and license conditions.
• Worker and community health measures, including code of conduct, HIV/AIDS and communicable disease awareness, and engagement with local health
services as appropriate.

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Potential benefits

Improved local power supply and energy security for Eswatini.
• Reduced reliance on imported electricity.
• Job creation and skills transfer during construction and operation.
• Economic benefits through local procurement and spending.
• Potential reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by displacing imported electricity generated from coal-based sources.

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Climate Change Risk Assessment

A Climate Change Risk Assessment was undertaken as part of the ESIA to assess the
potential effects of future climate variability and change on the proposed project. The
assessment identified increasing temperatures and greater rainfall variability, with
associated risks including droughts, flooding, sedimentation and damage to
infrastructure. Mitigation and adaptation measures have been incorporated into the
project design and operation to reduce these risks, and the project is considered resilient
under projected climate change conditions while supporting national climate change
mitigation objectives as renewable energy development.

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Human Rights Impact Assessment

The Lower Maguduza Hydropower Scheme is being developed with a strong commitment to responsible community engagement, ongoing dialogue, and respect for human rights. Since the early planning stages, the project team has held public meetings, focus groups, and direct consultations with affected communities such as
Gebeni and Nhlambeni, ensuring that residents are informed and able to influence decisions. These engagements highlighted key needs, including secure access routes, protection of agricultural land, fair compensation processes, and improved safety around
rising water levels.

Local hiring is prioritised, with community leaders and traditional authorities playing an active role in identifying candidates and ensuring opportunities are spread fairly across affected areas. A Community Liaison Officer (CLO) has been appointed, to address any disputes or issues that might arise during the project. Solutions will be proposed and implemented, as needed.
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A formal grievance mechanism has been established to ensure that all complaints, including those related to compensation, construction impacts, or community safety are recorded, tracked, and resolved in a timely and transparent manner. Special procedures are in place to handle sensitive cases such as gender‑based violence or harassment, ensuring confidentiality and survivor‑centered support.

Key environmental and social risks including dust, noise, construction traffic, water
quality changes, and potential exposure to wildlife are being closely managed through mitigation measures outlined in the Environmental and Social Management Plan. These include safety training for workers, dust suppression, waste control, erosion prevention,
and the construction of two new pedestrian bridges to restore community access across the river.
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Through these combined efforts, the project aims to minimise disruptions, safeguard community wellbeing, and deliver long‑term benefits such as improved connectivity, job opportunities, and increased national energy security.