A new chapter has begun for over 3,200 residents of Sinyamantulwa after the official opening of a potable water supply scheme valued at E53.3 million.
Following years of hardship characterized by long walks to fetch unsafe water and sharing sources with livestock, residents under KaMamba Chiefdom now enjoy clean, safe drinking water, thanks to the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE).
Commissioned in May this year, the Sinyamantulwa Potable Water Scheme is part of six rural water supply projects implemented under Phase II of the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP II). Collectively, these schemes represent a capital investment of over E191.2 million, aimed at improving water access in underserved communities across the Lubombo Region.
Situated between Matata, Ncandweni, and Mcathuvane, Sinyamantulwa has long been associated with severe water scarcity. During winter, some residents had to dig into dry riverbeds in search of water, often risking health consequences.
EWADE, through a competitive procurement process, appointed Icon Construction to implement the scheme. The contractor completed the project within six months and employed 63 local residents during construction. With one breadwinner supporting at least seven dependents, this employment initiative is believed to have benefited over 440 community members during the project.
EWADE Corporate Communications Manager, Nokwazi Hlophe, stated that the water supply scheme was more than just infrastructure; it was a step toward restoring dignity and fostering development in remote communities.
“To thousands of emaSwati in places like Sinyamantulwa, access to clean and safe water is no longer a distant dream. It is now a lived reality under LUSIP II,” she said. “Clean water is essential not only for health and dignity but also for local economic growth.”
She added that the programme aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure universal access to safe and affordable drinking water.
Residents are already noticing the difference. Raymond Ngcamphalala (64) said the new infrastructure was life-changing.
“We never thought this day would come. For years, we lived like forgotten people, sharing dirty water with animals. Now we have clean water at our doorstep. We are truly grateful to EWADE and everyone who made this happen,” he expressed.
EWADE Potable Water Technician, Menzi Masango, explained that the scheme is designed with sustainability in mind.
“The design accounts for a 4.4 percent annual population growth and is expected to serve the community for at least 20 years.
It’s a forward-looking system intended to promote resilience and improve quality of life for future generations,” he said.
With thorny aloes and dry terrain as its hallmark, Sinyamantulwa is beginning to shed its reputation for isolation and hardship.
As water starts flowing into homes, women and children are no longer spending hours collecting water. The project is already enhancing public health and enabling more productive daily routines.
The Government of Eswatini, through EWADE, continues to prioritize equitable development by expanding vital infrastructure to rural areas. Under LUSIP II, access to potable water is seen as a key driver for reducing poverty, increasing productivity, and building inclusive rural economies.
Through initiatives like the Sinyamantulwa Potable Water Scheme, communities once overlooked are starting to enjoy the benefits of progress, fueled by clean water and the country’s broader development goals.