Matsapha – Students, community members, and water management stakeholders joined forces on Friday to clean the Lutsantsama River in Matsapha as part of Eswatini’s first World Rivers Day Clean-Up Campaign. The initiative was organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy through its Department of Water Affairs in partnership with Eswatini Youth in Water (EYIW).
EYIW, established by the Joint River Basins Authorities Project Board with support from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, is a youth-led platform that engages students, early-career professionals, and community groups in water security and environmental protection efforts across Eswatini.
The campaign aimed to address pollution and environmental pressures on the Lutsantsama River, a vital waterway in the country’s industrial hub. Participants collected litter and debris from the river, demonstrating a commitment to preserving water resources and promoting sustainable practices. 
Chief Water Engineer Emelda Magagula said the youth are powerful agents of change in water conservation, and initiatives like EYIW are crucial for raising awareness and protecting Eswatini’s waterways for future generations.
