BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Eswatini government is making significant strides towards enhancing access to clean water for its citizens, with plans to provide this essential resource to over 200 000 people as part of its 2025/26 initiatives.
Funding and Support
The government has allocated an impressive E1.6 billion for these projects. In addition to government funding, organizations such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and World Vision have pledged their support to aid in this crucial endeavor.
Minister’s Statement
During the Budget Speech on February 14, 2025, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg emphasized the government’s commitment to financing water and sanitation projects. These efforts align with the National Development Plan (2024-2028) and the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming for 100% safe drinking water coverage throughout the country.
Key Projects
- Eswatini Water Supply and Sanitation Project
– Cost: E1.2 billion
– Location: Shiselweni region
– Beneficiaries: 49,230 people
– Completion Date: End of 2026
- Lomahasha/Namaacha Water Supply Project
– Beneficiaries: 46,500 people
– Completion Date: End of 2025
– Locations: Lomahasha (Eswatini), Namaacha (Mozambique), and surrounding areas.
- Manzini Region Water and Sanitation Project
– Cost: E1 billion (financed by AfDB)
– Beneficiaries: 110,000 people
– Coverage Areas: Mtfongwaneni, Manzini South, Nhlambeni, Manzini North, and Mafutseni.
– Completion Date: End of 2025
Collaboration with World Vision
The Ministry of Natural Resources is collaborating with World Vision to address existing gaps in rural water access. World Vision has committed E125 million over the next five years to support efforts in 15 Tinkhundla.
This initiative reflects a strong commitment from the Eswatini government and its partners to improve the quality of life for its citizens through enhanced access to clean water.
Vision for the Future
His Majesty King Mswati III, during the opening of the Second Session of the 12th Parliament, reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). He stated that the objective is for individuals to not have to walk more than two kilometers to access water, with the end goal of ensuring water reaches each household as part of the transformation process. Currently, 75 percent of the population has access to clean water, with a target of reaching 100 percent by 2030 through the construction of various water projects across the country.
This initiative reflects a strong commitment from the Eswatini government and its partners to improve the quality of life for its citizens through enhanced access to clean water.