EWADE SIGNS E157M CONTRACT TO ADVANCE MNWAP

EZULWINI - The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) took a significant step forward in the implementation of the transformative Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP) yesterday. In a ceremony held at the Royal Villas, the organisation signed a E157 million contract with the Isiphethu Lasicon ConsultCo Joint Venture. The contract is for consultancy services related to the construction supervision of the Mpakeni Dam main conveyance pipeline, secondary distribution and on-farm development. The signing ceremony marked another milestone in MNWAP, a project designed to address critical challenges in Eswatini, including food insecurity, poverty and the adverse effects of climate change. The E157 million consultancy services contract with Isiphethu Lasicon ConsultCo Joint Venture underscores EWADE’s commitment to leveraging expertise and fostering partnerships to deliver on its mandate.

Professionalism

Isiphethu Engineering is a South African company while Lasicon Consulting Engineers and Consult Co are local companies that share 20 per cent of the contract, while the 60 per cent goes to Isiphethu Engineering. EWADE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Samson Sithole, appreciated the companies for their professionalism during the tendering stage. Dr Sithole shared that the joint venture of the SA and local companies fulfills the Construction Industry Council Act that dictates that there should be at least a minimum of 70:30 per cent sharing between local companies and foreign ones.

The joint venture will provide critical oversight and technical support to ensure the successful execution of the project’s construction components. Isiphethu Engineering Director Kensington Muchawonweyi expressed commitment into this project, underscoring its importance in the transformation of the lives of emaSwati. He promised that for them as eyes and ears of EWADE in this project, they were committing to ensure that the contractors that will come in for the construction of the main conveyance, will put their foot down to ensure that this project is a success.  

Initiative

EWADE’s partnership with Isiphethu Lasicon ConsultCo is a testament to its dedication to excellence and accountability in implementing this transformative initiative. The collaboration aims to ensure that the project meets international standards, delivering sustainable and impactful outcomes for the people of Eswatini. During the event, EWADE Commercial Director Musa Masilela, delivered a presentation outlining the importance of this initiative and the broader benefits it is set to bring to the Shiselweni Region, one of the areas most affected by poverty and climate change.

The MNWAP aligns with several national frameworks, such as the Strategy for Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth (SSDIG) 2030, the Eswatini Strategic Road Map (2019–2022) and the National Water Resources Master Plan (2016–2025). It is also part of Eswatini’s Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan (2020), reinforcing its commitment to economic resilience and sustainable growth.The project (MNWAP), which is being implemented in two phases, is focused on leveraging Eswatini’s water resources to foster agricultural productivity, create jobs and improve household incomes. Phase I of the MNWAP, currently underway, includes the construction of the Mpakeni Dam, a main conveyance pipeline and irrigation infrastructure for 4 600 hectares.

Productivity

This phase is projected to directly benefit 4 600 farming households, generating an estimated income of E158 750 per household annually, starting from the second year of production in 2030.The Minister for Finance Neal Rijkenberg, recently 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 was 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.

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