The Joint River Basin Authorities Project Board (JRBA-PB) marked World Water Day 2025 by urging action on sustainable water management amid growing climate challenges. Observed annually on March 22, the day draws attention to global water issues, with this year’s theme, “Glacier Preservation,” highlighting the far-reaching effects of melting ice on global water systems.
While Eswatini is geographically distant from glaciers, the JRBA-PB warns that changes in the Earth’s climate—driven in part by glacial melt—are already affecting local weather patterns. Irregular rainfall and shifting river flows threaten water availability, making resource conservation more urgent than ever.
The JRBA-PB, which oversees Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in Eswatini, plays a critical role in balancing water use across competing sectors while ensuring adherence to international agreements. With water demand rising and climate change intensifying, the board continues to push for responsible allocation, pollution control, and ecosystem protection.
To improve monitoring and management, the JRBA-PB has turned to technology, employing telemetric gauging stations, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and platforms like HydroNet. These innovations provide real-time data to enhance decision-making and ensure the efficient distribution of water resources.
The board has also called for greater collaboration with local stakeholders, including communities and industries, to protect Eswatini’s water supply.
