BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE (INTERN)
MBABANE– A newly completed E4 million water supply scheme has been officially handed over to the Qomintaba community, bringing clean, reliable water to 169 homesteads and creating opportunities for economic growth.
The Qomintaba Water Supply Scheme was officially handed over to the community, marking the successful completion of a transformative infrastructure project that will provide clean and reliable water to 169 homesteads in the Qomintaba area under the Matsanjeni South Constituency in the Shiselweni Region.
The project was implemented through the Kingdom of Eswatini’s Regional Development Fund (RDF) framework and administered by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development through its Microprojects Programme. The initiative represents a total investment of approximately E4 million, with the RDF contributing about E3.7 million while the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) provided materials worth approximately E300 000.
The successful completion of the project highlights the power of community participation and partnership. The Qomintaba Water Association, operating under the Qomintaba Royal Kraal, played a pivotal role in driving the project from inception to completion. Community members demonstrated their commitment by contributing 10 percent of the project requirements through both cash and in kind contributions.
For many residents, the new water scheme is expected to significantly improve daily life. Qomintaba is one of the underdeveloped rural communities within the Matsanjeni South Constituency, where many residents rely on casual labour and street vending as their primary sources of income. Access to clean water at household level is expected to reduce hardships associated with water collection while opening doors for income-generating activities.
Community members will now have opportunities to establish vegetable gardens, grow fruit trees and pursue small scale business ventures that depend on a reliable water supply. The project is also expected to improve sanitation, health and overall living standards within the area.
The scheme will serve both domestic and commercial purposes under the chieftaincy of Chief Gasa WaNgwane. To ensure long term sustainability, the operation, management and maintenance of the water system will be overseen by community members themselves through established local structures.
The Eswatini Water Services Corporation has also announced plans to install prepaid water meters. The move is expected to help residents manage water consumption more effectively while making water services more affordable compared to conventional post-paid systems.
The Qomintaba Water Supply Scheme is one of approximately 40 projects implemented during the 2024/2025 financial year under the Microprojects Programme. The programme, housed under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, empowers grassroots communities to identify and implement their own development priorities through funding support from the Regional Development Fund.
Through initiatives such as water schemes, roads and community halls, the programme continues to strengthen rural development and improve the quality of life for communities across Eswatini.
According to information shared on the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development Facebook page, the project demonstrates government’s commitment to expanding access to essential services and empowering communities to take ownership of their development initiatives.
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(Courtesy Pic)
