A Watershed Moment: Eswatini Government and World Vision Partner for Universal Water Access
In a ground-breaking move towards achieving universal access to clean and safe water, World Vision Eswatini and the Governemnt of Eswatini, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly invest in expanding water coverage across 18 constituencies over the next five years.
This partnership aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which calls for the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The first phase of the initiative will require an investment of E250 million and represents a major step toward ensuring that all communities, particularly vulnerable and underserved ones, can enjoy the basic human right to water.
The signing ceremony, held today, marked the official launch of this joint commitment to transforming lives through water access. Speaking at the event, World Vision Eswatini’s National Director Tinah Mukunda underscored the wider significance of water access, especially in relation to child wellbeing.
“For us at World Vision, access to water has a strong link to child protection,” Tinah said. “Children should not have to walk long distances to fetch water. The safety of our children, as we are all aware, has become paramount these days.”
This, she said, in reference to recent abductions, sexual violations, mutilations, and killings that have sent shockwaves across the country. She also highlighted the importance of water access in enhancing educational outcomes.
“We know and have learned that universal access plays a huge role in ensuring quality education for our learners. Educational outcomes are affected when the lack of water in schools leads to absenteeism or time spent fetching water instead of learning,” she explained.
“Moreover, treating waterborne diseases places a significant financial burden on families and the healthcare system through increased healthcare costs.”
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy Lindiwe Mbingo reaffirmed the government's dedication to the collaboration. She stated that the Ministry will deliver on its commitments through the Department of Water Affairs and the Eswatini Water Services Corporation, leveraging their technical expertise to ensure the effective deployment of WASH infrastructure.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in the drive toward universal water service coverage in Eswatini by 2030 and sets a strong foundation for lasting, community-wide impact.