BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZUWLINI – Government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, officially launched a E38.4 million Vitalizing Unifying Neighbouring Water Management Empowerment (VUNWE) programme under the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM).
This was at the Happy Valley Hotel on, 5 March 2026, where Minister, Prince Lonkhokhela, was represented by Principal Secretary (PS) Lindiwe Mbingo, leader of Eswatini delegation.
A symbolic launch of the VUNWE Programme was carried out by the representative of the minister, Commissioner of the Republic of Mozambique, Luisa de Conceicao and Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa Sello Kheva.
The actual funding of the programme was E38,412,600.00 (2 million Euros), courtesy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
VUNWE Integrated Program (2026-2029), will support two transboundary river basin commissions, INMACOM and BUPUSACOM, in Southern Africa, facilitated by a consortium of five regional and international water organisations led by IHE Delft, and financially supported by the Embassy of The Netherland in Maputo.
The minister said the launch represented far more than the commencement of a new programme. It represented continuity of partnership, consolidation of progress, and a renewed commitment to sustainable and cooperative management of shared water resources.
“The Incomati and Maputo River Basins are not simply geographical features on a map. They are lifelines that sustain millions of people across the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of Mozambique and the Republic of South Africa. They support agriculture, energy production, domestic supply, industry, ecosystems and livelihoods.nIt gives me great pleasure and honour to stand before you today as we officially launch the Vitalizing Unifying Neighbouring Water Management Empowerment (VUNWE) Programme,” he said.
He said as the rivers transcend political boundaries, their responsibility must also transcend boundaries.
He said the establishment and operationalization of the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM) stands as a testament to what can be achieved through trust, diplomacy and shared vision.
Through earlier phases of cooperation — notably PRIMA I and PRIMA II — they have built strong institutional foundations:
• A functional Secretariat,
• Strategic and financial plans,
• Enhanced disaster management coordination,
• Draft comprehensive water-sharing arrangements,
• Strengthened data and information systems.
“Today, with the launch of VUNWE (2026–2029), we move into a new phase — one that deepens cooperation and strengthens implementation. Our region is increasingly vulnerable to climate variability and extreme weather events. We have witnessed both severe droughts and devastating floods within short cycles. These events have damaged infrastructure, disrupted livelihoods and, tragically, cost lives,” he said.
Prince Lonkhokhela said the VUNWE Programme was therefore timely and strategic. To secure a collective future, they are embarking on a comprehensive approach centered on the harmonization of national water legislations, ensuring that policies speak one language across borders.
This legal alignment, he said, will be strengthened by dynamically undertaking a transboundary water allocation monitoring system, providing the transparency and trust necessary for equitable sharing. The project also calls for the deployment of an Advanced Decision Support Systems, which will replace guesswork with data-driven precision, allowing them to navigate complex climate challenges with confidence.
“Moreover, as the three countries we are equally committed to institutional capacity building to empower the Secretariat and our people. Together, we are not just managing a resource—we are building a foundation for lasting regional resilience. On behalf of the three Member States, I wish to express our profound appreciation to the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its continued financial, technical and administrative support,” he said.
The partnership, according to the minister, had been characterized by mutual respect, transparency and a shared belief in integrated water resources management.
He said the Netherlands’ global leadership in water governance and flood management continues to add immense value to regional efforts. VUNWE builds on this strong foundation and demonstrates confidence in their collective ability to deliver results.
He added that building on the technical pillars of their strategy, the VUNWE Programme serves as a vital engine for advancing sustainable development and regional integration across the three countries. By aligning our efforts, they are doing more than managing a watershed; they are strengthening economic cooperation and creating a stable environment for improved water investment planning that benefits their entire community.
“This initiative is a clear testament to our commitment to the global stage, directly driving progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6. Specifically, by fostering operational transboundary cooperation, we are turning the targets of Indicator 6.5.2 from aspirations into a lived reality. Through VUNWE, we prove that when we manage our waters together, we flow toward a more integrated, prosperous, and water-secure future for all.”
The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini reaffirmed its full commitment to the successful implementation of this Programme.
He pledged:
• Continued political support,
• Institutional alignment,
• Financial cooperation where required,
• Active participation in the Technical Steering Committee,
• And strengthened coordination with national water institutions.
He said they were confident that through INMACOM’s leadership and the dedication of the technical teams, VUNWE will deliver tangible and measurable outcomes.
“Let this Programme serve as a reminder that cooperation is not a sign of weakness — it is a sign of maturity and shared purpose. Let it demonstrate that when nations unite around science, policy coherence and mutual accountability, we can safeguard our shared resources for future generations.”
#VUNWEProgramme #INMACOM #MinistryOfNaturalResources #Tripartite #Government
