MANZINI – Construction on the multi-million emalangeni water supply and sanitation infrastructure across parts of the Manzini Region has reached the halfway mark, with completion now anticipated by the end of 2025.
According to an implementation report compiled earlier this month, the Manzini Region Water Supply and Sanitation Project is 45% complete, with major works ongoing across Nhlambeni, Manzini South, Mthongwaneni, and Mafutseni. The report followed a field mission conducted between 28 April and 2 May 2025.
Funded through a loan agreement between the Government of Eswatini and the African Development Bank (AfDB), the project is valued at just over ZAR 719 million. The Swaziland Water Services Corporation (EWSC) is the lead implementing agency, with support from the Ministry of Finance.
Initially launched to improve access to clean water and sanitation for underserved communities in Manzini Region, the project encountered budget constraints, forcing the removal of the sanitation component involving a wastewater treatment plant and sewerage system.
As of the latest progress check, 99.8% of the AfDB loan has already been committed through contracts, with physical execution standing at 45%. While two major works contracts are progressing steadily, completion has now been projected for the end of 2026.
The development objective rating remains “satisfactory” despite delays, largely due to revised project scope and steady construction on water supply systems. Key installations currently underway include intake works, transmission lines, water treatment plants, storage reservoirs, and distribution networks.
According to project data, the water treatment plant is at 65% completion, reservoirs are 48% done, and distribution pipelines have reached 43%. Pipe laying and delivery continue on-site, while service connections and rural water kiosks remain in early stages.
The project aims to raise access to safe water in the targeted areas from 22% to 90%. However, the most recent figures show no increase yet, as most of the system components remain under construction.
Sanitation efforts, though scaled back, continue through hygiene awareness campaigns and the planned construction of 20 public sanitation facilities. Contracts for these have already been signed.
Despite logistical and financial challenges, the EWSC has been commended for maintaining its staff efficiency ratio of 10 employees per 1,000 water connections, reaching its internal institutional target.
Still, several key issues remain unresolved. Compensation for Project Affected Persons (PAPs) is outstanding, and the Ministry of Finance is yet to release remaining counterpart funding. Delays here pose risks of work slowdowns and cost escalations. Erosion risks at the Logoba Reservoir site also require urgent slope rehabilitation measures.
The EWSC has until the end of June 2025 to resolve most pending matters, including finalising an environmental and social audit, completing the erosion control plan, and undertaking fresh access surveys in the project zones.
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