Simunye – Eswatini and Mozambique have strengthened their cooperation on addressing water scarcity with the signing of a Declaration of Intent for the Lomahasha–Namaacha (LoNa) Water Project. The agreement, signed today by HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, and His Excellency Fernando Rafael, Mozambique’s Minister of Public Works, Housing, and Water Resources, lays the groundwork for a joint Memorandum of Understanding.
The LoNa Water Project is a cross-border initiative designed to provide clean drinking water to approximately 50,000 residents in both countries. The project will see the construction of water infrastructure, including a treatment plant, pumping stations, and reservoirs, sourcing water from the Mbuluzi River. The Eswatini Water Services Corporation will operate the treatment plant and oversee the delivery of raw water.
Officials visited the project site to review progress since work began in June 2024. Phase 1A of the project is nearing completion, with two reservoirs almost finished and pipelines installed to transport water from the river.
The Declaration of Intent signals a shared commitment by both governments to secure funding and technical support for the next phases of the project. The partnership aims to ensure a sustainable water supply and improve access to clean water for affected communities.
The initiative has received backing from the German government and KfW, reflecting the role of international collaboration in addressing critical development needs in the region.
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