In 2025, Blue Deal Eswatini works towards achieving sustainable water through decentralized integrated water management. This journey highlights the contributions from various stakeholders, including two field workers from Vechtstromen. Their recent visit to Eswatini exemplifies how efforts and insights are shared in the field of water management.
Last summer, two field workers from Vechtstromen had an unexpected conversation with Marga Oosterveld, partnership manager of Blue Deal Eswatini, in the canteen in Hardenberg. Their curiosity about Marga’s work in Eswatini led to an invitation to join her on a trip to the country, since one trainer was unable to join. Besides that, some technicians in Eswatini had made the request for sharing and learning on the job with Dutch colleagues. As a result, this opportunity allowed the two men to personally observe the challenges and solutions in water management in Eswatini. They were able to learn from the partnership firsthand.
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. They observed the intricate system of reservoirs and canals that sustain Eswatini’s economy. Eswatini’s economy is largely based on sugar cane. It 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. The different approach is new and invaluable knowledge to the Dutch field workers. They visited farmers in remote areas to understand their water requirements and the impact on water distribution. This collaboration is essential for developing governance structures that define the tasks and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the water sector.
Technical observations
During their visit, the field workers inspected various measuring points, including locations equipped with Dutch technology. These observations made them realise how important it is to continuously monitor and exchange knowledge between the countries. Therefore, 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 learned from their Eswatini counterparts, particularly the various applications of similar technical solutions in water management. This exchange of ideas and practices contributes to the institutional and organizational development of JRBA-PB, creating a more established and effective organisation within Eswatini’s water sector.
The journey from Hardenberg to Africa highlights the importance of collaboration, learning, and sharing in achieving sustainable water management. The workers state: “You want to share from 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.” The field workers from the Netherlands and the technicians in Eswatini concluded: as men of technology, there is always something to learn from colleagues, the systems and ways of working in both countries.