Category: eSwatini

In 2025, Blue Deal Eswatini works towards achieving sustainable water through decentralized integrated water management. Over the years, the importance of water management has become increasingly evident. While policy makers often lead these initiatives, also technicians play a vital role in sharing knowledge. This principle was highlighted through a recent collaboration between Dutch and Eswatinian technicians, demonstrating the value of practical, on-the-ground experience in addressing water management challenges.

Earlier, technicians working in the field in Eswatini had made a request to Marga Oosterveld, partnership manager of Blue Deal Eswatini, for sharing and learning on the job with their Dutch colleagues. This possibility arose last summer, when Marga came in touch with two field workers from water authority Vechtstromen. At that moment, one of the trainers was unable to join Marga on her next work visit to Eswatini. Therefore, with the request of her Eswatinian counterparts in mind, Dries Zekhuis (technical maintenance specialist) and Wiljo Dracht (work preparation coordinator) were able to join.  

Fieldwork and insights 

While Marga conducted training sessions with the staff in the office, the field workers concentrated themselves on the practical aspects of water management. Their visit underscored the significance of practical knowledge in managing water resources effectively. They observed the intricate system of reservoirs and canals that sustain Eswatini’s economy, which is largely based on sugar cane. This crop needs a lot of water to grow, while the water availability varies in Eswatini. Fluctuating water levels in the reservoirs show the importance of effective water management, especially during periods of drought and heavy rainfall.

The water is stored in large reservoirs that have been created to retain and distribute the water. When the field workers arrived, the water in the reservoir had already dropped 15 meters. Winter had only just begun. In December, there was drought and water scarcity, whereas in January the precipitation levels were high. It had resulted in completely filled reservoirs within only two weeks, with spillage over the edge. The amount of precipitation that had fallen, stresses the importance of the management and control of this water. 

After these reservoirs, the water runs inland through small canals and large pipes. A great system that goes up and down mountains, without the need for too many pumps.  

Collaboration with JBRA

The field workers collaborated with the Joint River Basin Authorities (JRBA) in Eswatini, gaining insights into land use mapping and water allocation. They traveled to farmers in remote areas to understand their water requirements and the impact on water distribution. Such collaborations are essential for developing governance structures that define the tasks and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the water sector.  

Technical observations

During their visit, the technicians inspected various measuring points, including locations equipped with Dutch technology. These observations emphasized the importance to continuously monitor and exchange knowledge between the countries. The presence of Dutch equipment in Eswatini was a practical example of the ongoing partnership. It illustrates the shared commitment to improving water management. 

Learning and sharing

The experience in Eswatini was invaluable for the field workers from Vechtstromen. They shared their knowledge, and they were able to assist their Eswatini counterparts particularly in the usage of an online application of similar technical solutions in water management. This exchange of ideas and practices contributes to the institutional and organisational development of JRBA at various levels. It leads towards a more established and effective organisation within Eswatini’s water sector.   

The exchange highlights the importance of collaboration, learning, and sharing in achieving sustainable water management. Technicians, alongside policy makers, play a role in this process. Their practical insights and experiences are essential for developing effective water management strategies. By ensuring knowledge exchange at all levels, we can ensure a more comprehensive and resilient approach to managing water resources. The workers state: “You want to share your own knowledge and experience. It is very interesting to experience how the work of managing water is being done in a different country and how colleagues operate. This is sometimes very different, but also sometimes very similar.”  

In early November, a second visit for the High-Level Dialogue took place as part of Blue Deal Eswatini. During the first visit, discussions were held with all key stakeholders in Eswatini’s water sector. This second visit served as a follow-up.

The Dutch water authority Vechtstromen and the Dutch water authority Limburg are collaborating with water authorities in this southern African country to strengthen decentralised water management. The focus of this work visit was on financially sustainable integrated water resources management (IWRM). Key aspects included optimising the water management chain and ensuring sustainable financing. Intensive working sessions were held with the Ministry, as well as with directors and managers of the local water authorities.

3 main themes

From the interviews conducted during the first visit with the 13 main organisations involved in water management in Eswatini, 10 key issues were identified. These were analysed further, drawing on relevant literature, research reports, additional discussions with experts, and our own expertise. This process led to the main themes for the working sessions during this second visit:

• Clarity in tasks, roles, and responsibilities;
• Effective collaboration;
• Well-founded tax collection.

From theory to practice

Each working session comprised a theoretical component followed by the practical application of the material through various methods. These sessions explored both the current situation and potential ideal alternatives, fostering deeper understanding of the themes and of each other’s perspectives. This, in turn, provided valuable input for further discussions. Topics such as sharing personnel, reducing the number of administrative bodies, and potential organisational mergers were also addressed, despite their complexity and sensitivity.

Focus on end user

Thinking beyond the framework of the current Water Act (which is under revision) proved challenging but enabled constructive discussions. The shared goal emerged clearly: focus more on the end user and empower Eswatini’s water management.

Next steps

The work visit was a success. The atmosphere was positive, conversations were open, and the willingness to take the next steps was palpable. We gathered substantial input, which will be used to develop an action plan together with local partners. The aim is to formalise the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the first half of 2025.

In May, there were no less than 3 work visits for Blue Deal Eswatini. On management, financing, and stakeholder management.

In Eswatini, water is becoming an increasingly vital resource. Climate change and a growing population demand careful management of surface and groundwater for agriculture (food security), drinking water, and energy.

Management Development trajectory

As part of the Management Development trajectory, a work visit was undertaken where one-on-one work was conducted between the Netherlands and Eswatini at the management and executive level with our direct partner organisation, the JRBA PB. Valuable steps were also taken with both the departing and the newly appointed board members.

Financing water management

During a work visit that focussed on financing, discussions were held on the successes, opportunities, and challenges of attracting external funds for the effective decentralisation of water management in the country.

Stakeholder management

During the third work visit, all key stakeholders in water management in Eswatini were consulted about their roles, tasks, and responsibilities, as there is confusion and associated tension due to overlaps and gaps. This is also aimed at bridging the current period during which the Water Act is being revised. Our aim is to work together with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy to develop better coordination and governance, ensuring that access to water for everyone in Eswatini is guaranteed in the future.

The work visit to the Netherlands of Blue Deal team from Eswatini in March was in a double transboundary setting this time. The partners from Eswatini kept passing borders. First from Eswatini to South Africa to the Netherlands, and then on to Germany for a 'Winter school'.

Winter school

The week of the Winter school started on Sunday afternoon with a preparatory meeting with 2 Swazi’s, 2 professors from the Rhein Waal University and 1 colleague from Dutch Water Authorities. Monday morning, the Winter school welcomed 20 students from all over the world: Albania, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Colombia, India, Pakistan, Cameroon, Kenya, Ghana, and of course from Germany.

The topics were developing inclusive water management in Eswatini, knowledge dissemination, and gender. At the beginning of the week experiences were shared on cultures in Eswatini and the various parts of the world. At the end of the week, the students were asked to come up with solutions to specific issues in Eswatini. An exciting and full week with insights from younger generations on inclusiveness, gender and not just water management.

Visit to the Netherlands

The following days were spent in the Netherlands with meetings at Dutch water authority Vechtstromen, where they met, among others, with the Dutch company Royal Eijkelkamp and the NWB Fund on the project carried out by the KIWI’s, participants of the Dutch learning programme for the Blue Deal. It meant one less border to pass for the partners from Eswatini before travelling back to southern Africa.