The Swaziland Environment Action Plan (SEAP)

Contents | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8

3.1 The Economy | 3.2 People | 3.3 Land | 3.4 Water Sector | 3.5 Biodiversity | 3.6 Agriculture | 3.7 Forestry | 3.8 Manufacturing | 3.9 Tourism | 3.10 Mining | 3.11 Fuel and Energy

3.0 SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENT

3.8 Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector has grown rapidly since the mid 1980s. As sanctions tightened against South Africa, Swaziland became the recipient of increased foreign direct investment inflow, both in the form of new investment and retained earnings on the part of existing companies. Because of the limited size of Swaziland's domestic market, most industries are export oriented and are comparatively capital intensive. The sector's value added continues to be dominated by four export industries processing agricultural and forestry products: wood pulp production, drinks concentrate, fruit canning and sugar processing.

Due to the climatic and soil conditions, Swaziland has a clear comparative advantage in the production of a number of agro-industries (particularly for forestry, sugar and horticultural production), and the contribution of these sectors to the economy are expected to continue to expand.

Sugar was the most important source of export earnings in Swaziland until 1993 when its place was overtaken by export of edible concentrate. Swaziland sugar is sold on three markets: the European Union, the United States and the free market. The first two are subject to quota restrictions and prices are between 11/2 and 3 times that in the free market. In 1993 Swaziland sold 32% of its sugar to the EU and 4% to the USA.

Wood pulp has been the third most important export since 1987, behind sugar and edible concentrate. While export volumes have been increasing in recent years world prices have been falling, particularly in 1993 in response to excess world supply. Japan and Taiwan are the main markets for Swazi pulp.

Citrus and canned fruits accounted for 85 of total exports in 1988 and declined to only 3.5% by 1993. Poor performance was due to mainly to world prices for citrus fruits and to the effects of the drought. Citrus fruits are mainly exported to the Middle East and Europe, especially the united Kingdom where Swaziland has duty free access.

It is evident that Swaziland's major export markets are in the developed world. This makes it susceptible to changes in consumer behaviour in that part of the world since legislation and consumer behaviour in the developed world are increasingly geared to encourage the production and sale of environmentally friendly goods.

A major development of concern relates to the emergence of large industrial sites and estates. The planning and proper management of these estates and the facilities that go with them such as solid waste sites and effluent treatment plants have significantly highlighted the impact of manufacturing establishments on the environment.

3.8.1 Environment Issues Relating to the Manufacturing Industry

Environmental pollution: This is affecting the air, water and land, together with the living organising associated with these mediums.

• Generation of waste: Too much waste is being generated - gaseous, liquid and solid waste which pollute the environment This is exacerbated by improper waste disposal.
• Depletion of resources: There is over exploitation of water, forest and mineral resources in the manufacturing process.
• Land use issues: The siting of any factory needs to be done after careful consideration of the environmental impact of the manufacturing activity. Presently there are many located at wrong sites, with negative consequences, e.g. contamination of water sources.
• Lack of environmental awareness: The manufacturing sector needs to be educated and encouraged to:
  • adopt the principle of minimizing or preventing discharge of harmful substances;
  • use an integrated approach to pollution control;
  • abide by the "polluter pays" principle; and
  • participate with other policy initiatives, including those of water resources, human settlement, health and disaster prevention and preparedness.

3.8.2 Policy

There is presently no industrial policy. However, there are several relatively recent pieces of legislation with particular reference to industry's role in environmental management, i.e. Environmental Assessment, Audit and Review Regulations (1996) and the Solid Waste Regulations

The overall objectives of related policies for commercial, retail and industrial land would be to:

• Ensure that access to suitable land is not an inhibiting factor for sustainable commercial, retail and industrial development;
• Ensure that commercial, retail and industrial activity does not compromise the quality of life of the kingdom's subjects;
• Ensure that Swaziland becomes and remains within all internationally accepted limits of commercial and industrial pollution.

Policy Practical Elements

• Encourage self-regulation by polluting industries and commercial/professional associations;
• Promote emission control as a requirement for all vehicle transfer and licensing

3.8.3 Priority Actions