Highlights
UN Special Envoy for El Niño and Climate Change, Mary Robinson visited Swaziland from 29 to 31 August to attend the SADC meeting, learn more about the impact of El Niño on the country, including visiting communities affected by the drought. During the visit, delegates visited Ndzangu community, of which 52% of the population is water deficient as a result of the drought. 441 community members have benefitted from a partnership between UNICEF, World Vision and NDMA, through which water is trucked to a water point on a temporary basis while more sustainable solutions are developed through extending the water piping system.
The Department of Water Affairs reported that the Hawane Dam that supplies Mbabane municipality was at 5% capacity. Plans have been put in place to increase the number of temporary water points (5,000 litre tanks) to 54 and continue water trucking as needed. NDMA and the sectors will continue monitoring the situation to ensure water, sanitation and hygiene needs are met.
To date, 7,928 people have received training on water harvesting through a World Vision initiative, supported through UNICEF.
Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
The impact of the El Niño-induced drought continue to be felt across Swaziland, seriously affecting food security and nutrition as well as water availability. Water sources continue to be depleted, impacting on human and animal consumption and leading to negative coping strategies. The Hawane Dam, which serves the capital, Mbabane, is currently at 5% capacity. Water trucking is ongoing. Currently, there are 34 potable water distribution points (5,000 litre tanks) that have been put in place in the capital, an additional 20 will be added in the next two weeks.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has initiated a consultation process with sectoral groups, to incorporate La Niña risk mitigation into sectoral response plans. Current estimates from the SwazilandMeteorological Services (MET) indicate that there is a high probability of a La Niña event (flooding), with the peak occurring between November 2016 and February 2017. Sectoral responseswill focus on protecting the recovery efforts.