BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE– The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) has announced that construction of the Mpakeni Dam has reached 44 per cent completion, marking an important milestone in one of the country’s key water and agricultural development projects.
The dam is being constructed under the Mkhondvo–Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme (MNWAP) and is expected to significantly improve water security, expand irrigation and strengthen rural livelihoods, particularly in the Shiselweni Region.
According to EWADE Chief Executive Officer Dr Samson Sithole, the progress reflects steady advancement on a project that aims to transform the agricultural landscape of the Kingdom.
Sithole explained that reaching the 44 per cent milestone demonstrates the strong commitment to delivering infrastructure that will support farmers and rural communities.
Once completed, the Mpakeni Dam will provide a reliable supply of water for irrigation, enabling the development of thousands of hectares of farmland. The initiative is expected to open new opportunities for both smallholder and commercial farmers, helping emaSwati increase agricultural production and reduce the country’s reliance on imported food.
For many communities in the Shiselweni Region, where drought conditions often limit farming activities, the dam represents more than infrastructure. It symbolises renewed hope for stable agricultural production, improved food security and stronger local economies.
The project is also creating employment opportunities during the construction phase. Local residents are benefiting from job creation and skills development as work continues on the large-scale infrastructure.
In the long term, expanded irrigation schemes linked to the dam are expected to stimulate agribusiness development and rural economic growth. Increased water availability will allow farmers to diversify crops, improve yields and participate more actively in commercial agricultural markets.
The Mpakeni Dam forms part of MNWAP’s broader efforts to harness water resources from the Mkhondvo River system to support irrigation schemes and promote sustainable rural development.
Government has emphasised that investments in water infrastructure are essential in strengthening the country’s resilience to climate change, particularly in drought-prone regions where water shortages have historically limited agricultural potential.
Through initiatives such as the Mpakeni Dam, authorities aim to ensure that rural communities have reliable access to water for both farming and economic activities.
Once completed, the dam is expected to play a major role in boosting agricultural productivity, improving food security and contributing to Eswatini’s long-term economic development.
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(Courtesy Pic)
