Water supply system assessment for Lomahasha Inkhundla in Lubombo region, Swaziland
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Date
2015-05-08
Authors
Ndisebuye, Bernard Jacques
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Abstract
This Research assesses the water supply systems for Lomahasha Inkhundla, located in the north eastern corner of Swaziland. The most favourable option was determined and its supply level was analysed considering other water demands in the same river basin.
The project area is characterised by a history of repetitive drought occurrences and severe food shortages. The area includes Lomahasha ‘Town’ which is adjacent to the Mozambican city of Namaacha.
For domestic water uses, the people in both Lomahasha and Namaacha generally rely on raw water from rivers and small dams, and during dry months, they travel long distances to reach the few perennial sources available.
Swaziland Water Services Corporation (SWSC) attempted to develop a system to supply water to Lomahasha ‘Town’ by connecting to the existing system in Simunye, 30km away. This proposal did not cater for the settlements along the 30 km pipeline route and other water deprived localities in the area. This research project was initiated to evaluate the SWSC proposal in comparison with other possible scenarios, and to find the most suitable option to supply water to the whole Lomahasha Inkhundla, including rural areas.
The study was carried out by undertaking site investigations, discussions and interviews with stakeholders, monitoring of water flows and analysis of available documentation and relevant reports.
The study concluded that the most economically and environmentally favourable option for the supply of water to Lomahasha Inkhundla was the option of connecting to the system in place at Simunye. This source was found to be adequate for the supply of water to Lomahasha Inkhundla, after its evaluation in conjunction with various scenarios of competing water uses in the same river basin.