BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – The Government of Eswatini has intensified efforts to improve access to clean and safe water, with 18 constituencies set to benefit from ongoing rural water projects.
This was revealed by the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, on April 30, 2026, when he officially received two vehicles from World Vision to support the work of the Department of Water Affairs.
Vehicle boost for rural water programme
HRH Prince Lonkhokhela said the vehicles would strengthen the monitoring and implementation of water projects across the country, particularly in rural areas.
“The vehicles will enhance our capacity to effectively monitor and implement water projects, particularly in the 18 constituencies targeted under this programme,” he said.
He said the projects would focus on communities where access to reliable water remained a challenge, noting that improved mobility would help accelerate service delivery.
“These initiatives are meant to ensure that emaSwati, especially in rural areas, have improved access to clean and safe water,” he said.
The vehicles were jointly funded by the Government of Eswatini and World Vision.
Partnership driving impact
The Minister said the handover reflected the growing success of Government’s partnership with World Vision, which has already delivered impactful water projects across the country.
These include the Tfutfukani Water Scheme in Mhlangatane, water schemes and spring protection initiatives in Ekukhanyeni, as well as the Mlindazwe–Tsambekwako Water Supply Project under Gege Inkhundla.
The projects have benefited communities such as BakaMdluli and Hlatshwako, improving access to clean and safe water.
Progress towards universal access
Eswatini continues to make progress in expanding access to clean water, with about three-quarters of the population currently able to access safe water.
While urban areas have achieved high levels of coverage, rural areas still lag behind, highlighting the need for continued focus on underserved communities.
The country is working towards achieving universal access to clean water by 2030.
Challenges remain
Despite the progress, challenges remain in ensuring consistent and reliable water supply for all.
Climate variability, including erratic rainfall and recurring droughts, continues to pose risks to water security, while access gaps persist in some rural areas.
Focus on improving access
Efforts are underway to close the gap, including strategies aimed at ensuring communities do not travel long distances to access water and the expansion of sustainable water supply solutions.
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners to expand water access and improve livelihoods across the country.
More projects are expected to be rolled out within the current financial year as Eswatini continues to prioritise access to clean and safe water for all emaSwati.
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