BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
EKWENDZENI – A long-standing struggle for clean and reliable water is finally coming to an end for hundreds of families in Ekwendzeni Chiefdom under Mtsambama Inkhundla following the official handover of a solar-powered water supply scheme worth E7.3 million.
The life-changing project, delivered by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development through the Microprojects Programme, is expected to ease the burden of water shortages and improve the quality of life for households that have endured years of limited access to safe water.
Developed in collaboration with the Department of Water Affairs (Rural Water), the scheme is capable of pumping approximately 144 000 litres of water per day from a borehole using solar energy. The water is stored in a 304 000-litre reservoir before being distributed through a network of 93 communal standpipes strategically installed within reasonable walking distance of beneficiary households.
The project is currently serving 270 homesteads, benefiting an estimated 1 080 people in the area. It has also been designed with future growth in mind, with the capacity to serve up to 488 homesteads over the next 20 years, ensuring long-term water security for the community.
Beyond providing clean water, the project also reflects the power of partnership between Government and the people it serves. Community members of Ekwendzeni played an active role in bringing the scheme to life by contributing labour, carrying out excavation works, supplying construction materials for soakaways and making cash contributions towards the development.
The spirit of collaboration and ownership displayed during the implementation of the project was widely commended during the handover ceremony, where stakeholders described the initiative as a shining example of what can be achieved when communities work hand in hand with Government to improve livelihoods.
Chairman of the Ekwendzeni Water Supply Scheme, Newman Khumalo, expressed gratitude to the Microprojects Programme and Government for delivering a project that will have a lasting impact on the area.
“We are grateful to the Microprojects Programme and Government for bringing this water project to our community. This scheme will change lives, restore dignity to our people and make access to clean water much easier for many households. We thank all those who made this development possible,” said Khumalo.
Stakeholders also used the occasion to urge the community to protect and maintain the newly installed infrastructure so that it continues to serve future generations. Residents were encouraged to safeguard the solar panels, attend water committee meetings and support the proper upkeep of the system to preserve the investment made in the area.
The project stands as a testament to Government’s continued commitment to improving rural livelihoods through the delivery of essential infrastructure, while also embracing sustainable and cost-effective solutions that enhance service delivery in underserved communities.
For the people of Ekwendzeni, the scheme represents far more than access to water. It means improved health and sanitation, reduced time spent travelling long distances in search of water, and a better quality of life for women, children and elderly residents who often carry the burden of fetching water for their families.
As Eswatini continues to prioritise inclusive development and rural transformation, the Ekwendzeni water supply scheme is expected to leave a lasting legacy and serve as a model of how strategic public investment can uplift communities and restore dignity at grassroots level.
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