African Development Bank loan to extend safe water supply and sanitation to Manzini Region in Eswatini

The Board of Directors has approved a ZAR 720 million loan to finance the Manzini Region Water Supply and Sanitation Project in Eswatini (former Swaziland). The project aims to expand access to adequate water and sanitation services for all citizens and to contribute to economic development and poverty alleviation in Eswatini.

The Manzini region is the most populous region in eSwatini, but it is beset by inadequate water supply and poor sanitation services. Only 22% of the population receive reliable water services from the water utility, eSwatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC), and only 35% have access to improved sanitation services.

The project will improve the livelihoods of more than 67,000 inhabitants in the four peri-urban areas of the Manzini region, namely Nhlambeni, Manzini South, Mthongwaneni, and Mafutseni. This is through expanding adequate safe water and improved sanitation services to more than 90% and 75% in the project beneficiary areas respectively.

The project meets the drinking water requirements of Manzini and surrounding areas and reduces the risk of environmental pollution of the groundwater through the provision of appropriate sanitation services. The project will also catalyse social and economic transformation in the area.

“Access to safe water and good sanitation is a fundamental right for all people. This project not only allows the people of eSwatini to enjoy their right to water and sanitation but also sets them on a path to social and economic transformation”, said Josephine Ngure, Deputy Director General, Southern Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office.

The project will be implemented over a period of four years, at a total cost of ZAR 807.5 million.

Original source: AfDB
Published on 29 November 2018