MPAKENI DAM 18% COMPLETE

MBABANE – The Mpakeni Dam construction, a showpiece project set to transform agriculture and boost irrigation in the Shiselweni Region, has reached 18 per cent completion, with first irrigation benefits projected for the 2027/28 financial year. The dam is a component of the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP) which is an infrastructure and irrigation project aimed at poverty alleviation in the Shiselweni Region the. At its totality, the MNWAP is expected to cost the country around E50 billion.
The project is spearheaded by the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE).

Productivity

The Minister for Finance Neal Rijkenberg, has underscored the project’s significance in improving food security, enhancing agricultural productivity and fostering economic growth in the region.Speaking during the ministry’s weekly finance in focus updates, the minister said this is one big project that the country has ever embarked on and he is so proud of it. The minister highlighted that the construction of the Mpakeni Dam is progressing very well. “This project is a cornerstone of our development agenda. The long-term impact will be transformative for communities and farmers relying on irrigation to improve their livelihoods,” Rijkenberg stated.

The Mpakeni Dam, once completed, is expected to provide a reliable water source for irrigation, benefitting both small-scale and commercial farmers. It forms part of Eswatini’s broader strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture and strengthen the nation’s resilience against erratic weather patterns. Residents of Shiselweni have expressed anticipation towards the dam’s completion, citing the potential to unlock agricultural potential and create new economic opportunities. The dam is part of the country’s National Irrigation Development Plan, which seeks to harness Eswatini’s water resources to drive sustainable development. Once operational, it is expected to irrigate thousands of hectares, significantly boosting the region’s agricultural output. As construction progresses, government has urged stakeholders, including local farmers, to prepare for the opportunities the project will bring, signalling a bright future for the Shiselweni Region and beyond.

MNWAP will be implemented in two phases. Component I comprises the construction of the Mpakeni Dam on the Ngwavuma River (Component 1A), and associated downstream conveyance to irrigate approximately 8 000ha at Sigwe, Maloma, Mconcwane/Mcathuvane and St Philips (Component 1B). Component II comprises the construction of the most feasible option for the transfer of water from the Mkhondvo River to augment the limited water in the Ngwavuma River at the Mpakeni Dam.

Combination

The feasible option for the water transfer will involve the construction of either the Mahamba Gorge Dam and downstream conveyance or the Ethemba Dam and its downstream conveyance, or a combination of both. Component II will see an expansion of irrigation infrastructure to Greater Lavumisa, Somntongo and Matsanjeni areas, where approximately 25 000 ha would be irrigated. The combined irrigated areas for all the project components would add up to about 30 000 ha, benefiting approximately 100 000 people. It is worth noting that towards the end of last year; EWADE invited sealed tenders from eligible, suitably qualified engineering consultancy firms to submit proposals for Consultancy Services for the tender design review of the Ethemba Dam and Tunnel under Phase II of MNWAP.

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