Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg in his 2022/23 Budget Speech told Parliament and the nation that access to potable water in the country stands at 67 percent, foreseen to reach 75 percent come end-2023 and by when the many projects currently being implemented should have been completed. He cited these initiatives as including the potable water scheme in Shiselweni for four Tinkhundla centres, another four in the Manzini region, the rollout of Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project Phase II (LUSIP II), and the continuation of UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme. Minister Rijkenberg described the scenario as depicting “a great achievement, and government congratulates everyone involved”.
He then detailed how the just-mentioned LUSIP II’s Main Canal and Secondary Distribution Systems were now complete and ready to facilitate the development and irrigation of 5 273 ha: the latter will in turn enable the establishment of 27 farming enterprises and create 4 500 jobs for Emaswati. LUSIP II received an E507-million budget allocation for the 2022/23 fiscal year. The Minister allocated E26-million to what he called the “very exciting” Mkhondvo/Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project which is due for completion in 2027 and comprises the construction of large dams, canals and a hydroelectric scheme. Initially irrigating 10 000 ha but ultimately around 30 000 ha, mainly in the Shiselweni region, the project is expected to create an additional 10 000 jobs at full implementation. Rijkenberg then delivered a brief status update on the parastatal Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (ESWADE): he disclosed that its portfolio of projects – four completed and six ongoing – now impact over 152 000 people. ESWADE has undertaken water harvesting works which are of great significance, aimed at eradicating poverty and spurring economic activity.