BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Eswatini has taken a significant step towards a greener future with the launch of an innovative climate-Smart Waste Management project spearheaded by Yibutse Green Action.
With funding amounting to E282 400 from the British High Commission, this initiative is poised to revolutionise recycling efforts in the country and set a benchmark for sustainable waste disposal.
British High Commissioner to Eswatini, His Excellency Colin Wells, has commended the project for its transformative approach to waste management and community empowerment.
“I congratulate Yibutse Green Action and the communities they work with on the great success of this project,” said Wells. “The way we manage our waste in our communities matters. This project brought important principles around recycling and ethical waste treatment to communities in Eswatini and trained women and other leaders to incentivise their neighbours to take ownership of this essential service and to think green. I hope this will become a model for other communities throughout this beautiful country.”
The project, implemented in two constituencies, features Climate-Smart Recycling and Waste Management Centres constructed using sustainable building materials such as bamboo sub-frames, clay-straw walls, and PET plastic bottles. These facilities promote waste segregation, composting, and recycling while utilizing renewable energy sources to minimize environmental impact.
Executive Director of Yibutse Green Action, Musa Ndlangamandla, expressed profound gratitude for the UK’s support in fostering environmental sustainability and community development.
“We are immensely grateful to the UK Government, through the British High Commissioner, His Excellency Colin Wells and his entire team, for their unwavering support. Their investment in local organisations such as Yibutse Green Action is a testament to their commitment to Eswatini’s development and environmental sustainability,” Ndlangamandla stated.
The initiative’s broader objective is to strengthen cooperation between municipal areas, peri-urban communities, and informal settlements, ensuring vulnerable groups—particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities—are at the forefront of sustainable waste management. Through workshops and community outreach programs, the project has already empowered over 400 individuals with essential skills in waste management.
“These state-of-the-art Climate-Smart Recycling and Waste Management Centres are a milestone in Eswatini’s journey towards sustainable waste management. By integrating local materials, harnessing renewable energy, and engaging local engineers and unskilled labour, we are creating not just infrastructure but also economic opportunities for the communities we serve,” Ndlangamandla emphasized.
Waste disposal remains a pressing concern in Eswatini, with only 50-60% of urban waste being effectively collected, while a large portion ends up in landfills or is illegally dumped. This project aims to address such challenges by promoting a circular economy, encouraging businesses and households to adopt sustainable waste recycling practices, and forming eco-ambassadors and environmental clubs to sustain long-term change.
The British High Commission’s investment aligns with its global environmental commitments, reinforcing the UK’s role in supporting climate resilience in developing nations. With projects like this, Eswatini is not only tackling immediate waste concerns but also laying the groundwork for a landfill-free future.
As the pilot phase unfolds, there are already plans to expand the initiative across the country, solidifying a nationwide movement towards responsible waste management. With the continued backing of strategic partners like the British High Commission, Eswatini is on a promising path toward sustainable development and environmental conservation.
