An investment of E450 000 in clean water infrastructure at Manyovu High School has been officially handed over, with project partners stating the facility will provide a reliable water supply to the school and surrounding community.
The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project was implemented through a partnership between Microprojects and Engineers in Action.
Alice Temaswati Burke, representing the international students who participated in the project, addressed the gathering. 
“This is the part where the student team hands over the water system to you.
The community will be utilising it for many years to come,” Burke said.
Burke thanked the Manyovu community for the hospitality and support provided during the implementation period.
She said the reception from community members contributed to the successful completion of the project.
Burke said the E450 000 investment was intended to establish infrastructure that will serve current and future users.
“The investment was not only about constructing water infrastructure but also about creating a system that would continue serving future generations,” she said, further adding that the project had been designed with sustainability in mind.
To support long-term operation, Burke announced that a local water committee received extensive training on the management and maintenance of the system.
“The committee will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the system, carrying out routine maintenance, and responding quickly to any technical challenges that may arise,” she said.
She said community management is central to the project’s sustainability.
“Empowering local people with the knowledge and skills to manage the project was essential because community ownership is the foundation of sustainable development,” Burke said.
Project partners said the new water supply is expected to benefit Manyovu High School directly.
Learners and teachers will have dependable access to clean water on school premises.
According to project officials, reliable water access improves sanitation standards and supports hygiene practices.
This is expected to contribute to a healthier learning environment and reduce disruptions associated with water scarcity.
The school has previously experienced challenges related to inconsistent water supply. The new infrastructure is intended to address those gaps.
Officials said households in the area surrounding Manyovu High School are also expected to benefit from improved access to safe water.
Burke noted that access to clean water closer to homes reduces the time spent collecting water from distant sources.
“Easier access to clean water reduces the time families spend collecting water from distant sources, allowing more time for productive activities, education and household responsibilities,” she said.
Project partners stated that time saved can be redirected to education, household duties and income-generating activities.
The WASH project was delivered through collaboration between Microprojects and Engineers in Action. Both organisations said the project forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen essential services in rural Eswatini.
Burke, speaking on behalf of the student team, acknowledged the role of the community in the implementation process.
The trained local water committee will now assume responsibility for the facility. Their duties include daily operations, routine maintenance, and responding to technical faults.
School authorities present at the handover welcomed the project and said the new water system will support school operations.
Microprojects and Engineers in Action said the handover at Manyovu adds to similar WASH interventions in rural communities aimed at improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
