By Phiwa Sikhondze
The Mkhondvo Ngwavuma Augmentation Program (MNWAP) Phase 1 project is set to benefit approximately 4,600 farmer households in the Shiselweni region, with a projected income of at least E158,750 starting from the second year of production.
This transformative initiative is part of the broader efforts to enhance Eswatini’s agricultural productivity, improve water security, and foster socio-economic development. The initiative took a significant step forward with a contract signing for the supervision services for Mpakeni Main Conveyance System held recently.
The ceremony marked the commencement of Phase 1B of the project which focuses on the construction of the main conveyance system. This follows the ongoing Phase 1A, which involves the construction of the Mpakeni Dam, a critical component of the overall project.
The MNWAP aims to tackle the challenges posed by climate change by addressing both extreme droughts and excessive rainfall, ensuring better water storage to support agriculture in the country.
Musa Masilela, the Commercial Director at EWADE, highlighted that the program aligns with the government’s strategy for sustainable development and the Eswatini Strategic Road Map 2019-2022. It also serves as a key element in Eswatini’s response to the National Emergency Response Mitigation and Adaptation Plan, which emphasizes building infrastructure to help adapt to the changing climate.
“Climate change has brought about extreme weather patterns. At times we have too much water, and at other times, too little. By constructing more dams, we can ensure better storage and mitigate the risks,” Masilela explained.
The MNWAP is expected to have a significant impact on the Shiselweni region, a historically underdeveloped area in Eswatini. The project’s goals are centered on stimulating economic growth, alleviating poverty, and empowering communities through enhanced food security, job creation, and economic development.
Phase 1B will cover 4,600 hectares of land across St Philips, Mconcwane/Mcathuvane, Maloma and Sigwe communities, with an expected increase in agricultural production and income for local farmers. At full development, which will include the completion of Phase 2 and the Ethemba Dam, the project will extend to 25,000 hectares of land, providing job opportunities for over 100,000 people.
The MNWAP consists of three main components: infrastructure development, agricultural development, and project management which will ultimately improve household incomes and living standards. The project’s success is expected to stimulate economic growth in Eswatini, positively impacting various sectors beyond agriculture.
“The transformation of the Shiselweni region through this project is not just about farming. It’s about empowering individuals to stand on their own, create income, and contribute to the economy,” said Masilela.
The first phase of production is projected to begin in 2030, with the completion of the Mpakeni Dam in 2028, marking the beginning of the MNWAP’s long-term impact on Eswatini’s agricultural landscape. The initiative is expected to catalyze economic growth in the southern regions of the country and improve food security for generations to come.