By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – The Kingdom of Eswatini is asking for more support on the Lomahasha-Namaacha so that the project reaches its full potential.
This plea was highlighted during the 43rd Joint Meeting for Ministers Responsible for Energy and Water, taking place in Harare, Zimbabwe, from June 30 to July 4, 2025.
The Lomahasha-Namaacha Cross Border Water Supply Project is a flagship initiative between Eswatini and Mozambique, designed to address acute water scarcity in the border towns of Lomahasha (Eswatini) and Namaacha (Mozambique). The project is part of the SADC Regional Fund for Water Infrastructure and Basic Sanitation, with support from the German Government through KfW Development Bank and implementation by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)
Launched in June 2024, the project aims to provide safe drinking water and improved sanitation to approximately 100 000 people, directly impacting health, economic activity, food security, and poverty reduction in the region
The infrastructure includes pipelines, reservoirs, water-pumping stations, and bulk water distribution points, with a completion timeline of about 18 months from launch.
While the project has received initial funding—€16 million (about E332.5 million) for the current phase—this amount is insufficient to ensure comprehensive water provision for all residents of Lomahasha, Namaacha, and surrounding areas
Eswatini’s call for more support, highlighted at the 43rd SADC Joint Meeting for Ministers Responsible for Energy and Water, reflects the need for additional resource mobilization to bring the project to its full potential.
The SADC Water Fund Infrastructure Development also came under the spotlight during the SADC meeting. The SADC Water Fund, which finances such cross-border projects, relies on a combination of international contributions, member state co-financing (typically 10%), and strategic partnerships.
During the SADC meeting, attention devoted to critical matters such as the SADC Groundwater Management and Mapping Sub grant project. Eswatini’s successful implementation of this project, funded through SADC GMI, was noted as a significant achievement.
The SADC Regional Water Policy, which seeks to coordinate regional water projects and address issues related to climate change and infrastructure development, was also discussed, with a revised policy to be endorsed by the Council of Ministers in August 2025.
The deliberations at the SADC 43rd Joint Meeting for Ministers Responsible for Energy and Water are expected to continue until July 4th, taking place at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare, Zimbabwe. This intensive session provides a valuable platform for regional dialogue and the development of strategies that advance the shared objectives of sustainable development and energy and water security for the SADC region.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) faces significant water challenges, including uneven distribution, water scarcity, and inadequate infrastructure. Many SADC countries struggle to provide safe and reliable water to their populations, with rural areas particularly affected. Water quality is also a concern, with issues like pollution and inadequate sanitation impacting access to clean water for both domestic and agricultural use, according to the World Bank.
