SPEECH BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY AT THE 2015 WORLD WATER DAY COMMEMORATION
THEME: “WATER AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”
Kabhudla Community, 26th March 2015
Master of Ceremonies
Bantfwabenkhosi
BoBabe Tikhulu
Manzini Regional Administrator
Colleague and Honourable Minister for Agriculture
Honourable Member of Parliament for Mafutseni Inkhundla
Honourable Members of the Ministry’s Portfolio Committee from both Houses of Parliament
Representative of the United Nations Development Program
Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers from Different Organizations
Government Officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and from other Ministries
Different Stakeholders and partners in the Water Sector
KaBhudla Community
Representatives from the different media houses
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to officiate at this important event where the Kingdom of Swaziland joins the rest of the world in commemorating the 2015 World Water Day under the theme “Water and Sustainable Development”
The commemoration of this event emanates from a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on Sustainable Development held in Rio de Janerio in the year 1992. In this event the Assembly adopted four key principles in the management and Development of Water Resources which are today viewed as the cornerstone for sustainable development. Key among these principles is the one that advocates for the involvement of all stakeholders in the development and management of water resources. This principle ensures that decisions made in the development and management of water resources considers the needs of present and future generations with the environment also considered a key user and the resource base.
In today’s event we are also going to witness the unveiling of a new technology in the management of the country’s limited water resources. The sand dam concept which we have been briefed on is mostly prevalent in drought prone countries and due to the observed impact of climate change this technology has also been adopted and piloted in five sites around the country. This technology avails water even during the driest periods of the year as water is stored within the sand with limited evaporation losses.
My office has been reliably informed that the four other communities where this technology has been piloted are at: Matsanjeni, Sigwe, Makhava and Kutsimuleni.
The Ministry extends great appreciation to the different players who played a pivotal role in ensuring that this project became a reality. Our special thanks go to our loyal partner, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) who availed financial resources through the Global Environmental Fund (GEF) to support this initiative. The contribution by sister Ministries in particular the Ministry of Agriculture which availed machinery and expertise during the construction of these sand dams is also greatly acknowledged. I would have not done justice if I leave out the community which came in great numbers to realize the completion of this project in record time. I have been informed that the construction of the five sand dams involved close to 1,972 community members from the different constituencies and my Ministry greatly appreciates this positive spirit and urge you all to display the same zeal in future community work.
In the current year (2015) all countries in the world are expected to reflect on the efforts made towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and account on these in line with the set national development objectives. Building on these, His Majesty the King and Ingwenyama of the Kingdom of Swaziland, has set national development targets where the country is to attain First World Status by 2022. I am pleased to indicate that, the MDG Report produced in the year 2012 stated that Swaziland is ‘on track’ in the provision of access to potable water resources. The Ministry has a strategic plan (2014 – 2018) wherein one of the key initiatives is to undertake measures to improve rain water harvesting and the sand dam concept is a realization of this goal.
The Ministry would like to highlight the notable achievements noted in the provision of water in the country. In the year 2007 national use of water was at 39.9% and by 2010 the figure had risen to 67.9% a figure above Africa’s target of 61%. It is my Ministry’s and government strategic commitment that the Swazi Nation both in the urban and rural settings have 100% coverage by the year 2022. In this regard the Ministry through the government plan of action for 2014 -2018 has identified a number of initiatives like feasibility studies for dams to harness the water that is flowing in our rivers to ensure that the resource is secured for present and future generations. May I report that presently government is using the Ethemba Dam feasibility study to engage potential funders on prospects to have this dam constructed. This initiative is done in the spirit of sustainable development as in all these interventions special attention is given to ensuring environmental integrity.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Swaziland like other countries is facing numerous challenges in attaining the aspirations of the country, in particular in the water sector. These challenges range from: water scarcity, inadequate finances for water storage and distribution infrastructure development, deteriorating water quality, competing users, and conflicting needs. This is highlighting the multi-facet nature of the water crisis which requires a collective multi-sectoral effort in addressing amongst other things water governance and adequate institutional capacities as well as communities that recognise their role in ensuring sustainable access and use of water, particularly in the era of climate change risks and development needs.
With emphasis on today’s activity I would like to recognise the demonstrated linkages between the Water Sector and the Health Sector. As I indicated earlier, my Ministry is keen to support innovative technologies that ensure water availability to the different sector needs. I have been advised that the Sand Dams technology is to avail water to the KaBhudla Clinic and this intervention will go a long way in improving the lives of the local people. Currently the Ministry is conducting water quality tests on the water before it is being used by the clinic and community. The water quality results so far obtained indicate that the water can only be used for irrigation purposes and the community will be advised when the water is fit for human consumption.
Distinguished Guests,
May I express my gratitude to our Department of Water Affairs which has worked closely with the UNDP office in Swaziland to provide the necessary resources for technology transfer as well as training on the construction and maintenance of the infrastructure to both the government and non-governmental organisations. As a Ministry, we trust that this will go a long way in ensuring that the Sand Dams technology will contribute to the sustainable water availability for various interventions. This also means going beyond the Sand Dams to looking at other adaptation mechanisms as the climate acerbated risks are projected on the increase.
In conclusion,
May I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude’s and pass a vote of thanks to the chief representative and community of KaBhudla especially for facilitating the preparations for this year’s event and for the financial and food contributions made to ensure that this event is a success, Siyabonga Bekunene!!!
My special thanks go to all the performers who provided us with entertainment throughout the day’s activities. Last but not least to all of you for having made time to be with the Ministry on this important day.
I now take this opportunity to declare the five pilot sand dams officially opened.
THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS US ALL!