Africa-Press – Eswatini. Joy and gratitude filled the air in the community of Herefords under Mayiwane Inkhundla in the Hhohho Region, as a life-changing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (W.A.S.H) project was officially handed over.
Implemented by Engineers in Action in partnership with the Microprojects Programme under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, the initiative is set to benefit 256 pupils, providing them with safe, clean, and reliable water.
Speaking on behalf of the project chairperson, Sicelo Motsa expressed profound appreciation to Engineers in Action. He reflected on the community’s past struggles with water access and praised the unity that made the project successful. “We have nothing more to say but thank you. We worked together in unity, and we will always remember you for the knowledge you shared. We urge the students not to stop helping others,” he said, before offering blessings and well wishes to the project team.
Sibusiso Mbingo, Director of the Microprojects Programme Coordinating Unit, congratulated the team for their outstanding work and expressed gratitude to mentor Patrick Maatse for his guidance. He noted the significance of the project in a country where many schools still lack water access. “We are looking forward to initiating more water projects next year,” he said, also urging the head teacher to collect cement to begin building new toilets at the school.
Project Managers Catherine Papa and Violeta Egan acknowledged the dedication of student engineers and community volunteers, who participated not just to build, but to empower. “Thank you for allowing us to work alongside you. Your respect, patience, and willingness to share your knowledge were deeply appreciated,” they said. Special thanks were extended to mentors and partners, including Patrick, Thando, Nsika, builders Simphiwe and Thomas, and site coordinator Khayelihle, as well as the Dlamini family for their warm hospitality.
Patrick Maatse, the lead project manager, praised the Herefords community for their cooperation, which allowed for smooth implementation. “We all have different gifts — let us use them to serve others,” he said, assuring that the new water system had been tested and certified as safe for consumption.
In a heartfelt vote of thanks, the Head Teacher of Herefords Primary School said, “Goodbye to stomach bugs, and good morning to clean water!” She praised Engineers in Action, Microprojects, and the Dlamini family for their support and generosity.
Mayiwane Member of Parliament (MP) Sicelo Prince Dlamini, commended the head teacher’s leadership and the community’s dedication to development. He assured all stakeholders that the project would be well maintained.
The celebration marked not just the completion of a project, but a new chapter of health, hope, and unity for the Herefords community.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
