By Lwazi Dlamini
The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) on Wednesday signed a Supervision contract for the Main Conveyance System (MCS) with a Joint Venture of Isiphethu, Lasicon and ConsultCo under the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Augmentation Programme that will create 100 000 direct jobs.
The Supervision contract for the ground-breaking project worth E156 947 000 set to run from 2025 to 2028 was officially signed at Royal Villas on Wednesday morning.
The signing ceremony marked a major step forward in the implementation of MNWAP, A transformative initiative aimed at enhancing Eswatini’s agricultural productivity, improving water security and fostering socio-economic development.
South African company, Isiphethu Engineering and two local companies Lasicon Consulting Engineers and ConsultCo.
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(Pty) Ltd have been awarded the tender to supervise the Main Conveyance system (MCS), which is a key milestone under Component 1B of the MNWAP.
EWADE’s Director of Commercial Services Musa Masilela stated that Phase 1 of the MNWAP involves the construction of the Mpakeni Dam worth E2.6 billion, the main conveyance pipeline and the irrigation development of 4,600 hectares.
Phase 1 will benefit about 4,600 farmers’ households for a projected income of at least E158 750 starting from the second year of production in 2030 (The dam is earmarked to be completed by April 2028).
Phase 2, Masilela explained, will develop 25,000 hectares and at completion, the project targets 100,000 direct jobs and many more indirectly.
“The MNWAP aims to enhance agricultural productivity, improve household incomes and foster economic development,” Masilela said.
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He added: “This initiative represents a significant investment in Eswatini’s future.”
Masilela said the MNWAP’s dual focus is on infrastructure and agricultural development.
“By integrating sustainable agriculture with advanced infrastructure, we are addressing critical challenges while paving the way for economic growth and food security,” he added.
