BY ZINHLE DLAMINI (INTERN)
MBABANE– The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, together with key stakeholders, recently conducted a site visit in the Shiselweni Region following a two-day stakeholder workshop on the development of a proposed Eco-City.
The visit brought together representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, UN-Habitat, Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE), the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA), and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy.
The purpose of the visit was to assess potential sites and gather insights that will inform the preparation of a comprehensive masterplan for the Eco-City. The project is expected to support the broader Mkhondvo Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP), which aims to improve water security and stimulate economic development in the region.
During the visit, the delegation made several stops across Shiselweni to appreciate the areas where dams and related infrastructure linked to MNWAP will be developed. Officials said understanding the geographical layout and existing developments was essential for proper planning of the Eco-City.
The Eco-City initiative is envisioned as a modern urban settlement designed to provide essential services, facilities and infrastructure that will support communities and economic activities arising from the water augmentation project. It is also expected to promote sustainable urban development while improving living conditions in the region.
In addition to visiting proposed Eco-City sites, the delegation also toured the site of the “7th on the Hill” hotel development. The visit allowed planners to familiarise themselves with the development’s vision and explore ways of integrating it into the broader Eco-City masterplan.
Officials noted that collaboration between government ministries, development agencies and environmental authorities is crucial to ensuring that the project is implemented in a sustainable and coordinated manner.
The Eco-City project forms part of broader national development efforts aimed at unlocking economic opportunities in rural regions while ensuring that infrastructure development aligns with environmental and social sustainability principles.
Once completed, the masterplan will guide future development and investment in the proposed Eco-City, ensuring that it complements ongoing infrastructure projects and contributes to long-term regional growth.
#EcoCityDevelopment #ShiselweniRegion #SustainableDevelopment #MNWAP
(Courtesy Pic)
