The small southern African country of Swaziland is virtually ethnically homogenous, with most of the
population being of the same tribe. Economically, it relies on South
Africa, which receives almost half of Swazi exports and supplies most of
its imports. Many Swazis live in chronic poverty and food shortages are
widespread.
AIDS is taking a heavy toll. Swaziland has the most severe level of
infection in the world, with over 40% of the population affected. Water
and sanitation coverage is poor and capacity to improve the situation is
low, with poor implementation of policies and a lack of government
funding.
WaterAid in Swaziland
WaterAid started working in Swaziland in 2009, with the aims of introducing sustainable water and sanitation technologies that are appropriate for poor communities –
particularly those in rural areas and people living with HIV/AIDS – and influencing the Government to
prioritize water and sanitation sector needs.
In November 2010, we began a water point mapping initiative to
determine the current distribution and status of water supplies in the country, so that the areas most in need of improved water services can easily be identified.
The initiative is being warmly welcomed in the country by partners such as the EU Micro Finance project, who highlighted that lack of capacity (skills, data and management systems) are a major
challenge in the country's
water, sanitation and hygiene sector.
Lindlyn Moma, WaterAid's Regional Advocacy Manager, said: "We had positive
discussions about ways of working through partners and building their
capacity. The EU Micro Finance office was very appreciative of
WaterAid's assistance on water point mapping, which is being supported
by the EU through data collection."
The mapping initiative has a high level champion in the country: Her Royal Highness Princess Tsandzile. During a recent visit to the country Robert Kampala, WaterAid's Southern Africa Regional Manager, said: "HRH Princess Tsandzile reiterated her appreciation and
support for WaterAid. She lamented that education and health have always
been given priority over water, despite the wide knowledge and
acceptance that water is essential for the realisation of education and
health.
"However, her hope was that with WaterAid finally being established
and the water point mapping under way, water, sanitation and hygiene
would be given more attention and priority in the budget."
HRH Princess Tsandzile said: "The water point mapping project is my
baby and after its completion I know I would have left a legacy before I
retire. Now we will know which areas are most affected and which water
points needs rehabilitation; thanks to WaterAid."
WaterAid is committed to expanding operations in the country and is in discussion with the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, and the Director of the
Department of Water Affairs to to identify potential
partners.
Robert Kampala said: "The
possibilities are endless. The enthusiasm of the people of Swaziland for
clean water, sanitation and hygiene, and the dedication and willingness
to work with us for it will always be entrenched in our minds. We are
excited to be part of the endless possibilities for improving the water,
sanitation and hygiene sector in Swaziland."
The WaterAid team also recently met the Deputy Resident Representative, who
raised the possibility of future collaboration. She noted that
WaterAid's support would be beneficial in the rehabilitation of water
pumps, which is crucial because there was no community ownership or
training to ensure sustainability and management of water systems at the
time of installation. She also acknowledged the need for linkages with
the health and education sectors.
WaterAid also plans to collaborate with academics in Swaziland on research into the impact of climate change on water and sanitation services and appropriate, accessible water and sanitation technologies for vulnerable communities.
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