MPAKENI – The economic impact of the under construction E2.6 billion Mpakeni Dam is already being measured in hundreds of millions of emalangeni flowing into local businesses.
More than E739.2 million has already been spent on Eswatini-owned companies since the construction of the dam began in February 2024, transforming the country’s biggest water infrastructure project into a significant source of business for local firms.
The spending, amounting to E739 161 806.71, has reached nearly 200 local contractors, suppliers and equipment-hire companies involved directly or indirectly in the project.
For Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) Chief Executive Dr Samson Sithole, the spending is more than a procurement statistic. He sees major public infrastructure projects as an opportunity to build the capacity of Eswatini’s private sector and ensure that the economic benefits of development remain in the country. “Our commitment to supporting local companies is not driven by favour but by principle,” Dr Sithole said. “Our procurement function is grounded in transparency, accountability and strict compliance with legislation, funding partner requirements and internal governance systems. Beyond compliance, we are creating long-term value for the country.”
That approach has made local economic participation a feature of the Mpakeni project, which forms the first phase of the multi-billion-emalangeni Mkhondvo Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme (MNWAP).
More than 55 per cent of the dam was complete by the end of June, but its economic footprint already extends well beyond the construction site.
Local businesses have supplied quarry materials, fuel, transport, heavy machinery, security services, mechanical works, bush clearing and earthmoving equipment. Others have provided skilled and unskilled labour and a range of supporting services.
Local contractors are also involved in land preparation, downstream agricultural development and livelihood restoration activities linked to the wider programme.
Among the companies that have benefitted or continue to participate in the project, are Inyatsi Construction, Infracast (Pty) Ltd, Mbabane Quarry, Macsteel International, Swazi Truck & Bus, Steel & Wire, AG Thomas, Grit Construction, Ultra Civils, Siyembili Motors Swaziland, Build it Nhlangano, Buy Cash Hardware, Barloworld Equipment Swaziland, Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC), Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) and Toolrite.
The breadth of participation reflects Sithole’s argument that the economic value of a major infrastructure project should extend beyond the principal contractor. EWADE Corporate Communications Manager Nokwazi Hlophe said specialised engineering components had required international expertise, but the organisation had prioritised local participation where domestic capacity existed.
“While specialised engineering components require international expertise, much of the project’s economic value has remained within Eswatini through subcontracting, equipment hire, labour and supporting services,” she said.
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