BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE— Communities in Catuane District are set to benefit from improved access to safe and reliable water following the official commencement of construction works on the Catuane Water Supply System, a project scheduled for completion by March this year.
The presentation and consignation of the works took place on 20 January 2026 in Matutuíne District, Mozambique, marking a critical preparatory milestone ahead of the mobilisation of equipment and the start of full-scale construction activities.
The project follows extensive geophysical and hydrogeological studies and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen water security and resilience for local communities. Once completed, the system is expected to significantly improve access to clean water for residents while supporting long-term socio-economic development.
Speaking during the launch event, Catuane District Administrator Dulce Clanhemba emphasised the importance of strict compliance with environmental and social safeguards by the contracted company. She further stressed the need to prioritise the recruitment of local labour, noting that this approach would promote community ownership, facilitate skills transfer and knowledge sharing, and generate direct economic benefits for the people of Catuane.
The contractor assured stakeholders that it has the necessary technical expertise, equipment and human resources to complete the project within the agreed timeframe. A dedicated environmental and social safeguards team will oversee community engagement throughout the construction phase, ensuring smooth implementation and addressing any concerns that may arise.
The event was attended by representatives from the INMACOM Secretariat, as well as technical officials from South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique, underscoring the regional importance of the initiative and the strength of cross-border cooperation in addressing shared water challenges.
This publication reported last year that Eswatini continues to play an active role in positive water development projects in Mozambique, particularly through joint initiatives with South Africa aimed at managing the Incomati and Maputo River Basins. These transboundary efforts focus on improving water governance, safeguarding ecosystem health and responding to climate-related challenges affecting millions of people across the region.
Specifically in Catuane District, a joint regional mission reported on last year brought renewed hope for improved water access to more than 7,500 residents, highlighting the tangible benefits of collaboration between Eswatini, Mozambique and South Africa.
Beyond Catuane, water initiatives in neighbouring areas are also making a meaningful impact. In Gaza Province, development partners such as World Vision have introduced sand abstraction technology, using solar-powered pumps and natural filtration systems to provide clean and reliable water in drought-prone communities. This innovation has been widely praised for easing water-related hardships, particularly for women and children.
The Catuane Water Supply System, together with complementary regional water initiatives, is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits. These include improved access to safe drinking water, a reduction in waterborne diseases, less time spent by women and girls fetching water, strengthened sanitation and hygiene practices, and enhanced livelihoods through better water availability for household use and small-scale economic activities.
As construction begins, the project stands as a strong example of how regional cooperation, sustainable infrastructure development and community-centred approaches can transform lives and build resilience in vulnerable communities.
(Courtesy Pic)
