MHLANGATANE – Over 320,000 emaSwati are expected to gain access to safe water by 2030 following the official launch of the Universal Service Coverage Project yesterday in Mhlangatane.
The project was unveiled through a partnership between World Vision Eswatini, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, and the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC), during an event that also saw the commissioning of the Tfutfukani Water Scheme.
HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, Minister for Natural Resources and Energy, led the commissioning ceremony and applauded the Mhlangatane community for its involvement from planning to implementation. The new water scheme, located in the northern Hhohho region, was described as a model for other communities as the country pushes toward full water access in all 18 constituencies.
The Tfutfukani Water Scheme, built at a cost of E4 million, is funded by World Vision and currently benefits over 200 homesteads in the area. The system includes a solar-powered pump, underground pipelines, metered household taps, and a trained local maintenance team.
Speaking on behalf of World Vision Eswatini National Director Tinah Mukunda, Vice Chairperson of the Board, Sharon Maziya, said the organisation has invested more than E691 million in clean water projects since 2016, reaching around 400,000 emaSwati.
She said access to water not only improves public health but also boosts school attendance and safety for children, particularly girls, who no longer have to walk long distances to fetch water.
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