MBABANE - The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) has reached a major milestone in the implementation of the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme (MNWAP).
According to the organisation, at least 424 hectares of land has already been cleared for irrigation farming as work continues across the project area.
The achievement marks a significant step in transforming previously undeveloped land into productive farmland and advances preparations for commercial irrigation farming ahead of the completion of the Mpakeni Dam in 2028.
The work, taking place across Maloma 1 under the Njabulweni and Kuthuleni Royal Kraals, represents a significant milestone in the implementation of MNWAP, placing EWADE firmly on course to deliver its first 1 000 hectares of irrigated farmland before the Mpakeni Dam is completed in May 2028.
Land that was previously covered by dense shrubs and bush has been transformed into a farmland as bulldozers and heavy earthmoving equipment continue preparing fields for commercial cultivation.
The land-clearing programme is being undertaken by ZTCS Joint Venture, a partnership between China’s Zhengtai Group and Botswana’s Cherry Splash, under a contract valued at more than E331 million.
According to the contractor’s latest progress report, all 424 hectares have now been cleared. First ripping has been completed on 106 hectares, while cross-ripping has been completed on 86 hectares.
Heavy discing, the next stage of land preparation, is scheduled to begin as work progresses towards planting readiness.
Land preparation has also started in Maloma 2, covering Mbava under Lulakeni Umphakatsi and Lomphala under Ndunayithini. The programme will progressively extend to Decapol, Nkalonde, Hhonjane, Matjeni and Gabaza.
At the same time, construction of the irrigation network is advancing alongside land preparation.
Contractors have begun pegging and excavation for the Secondary Distribution System, which will deliver irrigation water directly to farms through in-field networks.
Preliminary work is also underway on the Main Conveyance System, being constructed by GVPR Engineers Limited, which will transport water from the Mpakeni Dam to the farming areas.
The parallel implementation of these components is intended to ensure that irrigation farming can commence immediately after the dam is commissioned.
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At least 424 hectares of land already cleared for irrigation farming as work continues across the project area ahead of the completion of the Mpakeni Dam in 2028. (Courtesy pics)