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By Delisa Magagula
The Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) has embarked on a transformative project to improve water supply and sanitation services in the Manzini region.
With an investment of E1.1 billion, the Manzini Region Water Supply and Sanitation Project (MRWSSP) aims to address the region’s water and sanitation challenges, enhance access to potable water, and ensure better hygiene management for the population.
This ambitious project is structured into multiple phases, focusing on both infrastructure development and institutional capacity building.
Managing Director of EWSC, Jabulile Mashwama, explained that the project was driven by the pressing need to improve water access and sanitation in the Manzini region, which has long struggled with unreliable water supply and insufficient sanitation infrastructure.
“The project is designed to meet the growing demand for water and sanitation services in the Manzini region, providing long-term solutions to the issues that many of our communities face,” Mashwama said.
The project will be executed in two major phases, with the first phase (Lot 1) focusing on upgrading and constructing key water infrastructure components.
One of the most crucial components of Lot 1 is the upgrade of the raw water intake pumps and the construction of a raw water pumping main.
These improvements will ensure a more reliable and consistent water supply to the 12-megaliter (ML) Water Treatment Plant in Matsapha.
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Additionally, the installation of a potable water pumping main will enable the efficient distribution of treated water to surrounding areas, ensuring that more people in the region have access to safe drinking water.
Mashwama highlighted that the 12ML Water Treatment Plant in Matsapha will be a cornerstone of the project.
“By expanding the treatment capacity in Matsapha, we are ensuring that more households can access clean, treated water. This development will also reduce reliance on alternative sources of water, which are often unsafe,” she said.
The second phase (Lot 2) of the project will focus on constructing and expanding water storage and distribution networks in several Tinkhundla across the Manzini region. This will include the establishment of a 12ML reservoir in Logoba and a 9ML reservoir in Mpilo.
These new reservoirs will improve water storage capacity, ensuring that the system can meet the demand for water, particularly during periods of low rainfall or high consumption.
The project also includes the development of new water distribution networks in five Tinkhundla: Manzini North, Manzini South, Mafutseni, Mtfongwaneni, and Nhlambeni.
These areas have historically faced challenges in accessing reliable water, and the expansion of the distribution networks is expected to significantly improve water supply in these communities.
Mashwama pointed out that the project’s goal is not only to expand access to water but also to ensure that the water is distributed fairly and efficiently.
“By enhancing the water distribution networks, we are making sure that every household has access to clean water. This is particularly important in communities where water access has been limited,” Mashwama said.
In addition to infrastructure development, the MRWSSP will focus on institutional capacity building and improving hygiene management across the region.
The project will work to strengthen the operational capacity of EWSC and other key institutions involved in water management, ensuring that they can efficiently operate and maintain the new infrastructure.
Mashwama explained that building the capacity of local institutions is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the project.
“It is not enough to simply build new infrastructure; we also need to ensure that the systems in place to operate and maintain these facilities are effective. Through institutional capacity building, we aim to empower local authorities and the communities they serve,” she said.
Noteworthy is that, hygiene management is another key focus area. With water and sanitation challenges often linked to poor hygiene practices, the MRWSSP will include education and awareness campaigns to promote good hygiene behaviors, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The project will emphasize the importance of handwashing, safe water storage, and proper waste disposal to reduce waterborne diseases and improve the overall health of the community.
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Meanwhile, the project’s scope and scale are expected to have a significant economic impact, both in terms of job creation and long-term improvements to the region’s economy.
The construction and installation phases will provide employment opportunities, particularly for local workers, and contribute to the region’s economic development.
Additionally, the improved access to water and sanitation is expected to lead to better health outcomes, which in turn will boost productivity and reduce the economic burden of waterborne diseases.
Mashwama noted that improving water and sanitation services is essential for the overall well-being of the population.
“Access to clean water is a basic human right and ensuring that our communities have this access is key to improving their quality of life. We expect this project to have far-reaching positive effects on public health, education, and economic development in the region,” she said.
One of the main drivers of the MRWSSP is the increasing demand for water in the Manzini region, driven by population growth and urbanization.
As the country’s economic hub, Manzini attracts people from all over Eswatini, putting additional pressure on existing water supply systems. The MRWSSP aims to address this growing demand and ensure that the region’s water infrastructure can support future growth.
Mashwama emphasized that the project is aligned with national water and sanitation goals, including Eswatini’s target of achieving universal access to water supply and improved sanitation by 2030.
“This project is part of our broader efforts to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. It is a significant step towards achieving that goal,” she said.
The MRWSSP is expected to be completed in several phases over the next few years, with full implementation anticipated to take up to five years. However, Mashwama stressed that the project’s impact will be felt long after its completion.
“We are building a foundation for sustainable water and sanitation services in the region. The infrastructure we put in place today will benefit generations to come,” she said.
