22/09/2026
World Vision Eswatiniโs collaboration on water Solutions Inspire Regional Learning
A delegation from Water And Sewerage Company (WASCO) Lesotho, led by Chief Executive Officer Mr. Lebohang Mpeke Makara, recently visited Eswatini to learn from innovative and community-driven approaches that are expanding access to safe and reliable water services. The visit formed part of a knowledge exchange facilitated by World Vision Eswatini (WVE) and Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC).
The learning visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to observe first-hand how partnerships between communities, government institutions, development partners and water utilities are contributing to sustainable water service delivery.
As part of the peer-learning and benchmarking visit, the delegation toured two water projects. At Makhwelela community in the outskirts of Nhlangano, they visited a prepaid water system currently serving approximately 294 customers.
The system allows users to purchase water in advance, promoting efficient water use while supporting the sustainability of the service. The system was constructed jointly by World Vision Eswatini and Eswatini Water services cooperation.
The delegation also visited the Ebulekeni water supply scheme under Zombodze emuva inkhundla, a hybrid system of solar and grid established through a partnership between World Vision Eswatini and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy Eswatini (MNRE). The project provides clean water to approximately 2,300 people and a nearby school through 55 communal taps. The use of solar energy helps to reduce operational costs and improve affordability for the community.
Throughout the visit, the delegation explored how strong community ownership and participation contribute to the long-term sustainability of rural water infrastructure. By empowering local communities to manage and maintain water systems, service providers can enhance reliability and ensure continued access to safe water.
The final stop was the EWSC Prepaid Water Kiosk, where the delegation observed a system that enables households without direct water connections to purchase water using prepaid tokens and collect it as needed. The model offers a practical solution for extending water access to underserved communities. Each 20 liters of water costs 20 cents.
Speaking after the visit, Mr. Lebohang Mpeke Makara highlighted the importance of community leadership in successful development initiatives.
โWhat is key is how Eswatini has managed to practicalise and implement community projects. And a lot of community leadership, which is actually quite powerful.โ
Ntando Mabuza from World Vision Eswatini WASH remarked that the exchange reinforced the value of collaboration, innovation and community participation in addressing water access challenges. It also demonstrated the importance of regional partnerships and knowledge sharing in accelerating progress towards sustainable water services for all.
