BY NONCEDO SHABANGU
MBABANE – A new dawn is rising for Southern Africa’s rivers and communities.
Eswatini, alongside Mozambique and South Africa, has embarked on a transformative five-year journey to heal degraded land and strengthen water management in the Incomati and Maputo river basins.
Backed by over USD 71 million(E1 234 060 230), this initiative promises not only environmental renewal but also opportunities for community empowerment and green job creation. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has contributed USD 7.1 million, while member states and partners provide USD 64 million (E1. 1 billion) in co-financing. Oversight rests with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWP-SA) steering implementation.
Aligning Priorities
The inception meeting in Mbombela, South Africa (17–18 September), brought together key stakeholders to refine strategies, clarify responsibilities, and ensure strong coordination. Among the project’s priorities are:
- Strengthening INMACOM (Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission)
- Restoring 12,800 hectares of degraded land
- Promoting sustainable management across 35,900 hectares
- Enhancing regional cooperation between authorities
- Empowering women and communities to actively lead in water governance, ecosystem restoration, and job creation
Voices of Commitment
Local and regional leaders expressed strong support for the initiative:
- “As Eswatini, we’re ready for the implementation so that by the time we finish, we’d have addressed the challenges of the two basins,” said Emelda Mapule Magagula, Chief Water Engineer at Eswatini’s Department of Water Affairs.
- “This meeting is a step in the right direction… we’re excited that we’re moving from talking to implementation,” noted Petunia Ramunenyiwa, South Africa’s Chief Director for Intergovernmental Relations.
- “It has been a long way to start implementing the project, and we’re grateful. We’re committed to ensuring its success,” added Lizete Dias, Chief of Water Resources at Mozambique’s Ara-Sul-IP.
Technical Oversight and Action
As the GEF Accredited Agency, UNDP will facilitate funding and safeguard compliance, while GWP-SA will provide technical expertise and regional water management networks.
“We must move swiftly into implementation, mobilising expertise, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring that INMACOM grows into a resilient and technically sound institution,” emphasized Nessie Golakai-Gould, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative.
With collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment at its heart, this project is set to restore not only rivers and landscapes but also hope for communities that depend on them.
(Courtesy Pic)
