National Water Policy, 2018

This Policy is made with the rationale to promote efficient and sustainable use of water resources through strengthening the institutional framework; water resources development; water resources management; water resources information management; water supply and sanitation service provision; legal regulatory instruments of good practice; capacity building, research and training; and awareness creation and stakeholder participation while ensuring gender representation in all processes. It is also aimed at increasing the level of monitoring of water utilization due to increased number of users and the resultant potential for conflict. The Policy is necessary to guide the government on how to develop and manage the dwindling water resources for sustainable and socio-economic advancement of the livelihoods of the people in the country. The Policy also clearly states the duties of stakeholders and institutions in the integrated development and management of water resources in the country as well as providing a framework and background within which the main water legislation operates. The Policy is expected to improve the management of water resources and enhance the institutional coordination and defining of roles and responsibilities, as well as the use of water resources in an efficient and equitable manner in accordance with the dictates of sustainable development. The overarching goal of the policy is to provide a climate and infrastructure that will make optimal use of Eswatini’s water resources by ensuring the sustainable development and management of water resources while progressively maximising the quality of life of the people of Eswatini. The Policy strives to achieve the following objectives; a. To provide a national framework for sustainable development and management of water resources in support of economic growth, ecological integrity, human health, and poverty eradication. b. To promote equitable provision through access to adequate and good quality water for all. c. To promote water resources’ allocative efficiency practices. d. To promote integrated and decentralised management of water resources with particular emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders. e. To enhance resilience of the water resources through sound risk management practices. f. To ensure that trans-boundary obligations are met at all times and levels. g. To promote sustainable economic development in the use of water. h. To improve water security in the Country. i. To ensure coordination of water resources planning with land-use planning and adoption of basin/catchment planning and management. The Policy is formulated and implemented under the guidance of eight essential principles, including; coherence- consistency with global, regional and other relevant national instruments and legislative frameworks should be promoted; integration- management of water resources are to be governed by common integrated perspectives; regulation; equity- all water within the country belongs to the State who holds it in trust for all the people of Eswatini, on disperses the resources on an equitable basis; efficiency; inclusive participation; partnership and consultation; and sustainability. The Policy places responsibility on all stakeholders with regards to its implementation; these include the executive and legislative arms of the government, the Ministry responsible for water, the Ministry of Agriculture, Non-Governmental Organizations, etc.