by Ncaba Ntshakala
The government has expressed its dedication to strengthening a collaborative partnership with the private sector to safeguard groundwater resources and achieve water security for emaSwati.
The Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela, when speaking at the opening of the National Groundwater Conference at Mountain View Hotel, emphasized that the Ministry’s role is to create an enabling environment for private companies to thrive, rather than competing with them.
“The Ministry is grateful for the support and participation by the big multinational brands in this conference,” said Minister Prince Lonkhokhela.
RELATED: Minister Prince Lonkhokhela departs for Cairo to attend water week events
“Such actions give us hope that one day all water partners will become members of the National Framework Group (NFG) and work with us towards water security for all.
Together, we can do more. As a caring Government, we do not compete with you as the private sector; instead, we create a conducive environment for you to grow the economy and create jobs.”
The Minister stressed the importance of eliminating duplication of roles in water management to prevent inefficiencies and resource wastage, noting that aligned partnerships must focus on complementing efforts rather than overlapping services.
He praised the SADC Groundwater Management Institute (SADC-GMI) for raising the necessary funds to ensure the success of the two-day event, which brought together government officials, local stakeholders, and representatives from private companies.
During his keynote address, the Minister highlighted the crucial role groundwater plays in maintaining ecosystems and providing water to rural areas, where access often relies on boreholes, wells, and natural springs.
However, he expressed concern about the growing demand for groundwater, which now surpasses supply, placing pressure on this hidden but essential resource.
“Groundwater is nature’s hidden treasure,” he remarked. “It sustains livelihoods and ecosystems and supports surface water bodies like rivers, streams, and lakes. Even though this resource lies underground, its impact is visible in our everyday lives.
The Ministry has a duty to safeguard groundwater from unregulated use and ensure its sustainable management for future generations.”
The Minister also addressed challenges in groundwater governance and awareness, where he expressed the need for coordinated action to preserve the resource.
RELATED: Natural Resources spends E10 million on water supply
He called for strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors to optimize groundwater utilization and secure sustainable water access, particularly in communities facing chronic water shortages.
“The laxity in groundwater governance is concerning,” Prince Lonkhokhela noted. “This resource is vital to our people, businesses, and environment, and it is imperative that we treat it as a strategic alternative water source.
Groundwater also has transboundary implications, as it replenishes rivers that flow across national borders. A united effort is essential to ensure the efficient management of this resource.”
The National Groundwater Conference provided a platform for diverse stakeholders to discuss innovative approaches to water resource management and solutions to address the increasing strain on groundwater supplies.
Participants explored ways to harness groundwater’s potential while mitigating risks associated with over-extraction and climate change.
