The Swaziland Environment Action Plan (SEAP)

RECOMMENDED POLICY AND STRATEGY FRAMEWORK

1.9 RURAL WATER

This policy is to provide practical directions towards implementation of the policies of levels one and two above in the development of water for rural purposes. Emphasis is on Rural Water Supply for domestic use, including public amenities. Other rural uses include water for livestock, irrigation and agro- and other rural industries. Water development for livestock and irrigation is further dealt with at level four. Water used for agro-industries is part of the Urban Action Plan.

ISSUES SUMMARY

Environment related

Erosion, siltation of water reservoirs and contamination of surface water caused by livestock.
Pollution of surface and ground water by industries and individuals.
Pollution of surface and ground water by the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Lack of public awareness of health and environmental hazards caused by contaminated water.

General

Insufficient access to safe water supply and proper sanitation (less than 40 percent of the rural population).
Population growth: extremely difficult to provide water and sanitation services at the same pace as the high population growth.
Lack of political will: long-term infrastructure development often given low priority status.
Women have sole responsibility for providing domestic water.
Community participation not adequately integrated in government projects; current lack of local ownership.
Dependence on donor funding hampers smooth and continuous planning and implementation.
Boundary disputes between chieftaincies have negative effects on agreement on water rights and project implementation.

Technical

Lack of standardization; sector agencies (GOS and NGOs) employ various standards of design and construction for water supply and sanitation schemes.
Need for research and/or transfer of appropriate technology.
Problems of maintenance: the biggest single factor mitigating against continuous supply of safe water and sanitation.

Institutional

Insufficient linkages and coordination between water supply and sanitation, health, education and environmental protection.
Lack of intra- and inter-sectoral coordination in technical implementation.
Inadequate human resource development, resulting in shortage of trained staff.
Lack of reliable information; available data scattered, unconsolidated and difficult to analyse.
Insufficient legislation, or not implemented.

SUMMARY POLICY PROPOSALS

Status of Policy

Draft policy by the Rural Water Supply Board, dated October 1994, entitled 'Development of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation in Swaziland'. Draft Water Act was proposed in 1996.

Broad Overall Objectives

To extend access to safe drinking water and appropriate sanitation to the whole population.
To achieve a sustainable balance in the use of rural water for the different needs and purposes.

Policy Principles

Several policy principles have already been identified at higher levels, such as the policy to give priority in water development to domestic use.

Access to safe water supplies and appropriate sanitation be increased at the fastest possible rate.
Priority be given to areas with greatest needs.

Policy Practical Elements

Rural water development planning be integrated with overall land use planning, especially infrastructural improvements and resettlement.
Water supply and sanitation planning and implementation be fully coordinated and integrated with primary health care and other related development programmes.
Rehabilitation of substandard water supply and sanitary systems be considered as part of the access increase programme.
Accepted technical standards of design and construction be fully applied in all project implementation.
International water quality guidelines be applied.
Community participation and responsibility sharing be fully integrated in water and sanitation development and maintenance programmes.
Transitional substandard improvements of the domestic water supply as by small dams be given proper attention and support.

Policy Supportive Elements

The commitment of Swaziland Government and the position and responsibility of CRDB and other institutions be clearly defined.
Legislation be updated and implemented.
Public awareness of water and sanitation related diseases be increased.

SUMMARY STRATEGY PROPOSALS

Most of the strategy elements in this section relate to rational use of water at the community level.

To fully integrate water development with overall land use plans, especially with respect to conservation, infrastructural improvements and resettlement.
To make comprehensive plans for the use of water for all requirements, such as domestic purposes, livestock, fisheries, small-scale irrigation, etc.
To implement all projects through people's participation, accompanied by community training in health and environmental aspects.
To shift responsibility for the operation and maintenance of community water works to community water committees.
To appraise the role of temporary substandard water supply as a means to improve the present situation on a transitional basis. Small dams can play an important role in improving domestic water supply, provided necessary measures are taken.
To revise the present RWSB strategy of water point connections in view of the present review of settlement policies toward concentrated forms of settlement.
To define precise targets in time and coverage for the planning and implementation of the safe water and sanitation programme, with secure funding commitments.
To design and construct water systems and latrines following accepted standards and low cost labour intensive technologies.
To monitor and inspect water quality on a regular basis, using accepted standards and methods.
To coordinate planning and implementation of rural water development through a central water authority, liaising with all parties involved.
To assess needs for training and manpower development and formulate programmes to enhance technical capabilities of the relevant institutions, especially with respect to design and construction, identification of priorities and execution of overall supervision.
To include information on water and sanitation related diseases in education programmes.

KEY REFERENCE MATERIAL

Chapman, C.R. 1994. Water Resources and Irrigation.
Mc Donald, Sir M. 1990. Sub-Saharan Africa Hydrological Assessment SADC Countries.
Piteau Assocs. 1992. Groundwater Resources of Swaziland.

MINISTERIAL INVOLVEMENT

Principal responsibility with MNRE, involvement of MHSW, MTEC, MOE and others.