MBABANE – The over E30 billion Mkhondvo Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme is beginning to take visible shape in the Shiselweni Region, turning what many once viewed as an unlikely ambition into an unfolding national investment with activity on the ground.
When the Mkhondvo Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme was first introduced, particularly its first phase centred on the construction of the Mpakeni Dam, scepticism swept through Mpakeni and surrounding communities. The project, designed to irrigate more than 25 000 hectares at full development, was regarded by some as too ambitious and by others as a potential burden on the national purse.
That mood is now shifting across Maloma 1, including Mpakeni, Makhava, Lushini, Mngayi, Lulakeni, Njabulweni and Kuthuleni. Bulldozers have moved in, clearing bushes and preparing land for tilling and planting while preparatory infrastructure works continue. What once existed largely in policy documents is now visible on the ground.
Planting is expected to begin before completion of the Mpakeni Dam in 2028, signalling an early push towards economic returns even as construction continues.
Execution has progressed beyond planning stages. A contract worth more than E331 million has been awarded to ZTCS Joint Venture, a partnership between China’s Zhengtai Group and Botswana’s Cherry Splash. The scope of work covers the Secondary Distribution System, in field irrigation networks and on farm development across 4 600 hectares within Maloma 1 and Maloma 2, including Ndunayithini, Mconcwane and St Philips.
Once land preparation in Maloma 1 is finalised, operations will extend to Maloma 2, where similar irrigation installation and development works are set to proceed.
The objective is to convert underutilised land into commercially viable farmland capable of producing cotton, beans and maize at scale. These crops are earmarked not for subsistence but for structured participation in formal value chains, linking farmers to markets and long term contracts. For households within the Project Development Area, the initiative offers entry into a formal agricultural economy supported by infrastructure and private sector participation.
Dr Samson Sithole, Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise, describes the programme as both an economic and social intervention.
“MNWAP is not merely about building a dam,” he says. “It is about building an agricultural industry in Shiselweni. Infrastructure is the catalyst, but real transformation lies in empowering communities to become shareholders in commercially viable farming enterprises. Beneficiaries are not spectators but structured participants in a private sector led model that ensures sustainability.”
Community engagement has accompanied the physical works. The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise has held workshops at Lulakeni Umphakatsi, Enjabulweni, Ekuthuleni and at the Enjabulweni Royal Kraal under Prince GasaWangwane. Discussions have centred on governance structures, company formation and joint venture arrangements.
Beneficiaries are being guided to form legally recognised companies that will partner with established agribusiness operators. Under this arrangement, private partners bring capital, technical expertise and access to markets, while community entities contribute land, water rights and irrigation infrastructure.
On the ground, residents say perceptions are changing.
“For many young people, farming was never seen as a business. Now we are learning to form companies, understand contracts, and access markets. This project gives us a reason to stay and work the land with purpose,” said one of the youthful beneficiaries who asked not to be named.
Elders in the area share similar sentiments. Gogo Thandekile Dlamini, 68, from Mpakeni, said the sight of machinery has altered long held doubts.
“We have heard promises before, but now we see the machines, we see the land being cleared. If water comes and our children can farm properly, then poverty in our homes will reduce. This project gives us hope.”
