BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EKUKHANYENI – After 17 years of transforming lives, World Vision Eswatini has completed its Ekukhanyeni Area Programme, leaving behind an empowered and resilient community with dramatically improved access to clean water and sustainable livelihoods.
The milestone was celebrated August, 19, 2025 during a dissemination meeting attended by community leaders, NGOs, clinics, water committees, and government representatives.
When the programme began, only 46.7% of households in Ekukhanyeni had access to sufficient drinking water from an improved source. Today, that figure has risen to 96%. Schools have also recorded remarkable progress, with 90.9% now enjoying year-round access to safe drinking water. These achievements were detailed in an Evaluation Report presented by Lungile Malaza, World Vision’s Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist.
Thulani Thwala, a water committee member from Nyakeni, the 17-year journey has been transformative. “World Vision brought us water purification systems, ensuring a reliable supply of safe water,” he said. “Through livelihood initiatives, families can now afford monthly water bills, guaranteeing the long-term sustainability of water projects.”
The Evaluation Report also highlighted a sharp increase in household participation in savings groups from 19.3% at baseline to 88.8%. These groups, introduced as part of World Vision’s livelihoods initiatives, have become a financial lifeline for families in a community grappling with high unemployment.
Hon. Appolo Maphalala, Member of Parliament for Ekukhanyeni, expressed gratitude for World Vision’s contributions. “This comprehensive evaluation report will guide our sustainability strategy for water schemes, cooperatives, and other projects as World Vision transitions,” he said.
World Vision’s 17-year journey in Ekukhanyeni demonstrates the power of collaboration between communities, partners, and development organisations. The NGO continues to serve other communities across Eswatini, aiming to achieve similar or even greater results through its transformative development programmes.
(Courtesy Pics)
