E23M PAYOUT TO IRRIGATION PROJECT RELOCATIONS

MBABANE – To give way for the construction of a canal as part of LUSIP II worth over E2.1 billion in total, E23 million will be paid out to 22 families. 

A Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for Lower Usuthu Small Holder Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP) Phase II was prepared in 2012.
In the appraisal report, it has been mentioned that a total of 22 households will be affected by the construction of the canal and all of them will be relocated since they fall within 100 metres of the preliminary canal alignment.

Implementation

The Swaziland Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (SWADE) reported that affected communities had already been sensitised on resettlement and affected households were positive about the implementation of relocation plan.

“The affected families are to be provided with dwelling houses, water tanks and will become project beneficiaries. The resettlement will also entail livelihood restoration including livestock and other livelihood activities,” reads the report in part.

It was clarified that SWADE would be responsible for the implementation and coordination of the resettlement programme.
“All affected assets have been assessed and asset inventory established for the affected households. The total cost of compensation is estimated at E23 709 597.68 (approximately UA1.22 million).

It has also been pointed out that the project was financially sustainable.
The analysis indicated that the farmers would be able to service their loans, as well as obtain handsome net profits for re-investments in running the farms.
The government was also in the process of appointing a service provider to manage the bulk infrastructure facilities on its behalf.

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