BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
SITEKI – Communities in the Lubombo Region are set to benefit from a new climate resilience initiative aimed at strengthening their ability to withstand the effects of climate change.
The Baphalali Eswatini Climate Resilience Project, implemented by the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society in partnership with the British Red Cross, will run from 2026 to 2028 and focus on supporting vulnerable communities through capacity building and resource provision.
Lubombo Regional Health Administrator Happy Tsabedze, speaking on behalf of the Lubombo Regional Secretary, said the region remains among those most affected by various challenges, while receiving limited support. “The Lubombo Region is the least supported yet highly adversely affected by various crises,” said Tsabedze during the Lubombo Stakeholder Engagement Meeting held in Siteki.
She expressed appreciation to the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society and the British Red Cross for identifying Lubombo as one of the regions to benefit from the intervention. The stakeholder engagement meeting formed part of the National Society’s efforts to introduce the new project to regional authorities, community leaders and partners, while strengthening collaboration towards successful implementation.
Climate Resilience Technical Advisor Sebenzile Tsela thanked community leaders for their continued support during the previous Disaster Management and Resilience Project, which reached 29 communities in Lomahasha and Mhlume constituencies. Through the previous project, communities received support including multi-purpose cash assistance, farm inputs, goat medication, poultry and fruit trees, depending on their specific needs.
Project Representative Thulani Shongwe said the new initiative seeks to build on previous efforts by continuing to support vulnerable communities through skills development and access to resources. “We will be targeting the same 29 communities in the Lomahasha and Mhlume constituencies, with special focus on agriculture, health and disaster management sectors,” said Shongwe.
The project is expected to contribute towards strengthening community preparedness, improving livelihoods and enhancing resilience against climate-related challenges. Stakeholders attending the meeting included representatives from the Lubombo Regional Administrator’s Office, Lubombo Regional Health Office, Ministry of Agriculture, including the Home Economics Department, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office through the Department of Social Welfare, and community leaders from various chiefdoms.
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