Access to clean water imminent at SISOMA as project is 97% complete

Confronted with the worst drought ever in the history of its existence, the Swaziland Water Services Corporation remains unfazed as it continues to implement capital projects aimed at increasing access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation.  This was confirmed during a site tour of the SISOMA (Siphofaneni. Somntongo and Matsanjeni) Water Project by the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Jabulile Mashwama.
The Minister was enthralled by the speed at which the project is being implemented noting that it’s been a year since it was commissioned by the Honorable Prime Minister Dr Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini but already 97% construction works have been completed. “I am very impressed by the level of commitment demonstrated by all stakeholders involved in the implementation of this project. This part of the country is in dire need for clean water and it is very important that the project is implemented within the allocated time frame.  Water is a scarce but yet a very important commodity essential for the survival of all living things. It also plays a pivotal role in the development of the country`s economy”.
The project components included the construction of a new 200m3/hr water treatment plant in Lavumisa near the existing small water treatment plant; installation of a 300mm diameter pumping main; construction of three 3.2 ML reservoir ; construction of a booster pump station; installation of gravity supply mains  ; construction of eight water kiosk and the construction of staff houses. Most of the works have been completed and final touch ups are been done before the project is officially commissioned; increasing SWSC coverage and reducing the number of people in the country with no access to clean and safe water.
One of the water kiosks toured is located in Siphofaneni next to Siphofaneni Inkundla. SWSC Project Engineer Bongani Mdluli oriented the minister and her delegation on how the kiosk will be operated highlighting that upon completion it will be handed over to the community.  
The 15 million (approximately E205 million) European Union funded project seeks to improve the quality of life of the people living in the three areas through improved access to clean water.  Once completed around 61 000 people will benefit from the project. The implementation of this project is in line with the national Development Strategy (NDS), Poverty Reduction Strategy and Action Plan ( PRSAP), Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and the Vision 2022 Programme of Action.
The minister toured all the SISOMA areas and also had a glimpse of SWSC Nhlangano regional offices which are still under construction at the city center.  The Corporation continually looks for better ways of doing things and making its services accessible. The construction of the offices will ensure accessibility and high quality service delivery.