By Musa Mdluli

CAPE TOWN:King Mswati has invited investors and development partners to consider financing the ongoing multibillion water projects in eSwatini.

The King was addressing Heads of State and other stakeholders during the African Union(AU) Water Summit held in Cape Town-South Africa this week.

As reported by Government online platforms, the King highlighted two(2) prioritised bankable projects; the Nondvo Multipurpose Dam and the raising of the Hawane Dam, costing approximately US$115 million(R2.1 billion), he further noted that an additional US$2 billion(R38billion) “is needed for the National Potable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene(WASH)” Master Plan.

“With support from the African Union, Global Water Partnership Southern Africa and Green Climate Fund, we are developing the Eswatini Water Investment Programme, set for completion by late 2025. This will guide resource mobilisation and implementation of high-impact water projects. It fuels agriculture, which accounts for over 90 per cent of water abstractions, drives industry, safeguards public health and strengthens climate resilience.However, aging infrastructure, rising water needs and climate change pose challenges. Eswatini, a middle-user of several river basins, relies on coordination with South Africa and Mozambique for shared water infrastructure management and development, yielding positive results,” said the King.

The King further mentioned that “Africa’s water is its future adding that, by investing in water security”, the continent will advance health, dignity and prosperity for a resilient Africa.

“The AIP aligns with our national development plan, climate adaptation priorities and commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, ensuring clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. It also advances Agenda 2063: the Africa We Want,” he said.