By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Government of Eswatini, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy’s Department of Water Affairs, is set to host a National Groundwater Conference in October 2024.
The Principal Secretary in the Ministry, Lindiwe Mbingo, has outlined the significance of this event, which is organized with support from the SADC Groundwater Management Institute (SADC-GMI).
The conference, under the theme “Enhancing Water Access Through Sustainable Groundwater Resources Development and Management,” is an important step toward securing the future of Eswatini’s groundwater resources.
This initiative forms part of Eswatini’s bigger strategy to improve water security by focusing on the sustainable development and management of groundwater.
Groundwater plays a crucial role in providing water to communities, especially in times of drought and climatic uncertainty.
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Mbingo emphasized that Eswatini’s National Focal Group on Groundwater (NFG) will be a key player in the conference, fulfilling its mandate of advocating for and advising the nation on groundwater-related matters.
Established in 2021 with funding from SADC-GMI, the NFG has been integral in strengthening Eswatini’s ability to monitor and manage its groundwater resources sustainably.
The National Groundwater Conference will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government agencies, environmental organizations, industry representatives, academia, and community groups.
These participants will engage in discussions on critical groundwater issues, share knowledge, and develop strategies for sustainable groundwater management.
According to Mbingo, this platform will be pivotal in addressing both immediate and long-term challenges related to groundwater, especially in the context of climate change.
The SADC Groundwater Management Institute plays a key role in addressing climatic variability across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Over 70% of the region’s population relies on groundwater for their livelihoods, and the institute seeks to enhance water security, support economic growth, and reduce vulnerability to climate change.
Acting as a “Centre of Excellence” for groundwater development and management, SADC-GMI provides a strategic liaison between national, regional, and international groundwater initiatives.
The conference in Eswatini will further align the country’s efforts with these broader regional goals.
Key topics for discussion at the conference will include sustainable groundwater management, the development of policies and regulations, addressing groundwater contamination, and the impact of climate change on groundwater resources.
Mbingo stressed the importance of addressing these topics in a holistic manner, ensuring that groundwater resources are not only managed effectively but also preserved for future generations.
The inclusion of discussions on policy development is especially important as Eswatini seeks to update its regulatory framework to better address the current and future challenges posed by climate change and other environmental factors.
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The conference will also explore how new technologies and innovative practices can be leveraged to improve the monitoring and management of groundwater.
Technology plays a crucial role in understanding groundwater systems and ensuring they are managed sustainably.
In addition, community engagement will be a central theme, ensuring that local voices are included in decision-making processes, as groundwater resources directly impact community livelihoods.
Mbingo noted that it is essential to consider diverse perspectives when developing policies, as the needs and challenges of communities vary across the country.
Financing and investments will also be discussed, as the implementation of the National Groundwater Road Map requires significant resources.
Mbingo pointed out that both public and private sectors need to be involved in the process to ensure the necessary funding is available for sustainable groundwater management projects.
The conference will explore how to mobilize resources and attract investments to support the implementation of groundwater strategies.
Scheduled to take place at the Mountain View Hotel in Mbabane from October 23 to 24, 2024, the National Groundwater Conference aims to support the Groundwater NFG in guiding the country toward the successful implementation of its National Groundwater Road Map.
This roadmap is critical to ensuring the equitable access to water, promoting resilience to climatic impacts, and achieving sustainability in groundwater use.
Mbingo concluded by stating that the conference will provide a crucial platform for stakeholders to identify the challenges facing Eswatini’s groundwater resources and develop actionable solutions.
Groundwater is a vital resource, and Eswatini is taking a proactive approach, with guidance from the Department of Water Affairs and the support of SADC-GMI, to safeguard this resource for future generations.
This national effort, Mbingo noted, will contribute not only to the country’s water security but also to its overall socio-economic growth and resilience in the face of climate change.
