BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – The Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) has revealed that the Eswatini Water Supply and Sanitation Access Project (EWSSAP) in the Shiselweni Region has reached 87% completion, the pipeline 85% Progress with the first drop of potable water along the Nhlangano–Siphambanweni corridor scheduled for July 2026.
The entire project is expected to be fully completed by 30 September 2026.
During a media presentation on February 17, 2026 at the UN Building, Project Coordinator Nobuhle Matsebula provided a detailed update on the progress of the initiative, highlighting the work completed on reservoirs, pipelines, and sanitation facilities in Shiselweni.
The project was started in 2019 as part of Eswatini’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), EWSSAP aims to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.
The project focuses on improving water supply, sanitation services, and drought preparedness while strengthening institutions and policy frameworks in the region.
Implemented by EWSC under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, the project is funded through a US$59.2 million partnership with the World Bank, with US$53 million provided by the Bank and US$6.2 million contributed by the Government of Eswatini.
“EWSSAP is not just about infrastructure. It is about securing sustainable water access, building resilient institutions, and protecting communities against climate-related risks,” said Nomahlubi Matiwane, Acting MD and Business Enablement and Corporate Affairs Director.
The backbone of the project, Resilient Water Access and Management, includes the construction of three reservoirs, a pump station, and a 66-kilometre bulk water pipeline from Nhlangano to Siphambanweni.
Progress in Shiselweni includes:
- Reservoirs and pump station, 100% completed
- 22-kilometre mainline from Nhlangano to Zombodze, 100% completed
- Main pipeline and laterals from Zombodze to Siphambanweni, 85% complete
Beyond infrastructure, EWSSAP has created over 1 200 job opportunities, including local employment across pipeline construction, reservoir works, and sanitation facilities, providing significant economic benefits to the Shiselweni communities.
Alongside physical infrastructure, the project strengthens water governance, drought preparedness, and resource management, with Eswatini now recognised as a Centre of Excellence for Drought and Disaster Risk Management.
Once fully operational, EWSSAP will provide reliable potable water to more than 38 000 people in Shiselweni, enhance sanitation services for households, schools, and clinics, and ensure long-term sustainability.
With July 2026 marking the first drop of water, the Kingdom moves closer to realising universal access to safe water, creating jobs, and advancing its SDG 6 commitments.
