A 69 year old woman from Ndunayithini has been handed a newly built modern home after her original dwelling was affected by the Mkhondvo Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme pipeline project.
The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise, known as Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise, carried out the relocation as part of the ongoing infrastructure development linking Mpakeni Dam to St Phillips under the MNWAP project.
Magunu Nxumalo, whose former stick and mud house stood along the pipeline route, is among residents directly impacted by the development. Her previous home offered limited protection against harsh weather conditions, with no secure doors or windows, and lacked access to water, electricity and proper sanitation, a situation still faced in many rural parts of the country.
Now settled in a newly constructed homestead, Nxumalo described the change as life altering.
“I am very grateful, my child; being here now feels like I am in heaven,” she said.
The new house has been built using brick and cement and is fitted with a galvanized metal roof, concrete flooring, secure doors and windows, improved ventilation and more living space. It also includes a water storage tank, a ventilated pit latrine, electricity supply and proper fencing.
Nxumalo said the development was beyond what she had expected.
“I never imagined that EWADE would build me such a beautiful, modern home. I deeply appreciate this gesture and give thanks to God for this gift,” she said.
EWADE Corporate Communications Manager Nokwazi Hlophe said the organisation remains focused on ensuring that development projects respect and protect the wellbeing of affected communities.
“At EWADE, our goal is to ensure that progress never comes at the expense of people’s dignity. We engage affected families fully, provide fair compensation, and prioritize the spirit of Ubuntu in every relocation. Infrastructure and compassion must go hand in hand,” she said.
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