In early summer, Blue Deal Eswatini welcomed a delegation from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy (MNRE) of Eswatini to the Netherlands. The delegation included Ms Mbingo (Principal Secretary), Mr Nxumalo (Under Secretary), and Mr Khoza (Director of the Department of Water Affairs).
The aim of this working visit was to exchange knowledge on the Dutch system of decentralised, multi-level water governance. We also presented the High-Level Dialogue sessions to the Ministry representatives. Two sessions were already held with key stakeholders in the water sector in Eswatini on strengthening water governance to support integrated water resource management (IWRM), climate resilience, and social inclusion. In the upcoming third session, a promising perspective will be presented, along with initial steps for implementation.
Pictured: The delegation from the Eswatini Ministry visit Waterschap Vechtstromen
Valuable exchanges at the Dutch Water Authorities
The week began at Waterschap Vechtstromen, where the delegation engaged in a lively exchange with the entire executive board of the water authority. Both parties shared their experiences and challenges around drought management, an issue that is becoming increasingly pressing in both the Netherlands and Eswatini. The discussion proved fruitful for everyone involved.
Next, the delegation visited Waterschap Limburg, where they explored the importance of clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and mandates – especially when multiple organisations operate in the same area. The visitors also had a close look at the flood early warning systems in place at the water authority’s office.
The visit continued to The Hague, where the delegation met with the Delta Commissioner’s office. Here, the conversation expanded to global water governance challenges, recognising that many issues faced in the Netherlands are also relevant in Eswatini and southern Africa.
In addition, the delegation met with Blue Deal Programme Management and participated in an in-depth session on the governance of water management led by Professor Herman Havekes of the University of Utrecht.
Pictured: The Environmental manager of Waterschap Limburg presents to Ms. Mbingo, Mr. Khoza and Mr. Nxumalo from Eswatini
Promising news: water pricing proposal accepted
Following this visit focused on mutual learning and collaboration in water governance, we received promising news: the Ministry accepted the proposal for water pricing and initiated the next steps for national implementation in Eswatini. This marks a significant step toward improved integrated water resource management (IWRM) and financial sustainability for safe, clean, and sufficient water in Eswatini.
Pictured: A field visit in Waterschap Limburg
Background information: Blue Deal Eswatini
At the request of MNRE, the Blue Deal has executed the assignment of the High-Level Dialogues in order to get the proper input for the revision of the National Water Act. During 2024 and 2025 there have been interviews and intensive multi day working sessions with key stakeholders in Eswatini, after which Blue Deal Eswatini was requested to produce an action-oriented proposal for a feasible and realistic structure of the operational IWRM chain in the country. The analyses and results have been shared with all key stakeholders in the water sector and will get follow up.