SWAZILAND GOVERNMENT

Telephone: (+268) 24046244, Ministry of Natural Resources & Energy 24045376 P. O. Box 57, Fax: (+268)24044851/24047252 Mbabane, E-mail: [email protected] Swaziland

20th January, 2016.

UPDATE FROM THE MINISTER ON THE DROUGHT AND CURRENT WATER SCARCITY

BACKGROUND

1. Swaziland and the Southern African region is currently undergoing a very serious drought situation. Climate Change has worsened the situation and the country has been experiencing below average rainfall in the past three (3) years. We are advised this severe drought along with a scorching heat wave (El Nino) is one of the strongest on record, and is unfortunately unyielding.

2. Our current state of water storage across the country is seriously below the long term averages observed over the past five (5) years. This situation is as a result of the low river flows due to the lack of sufficient rainfall to recharge our river systems to fill up the dams. Currently our four (4) major dams; namely Hawane, Maguga, Mnjoli and Lubovane are recording very low levels of water storage. These dams are currently recording 6%, 35%, 6 % and 67% respectively.

Government notes that all the five major river basins of the country have been greatly affected. In the Ngwavuma Basin there is currently no irrigation taking place as the river has since dried up. The Mbuluzi, Lusutfu, Lomati and Komati are also quickly following suit. While the situation calls for the implementation of robust measures; the Ministry is aware of the impact the complete 1 suspension of commercial irrigation in these river systems would have on the national economy and the country’s commitment to international markets.

According to Section 39 of the Water Act, 2003 the prevailing situation calls for government to curtail irrigation to reserve the limited water resources to save human life; the Ministry however notes that with the water sources having dried up in most of the river basins, there is an urgent need to carefully put in place seeding measures to ensure the sustenance of business and the revival of the economy in the future. The Ministry of Agriculture is giving guidance to the nation on that matter.

3. The Ministry appreciates the collaboration received from various water users in the different river basins on the rationing measures already imposed and continue to urge the respective Basin Authorities to continue to monitor adherence thereof. In the same vein the Swaziland Water Services Corporation is already implementing water rationing measures in order to curb the increased demand and over-usage of water by households and industries in the last month in their efforts to deal with the impact of the heat wave.

4. This situation presents a very serious challenge to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy and government at large in terms of its mandate to supply potable water (through Swaziland Water Services Corporation) in the urban and rural communities (Department of Water Affairs). The hardest hit areas are as follows:-

Mbabane City, Ngwenya, Sikhuphe, Siteki, Lavumisa, Nsoko, Mananga, Sithobela , Inkhundla, Inkhundla, Lubulini Inkhundla, Inkhundla, Inkhundla, Inkhundla, Inkhundla, Inkhundla, Mpolonjeni Inkhundla, Inkhundla, Inkhundla and Matsanjeni Inkhundla. 2

WHAT HAS HAPPENED – SHORT TERM:

5. Working together with other Government entities and stakeholders, a lot of efforts have been put to address the situation. As the Ministry responsible for water resources we would like to advise on the different strategies and interventions already employed to curb the situation. These include the following activities:-

• The continued drilling of ground water boreholes for water supply in the respective areas

• Imposing strict water rationing in the irrigation sector as well as parts of the urban and rural communities

• Conducting public awareness campaigns

• Engagement of Neighbouring States on the drought situation

• Engagement of the business community on observed water shortages

• Encouraged hydrometric and climatic data sharing amongst stakeholders

• Promoting rain water harvesting measures at all levels

6. In the long term, the Ministry has plans to undertake the following measures:-

• Construction of new dams like the Nondvo Dam and Ethemba to increase national water storage

• Rehabilitation and upgrading of major gauging stations

• Dredging and desilting of all major dams

• Increased water use monitoring through water meter installation

• Proper upkeep of rural water supply schemes

3 • Increasing potable water supply through the Siphofaneni, Somntongo and Matsanjeni project (SISOMA).

• Increasing potable water supply to Lomahasha through the joint project with Mozambique

CONCLUSION

7. Government alone cannot meet the challenge and therefore calls upon all sectors in our society including the private sector, Cooperating Partners, civil society and individuals to work together and help as we go through this difficult phase.

The Ministry remains committed and open to working with the nation in managing this precious and scarce resource (water) and is open to ideas from the nation. Our key focus is on continuing to work with all stakeholders to mitigate the impact of drought on households in both urban and rural communities. I find it prudent to thank all stakeholders who have participated and contributed to all mitigation efforts and encourage all Swazis to use water sparingly.

We remain hopeful that God will answer the Nation’s prayers with more rain before the end of the rainy season.

JABULILE MASHWAMA (SENATOR.)

MINISTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY.

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