BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI- Over 2 300 residents in Zombodze Emuva Inkhundla are gaining access to clean water through 55 communal taps at the Ebulekeni water supply scheme, a project combining solar and grid power to deliver a more sustainable water service to the community.
The scheme, established through a partnership between World Vision Eswatini (WVE) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy (MNRE), also provides water to a nearby school.
The Ebulekeni project was among the water solutions showcased during a recent regional learning and benchmarking visit by a delegation from the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) Lesotho, led by Chief Executive Officer Lebohang Mpeke Makara.
The visit was facilitated by World Vision Eswatini and Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC), giving the Lesotho delegation an opportunity to observe practical approaches being used in Eswatini to expand access to safe and reliable water services.
At Ebulekeni, the delegation examined how the hybrid water system combines solar energy and grid electricity to supply water to the community.
The use of solar energy helps reduce operational costs and improve affordability for the community, according to information shared during the visit.
The 55 communal taps provide residents with access points to the water supply, while the nearby school also benefits from the scheme.
The learning visit focused not only on infrastructure but also on the role of residents in sustaining water services.
Delegates explored how community ownership and participation in the management and maintenance of water infrastructure can contribute to the long-term sustainability of rural water schemes.
Makara said the community leadership demonstrated through Eswatini’s projects was one of the key lessons from the visit.
“What is key is how Eswatini has managed to practicalise and implement community projects. And a lot of community leadership, which is actually quite powerful,” Makara said.
The delegation also visited the prepaid water system at Makhwelela community on the outskirts of Nhlangano, which currently serves approximately 294 customers.
The Makhwelela system was constructed jointly by World Vision Eswatini and EWSC. It allows users to purchase water in advance, promoting efficient water use while supporting the sustainability of the service.
The final stop was the EWSC Prepaid Water Kiosk, which provides an alternative for households without direct water connections.
Through the kiosk, households can purchase water using prepaid tokens and collect it as needed. Each 20 litres of water costs 20 cents.
The different water solutions visited by the delegation demonstrated how partnerships between communities, government institutions, development partners and water utilities can help address water access challenges.
World Vision Eswatini WASH representative Ntando Mabuza said the exchange reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation and community participation in addressing water access challenges.
The visit also provided a platform for regional knowledge-sharing, allowing WASCO Lesotho to observe community-based approaches and water systems being implemented in Eswatini.
For the approximately 2 300 residents served by the Ebulekeni scheme, the project’s impact is direct — access to clean water through 55 communal taps.
The scheme stands as one of the practical examples presented during the regional exchange of how partnerships, community participation and a combination of solar and grid energy can support efforts to improve sustainable water services.
(Courtesy Pic)
