About 80% of the population in Swaziland relies on subsistence farming for their survival. As a result, water availability is a huge issue for the country. It is a problem that is especially pronounced in the rural areas where there is an increased dependence on farming. A shortage of water means that a family cannot grow food for income or for sustenance. Thus, water deficiencies directly affect a family’s livelihood and food security.
Ndvwabangeni is, by Swazi standards, a very large community located in the northern Hhohho region of Swaziland. It is situated in an area between the Matsamo border post and a small town called Buhleni.
This project is to construct a scoop dam as a means to alleviate the water shortage. The dam will be located in a central area in the community where it is possible for families to start their own gardens next to the dam. The project is being carried out under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Melissa Lin.
At present, during the dry season, local water sources are not sufficient to support the community. The stream that will supply the dam runs year-round, thereby providing the community with a constant source of water. This water will be used for gardening, farming, and other everyday needs.
The community members who initiated and are involved in the project are the members of the Ndvwabangeni Inner Council. They form the community’s local traditional government. As the local representatives, they hold a great amount of power to mobilize people to carry out and complete projects.
The community will provide all the labor, tools, and transportation of materials for the building of the dam. A government organization has donated the use of its bulldozer for the project.
Project funds will be used to purchase the materials to construct the dam and put in the piping, a tap, a concrete wall, and fencing to protect the water supply.
Funds will be collected from the community to be used for future repairs, thus ensuring sustainability.
965 people will directly benefit from this project. It provides not only a water source, but also impacts directly on the issues of malnutrition and food security.
This project has now been fully funded, through the generosity of The Soneva SLOW LIFE Trust as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Melissa Lin of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Melissa and/or those of her counterpart PCVs in Swaziland.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.