BY NONCEDO SHABANGU
…..Plan seeks to secure future amid rising droughts and floods
MBABANE- Eswatini has taken a significant step towards addressing its growing water challenges by officially launching the development of the Eswatini Water Investment Programme (EWIP). This is a strategic initiative aimed at creating a comprehensive plan to secure the country’s water future amid increasing climate pressures.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Natural Resources, Lindiwe Mbingo declared the start of this important development process during a gathering of government officials, development partners, and stakeholders. The programme aligns with the Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP) and Eswatini’s National Development Plan (2023–2028), reinforcing water security as a national priority.
“Water is not merely a resource, it is the lifeblood of our economy, the foundation of our resilience, and the bridge to our future prosperity,” Mbingo said.
Rising Challenges Demand Coordinated Action
Eswatini is increasingly vulnerable to water scarcity and climate change impacts. Rivers are shrinking, dams are under stress, and many communities—especially women and girls—still walk long distances to access water. Climate variability has caused delayed rains and increased occurrences of flash floods and droughts, threatening agriculture and livelihoods.
Droughts that once struck every ten years now occur every five years or less, severely affecting crops and livestock, which are critical to the country’s economy and food security. Studies indicate that water shortages cost Eswatini up to 5% of its GDP annually due to lost harvests and stalled industries.
A Collaborative Approach to Water Investment
The launch of the plan’s development signals a call for all stakeholders including government, private sector, civil society, and communities to work together to design a coordinated and gender responsive water investment strategy.
“Without careful and coordinated planning, the climate shocks will outpace our resilience. Without gender responsive solutions, women, youth, and girls will remain burdened as water bearers instead of business leaders,” Mbingo emphasised.
The initiative encourages water users from agriculture, forestry, industry, mining, hydropower, and domestic sectors to join efforts in developing an investment plan that leaves no one behind.
Aligning with National Priorities and Partnerships
His Majesty King Mswati III’s directive during the Sibaya National Dialogue prioritises water security as a key pillar for the country’s Programme of Action for 2024–2029. The EWIP development is a critical step towards realising this vision, linking water infrastructure to food sovereignty, industrial growth, and climate resilience as outlined in the National Development Plan.
Mbingo also highlighted the importance of collaboration with development partners and investors, inviting them to co design projects within a Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework to foster sustainable financing models.
Mobilising Resources for a Water Secure Future
With support from the African Union (AU), Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Eswatini aims to develop bankable, de risked projects that attract blended finance to fund water infrastructure and climate adaptation initiatives.
The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (MTEA) has also played a key role by integrating climate adaptation strategies into national policies and assisting with funding applications.
A Call to Action and Commitment
Mbingo extended gratitude to all partners and stakeholders who have supported this endeavour and urged continued commitment throughout the plan’s development process. “Water scarcity is the single greatest threat to Eswatini’s economic ambitions yet it also holds our greatest opportunity. Let us rise together to turn this challenge into a path for shared prosperity,” she concluded.
Today’s launch marks the beginning of a collaborative journey to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable water future for Eswatini ensuring that the country can adapt to climate risks while supporting growth and development for all its people.
(Courtesy Pics)
