By Mfanufikile Khathwane (Intern)
MHLANGATANE – The Government of Eswatini, through the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, has launched the Universal Service Coverage Project in Mhlangatane, a national initiative aimed at delivering safe water to over 320 000 Emaswati by 2030.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Ministry, World Vision Eswatini, and the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC), and forms part of the country’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 – access to clean water and sanitation for all.
The launch event, which took place on July 10, 2025 also featured the commissioning of the Tfutfukani Water Scheme, a community water system funded by World Vision at a cost of E4 million. The scheme now supplies clean water to over 200 homesteads in the area. It features a solar-powered pumping station, underground pipelines, household metered taps, and a trained local maintenance team to ensure long-term sustainability.
Speaking on behalf of World Vision Eswatini’s National Director, Sharon Maziya, the Vice Chairperson of the Board said the organisation has invested more than E691 million since 2016 to expand access to safe water, benefiting over 400 000 Emaswati nationwide.
Maziya emphasized that access to clean water plays a critical role in improving public health, education, and child safety, especially in rural communities.
HRH Prince Lonkhokhela applauded the residents of Mhlangatane for their active participation in the project and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that all 18 constituencies in Eswatini achieve full water coverage by 2030.
(Courtesy Pics)
