By Phiwa Sikhondze
In a significant milestone under Phase 1B of the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP), the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) awarded a E157 million supervision contract to the joint venture of Isiphethu Engineering, Lasicon Consulting Engineers, and Consult Co. Engineers (siphethu, Lasicon, and Consult Co JV).
The contract, focusing on the supervision of the Mpakeni Main Conveyance System, represents a crucial step towards enhancing agricultural productivity, improving water security, and driving socio-economic growth in Eswatini.
The signing ceremony, held at the Royal Villas, was attended by key stakeholders, including EWADE officials and representatives of the joint venture.
Kensington Muchawunweyi, representing Isiphethu, Lasicon, and Consult Co JV, expressed gratitude for being entrusted with this landmark project. He described it as “prestigious, not only from a technical perspective but also in its impact on humanity.”
“The essence of this project is poverty alleviation,” he stated. “As the eyes and ears of EWADE, we pledge to ensure the highest standards of supervision and accountability. The success of this project will ultimately protect and uplift 100,000 lives.”
EWADE CEO, Samson Sithole, highlighted the project’s adherence to Eswatini’s Construction Industry Council (CIC) Act, which mandates a 30%-70% local-foreign company stake split for government-funded projects.
Under this venture, Isiphethu Engineers is a South African Company taking 60% of the venture, while the other two are local companies equally sharing the 40%.
“The funding for this project is from the government, enabling us to comply with local procurement acts,” Sithole explained. “This partnership ensures that EmaSwati benefit from skills transfer and gain the experience needed to take on larger roles in future phases of the project.”
Musa Masilela, EWADE’s Commercial Director, outlined the transformative goals of MNWAP. The project, aligned with the government’s 2030 sustainable development strategy and the National Water Resources Master Plan (2016-2025), aims to increase agricultural productivity, enhance food security, reduce poverty, and boost household incomes in underserved regions like Shiselweni.
The project’s long-term plan includes the construction of three dams – Mpakeni, Ethemba, and a third location yet to be finalized – to achieve the ambitious goal of irrigating 30,000 hectares. Sithole emphasized the importance of sustainable water usage, alternating crops like cotton, beans, and maize to maximize yields.
“Agricultural productivity is central to Eswatini’s food security,” he remarked. “With this project, we aim to meet domestic food demands and create economic opportunities.”
In addition to irrigation, the project incorporates fish farming activities and plans to minimize the lead time between the completion of infrastructure and the start of farming operations.
At full development, MNWAP is expected to generate over 100,000 jobs, transforming Shiselweni and stimulating growth across Eswatini.