Swazi Observer

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ESWC WARNS OF WATER RATIONING

By NOKUPHILA HAJI AND SITHEMBILE HLATSHWAYO | 2024-12-13

The water services corporation has urged the public to take immediate action on water conservation as the country’s main water resources have significantly decreased, Malkerns residents have been told that rationing starts today with Manzini and Matsapha on the horizon.

Hawane and Luphohlo Dams currently have less than 40 per cent capacity, according to the EWSC.

The corporation encouraged all customers to adopt water saving habits such as minimising wastage in daily household activities and promptly repairing leaks.

The proactive measures, according to the corporation, will help preserve water and reduce the risk of future shortages, stating that water conservation was not only an immediate necessity but a long-term responsibility.

This urgent situation, according to the EWSC, affects key water sources such as Maguga, Luphohlo, Hawane and Mnjoli Dams.

Among the affected sources is the Lusushwana River, which supplies raw water to the Matsapha Water Treatment Plant, which serves Manzini, Matsapha, Malkerns and surrounding areas.

The low water levels, according to the EWSC, have particularly impacted the Malkerns district, necessitating the implementation of water rationing starting today.

To mitigate the impact on residents, EWSC has deployed stationary water tanks and tankered water to support customers’ needs during this period.

The Corporation, in the same statement, noted that over the past month, the country has experienced extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 35 degrees Celsius.

It stated that these temperatures were coupled with minimal to no rainfall, making water conservation more critical than ever

“Hawane, which is the primary water source for the capital city, Mbabane, is or particular concern. In preparation for this challenging season, the corporation has successfully refurbished the Mbabane Treatment Plant, which has 5ML/day capacity,” the EWSC stated.

This upgrade, the organisation said, would ensure uninterrupted water supply to essential areas, including government offices, government hospital and central business district, ensuring priority service continuity should the need arise.

The corporation further stated that climate change continued to impact the region, adding pressure to “our already stressed supplies.

By conserving water now, we can maintain the reliance of our system and safeguard water availability for all.”
In October, EWSC issued a public alert warning of potential water shortages due to significantly low water levels in rivers and dams.

The EWSC outlined ongoing projects aimed at improving water supply and management across key areas. Among these was the Nondvo Dam project, which was reported to be in the design phase, offering a solution for long-term water storage.

EWSC also stated that it has increased water abstraction from the Mbuluzi River through dredging operations, improving the flow to the Woodlands area.

A dual-sourcing strategy linking the Mbabane and Ezulwini systems has been implemented to optimise supply efficiency and provide a backup to prevent future disruptions.

A significant intervention underway is the Luphohlo Water Treatment Plant, which, once complete, will meet at least half of Mbabane’s daily water demand.

In 2016 water was rationed after the country experienced a severe drought, resulting in water sources drying up.

At the time, Hawane Dam on the Mbuluzi Transboundary River, was reported to be at one per cent holding capacity despite being the water source for Mbabane City and Ngwenya.

The Mnjoli Dam, the third largest dam in the country, stood at six per cent holding capacity, leading to water rationing becoming a reality in Mbabane at that time. Water was being rationed for four days per week.

Be proactive,
dispose of
livestock - NDMA

THE National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has advised the public to be proactive rather than reactive, noting that people and animals do not adapt to climate changes in the same way.

Director of Early Warning and Research, Eric Seyama, advised owners of livestock in areas where the situation appears to be getting worse, to dispose of these while they are still of value rather than allowing the livestock to die.

“This does not mean they are throwing their livestock away. They should also consider food consumption strategies for their livestock,” he said.

Seyama further stated that the NDMA was already looking into preparedness and readiness plans to support the situation if it persists.

He stated that they were considering plans if the situation worsens, with a focus on issues related to drought.

Relevant
The plan, according to Seyama, is also being reviewed in consultation with relevant stakeholders and encouraged the public to adhere to the warnings and advice coming from stakeholders like the Eswatini Water Services Corporation.

He stated that the Corporation was responsible for water and was able to monitor its situation.

This, according to Seyama, would help the nation in preserving water.

‘Good rains are anticipated’

Eswatini Meteorological Services has given hope that the water levels, which have drastically declined in the country’s major dams, will recover as good rains are anticipated.

Meteorologist Lucky Sigudla stated that the forecast still indicates that for the three months beginning from this month until March, the country will receive above-average rains.

Sigudla noted that for the past two months the rains were far below average; however, there is hope that the situation will improve starting from this month.

This was reiterated by the Communications Officer in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Sikelela Khoza.

Khoza acknowledged that the rains had declined but indicators were showing that the situation would improve.

When compared to last year around this time, Khoza mentioned that the water levels were healthy. He stated that currently, water levels in most of the dams appear to be declining.

On another note, the Meteorological Services has issued an advisory warning about severe lightning, strong winds, and the possibility of hail today.

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