Eswatini Railways Assists Two Communities

Eswatini Railways Water Schemes Project (Hlutse)

As part of ESRs Corporate Social Investment (CSI), the organization funded “Increasing safe water using Inclusive Hand-Pumps at Madvuma and Emvabuhlungu Communities”. We addressed water challenges using groundwater (boreholes) in the communities at Hlutse (Emvabuhlungu and Madvuma) under Gilgal constituency within 20km radius from the nearest railway line. On the 18th of March 2022 ESR commissioned these water scheme projects for the two communities to start using immediately. ESR is more concerned about sustainable long term community development projects under its CSI initiative and when resources allow, the organization prioritizes communities along the railway line. These two projects benefit 434 eMaswati through basic water access. Key to the delivery of this project was ESRs decision to bring an implementation partner who specializes in the provision of clean ground water in the form of WaterAid. They conducted Hydrogeological Surveys through a Hydrogeologist to determine ground water potential for both communities. The water quality both biological and chemical were tested before borehole protection and inclusive slab construction activities were done. Drilling at Madvuma went as deep as 84m before the Indian Mark2 pump was installed and for Emvabuhlungu, the drilling went as deep as 54m before the AfriDev pump was installed. To ensure sustainability, Water Management Committees for both communities were established, trained during project implementation period, and empowered to do savings for the maintenance of the boreholes. The value of the project was E500, 000.00. The launch was graced by the attendance of Chief Madlaka Gamedze, ESR Executive Committee Members led by Mr. Bhekithemba Dlamini who was representing ESR CEO, WaterAid Director Mr. Ncamiso Mhlanga and the MP of the area Mr. Kenneth Fakudze, local traditional authority members and community members who are beneficiaries of the schemes.