BY NELILE NXUMALO (INTERN)
EZULWINI– The Vitalising Unifying Neighbouring Water Management Empowerment (VUNWE) programme is expected to play a vital role in ensuring the sustained availability and responsible management of water resources shared by Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique.
This was highlighted by Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy Principal Secretary Lindiwe Mbingo during the official launch of the initiative at the Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Mbingo emphasised that regional cooperation has become increasingly important as countries in Southern Africa experience growing pressure on water resources due to climate change, prolonged droughts and occasional floods. She explained that rivers flowing across national borders require careful joint planning and continuous information sharing to ensure their long-term sustainability.
The Principal Secretary noted that the VUNWE programme builds on the important work of the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM), a regional body responsible for coordinating the management of shared river systems among the three countries. Through such cooperation, governments are able to ensure that water resources are utilised in a balanced and sustainable manner that benefits communities and economies throughout the region.
According to Mbingo, the VUNWE initiative will prioritise improving the monitoring of water resources and strengthening the sharing of critical data between member states. These improvements will allow decision-makers to access reliable information when planning water usage and responding to environmental challenges.
Another key component of the programme will be capacity building and institutional strengthening. This will help equip water management institutions with the necessary skills, systems and technical expertise to effectively oversee water governance in the region for many years to come.
The programme has received valuable support from the Government of the Netherlands, which has previously funded regional water cooperation initiatives such as Prima 1 and Prima 2. These partnerships demonstrate the importance of international collaboration in addressing shared environmental challenges and ensuring sustainable development.
Water experts and stakeholders who attended the launch welcomed the initiative, noting that population growth and climate-related pressures are placing increasing strain on water resources across Southern Africa. Shared river basins such as the Incomati and Maputo systems remain essential sources of water for agriculture, industry and household consumption in the three countries.
Officials expressed optimism that improved coordination through programmes such as VUNWE will strengthen regional cooperation, prevent potential disputes over water usage and promote responsible environmental stewardship. Ultimately, the initiative is expected to contribute significantly to sustainable development and improved water security for communities across the region.
#WaterSecurity #RegionalCooperation #ClimateResilience #EswatiniPositiveNews
