Shiselweni – His Majesty King Mswati III visited the Mpakeni Dam project in Shiselweni today to assess its development. The King last toured the site in August 2023, and construction has now reached 34 percent completion.
The 30 000-hectare dam is part of the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project under the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE). It is designed to improve local water supply, support flood control, and provide irrigation for surrounding farmland. Once complete, the dam will irrigate 25,000 to 30,000 hectares, bolstering food security and resilience against drought.
At least 850 people are currently employed on the project, including eight graduate engineers and 50 technicians receiving on-the-job training. The project has already paid E660 million to local contractors and suppliers, injecting funds directly into the local economy.
During the visit, His Majesty was briefed on progress by EWADE, spoke to staff and community members, and introduced additional projects linked to the dam construction. The King also commended EWADE for its approach to resettlement, noting that 50 out of 114 displaced families have moved into modern homes, many with three bedrooms and options to choose their own designs.
A E10 million fund has been established to support sustainable livelihoods for resettled families, including training in gardening, farming, and beekeeping. His Majesty praised the focus on local employment, decent housing, and community empowerment as key elements of national development.
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