By Ncaba Ntshakala
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini announced that the Mpakeni Dam project, currently 7% complete, is on track to benefit over 100,000 people through agricultural development directly.
This announcement was made following his visit to the Mpakeni Dam project site and various projects under the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project II (LUSIP II).
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The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress and the long-term impact of the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE), noting the legacy of success dating back to the Komati Downstream Development Project (KDDP).
“EWADE’s strategy of land consolidation, water consolidation, and marketing is effectively bearing fruit. The positive feedback from emaSwati is a testament to the transformative power of development,” he said.
Dlamini urged traditional leaders to proactively plan for future development by setting aside land, emphasizing the importance of foresight in ensuring that development does not disrupt communities.
He also challenged EWADE to intensify its efforts and propose additional large-scale projects that could secure long-term government investment.
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The Prime Minister highlighted the growing importance of water security in the face of climate change, stressing that future conflicts may revolve around access to water.
“We must seize this opportunity to build more dams for water security. Climate change disasters are increasingly common, so it is essential that we use our resources wisely to ensure a secure water future for the country,” Dlamini concluded.
The project was officially launched by His Majesty the King in 2023. The King expressed that this phase was worth over E3.5 billion and it is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The King also said that the dam’s construction would also bring about the creation of a state-of-the-art clinic and the road network would be improved as it would be tarred.
He said he was pleased to bless the water project that would help Eswatini to grow and improve the economy through the agriculture sector.
