The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samson Sithole, says the E1.78 billion Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP) Phase 1B Main Conveyance Pipeline contract was awarded to GVPR Engineers Limited in a fair manner, following a rigorous, competitive international tender process.
During the contract signing ceremony for Contract No. EWADE/0694, the CEO emphasized that the award was made strictly in accordance with the African Development Bank (AfDB) procurement guidelines, which support the broader MNWAP programme.
He noted that although the retender process extended timelines, it strengthened the project’s integrity and credibility.
“The re-tender attracted strong international participation. Following a three-stage evaluation process, including a preliminary examination, a detailed assessment, and post-qualification, the contract has been awarded to GVPR Engineers Limited, which met all technical, financial, and experience requirements in accordance with the African Development Bank (AfDB) rules,” Dr. Sithole said.
MNWAP Phase 1B involves constructing a 36-kilometer high-grade steel pipeline, with diameters ranging from DN2000 to DN1800, to transport water from the Mpakeni Dam to irrigation command areas spanning approximately 4,600 hectares in Sigwe/Maloma, Mconcwane/Mcathuvane, and St. Philips.
The CEO emphasized that the decision was based on merit and compliance, not nationality. AfDB oversight required adherence to international procurement benchmarks, including financial capacity, technical competence, and past project performance.
The CEO congratulated the Indian based company but stressed that it should deliver the project on time.
“To GVPR Engineers Limited, our implementing partner, the responsibility now shifts to execution. You have earned this contract through competitive bidding, and expectations are high: adherence to quality, safety, environmental, and social safeguards and on-time delivery,” he said.
Dr. Sithole also confirmed that strict local employment requirements are part of the contract conditions and that GVPR has been encouraged to promote local contractors’ participation during the 36-month construction period: “Please note the strict requirements for local employment. We also encourage GVPR Engineers Limited to promote the participation of local contractors in the execution of the project.’
By returning to tender and complying with AfDB procurement rules, EWADE signaled its commitment to transparency and accountability in one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects.
“You have won this contract competitively, and expectations are high,” Dr. Sithole told the contractor.