Siphofaneni – Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) and ZTCS Joint Venture have signed contracts worth E331.3 million under the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme (MNWAP), a major initiative to improve irrigation and agricultural productivity in southern Eswatini.
The contracts cover Phase 1B of MNWAP, which includes the Secondary Distribution System, referred to as Lot 2, and the Infield Distribution System and On-farm Development for Maloma 1 and Maloma 2, known as Lot 3. ZTCS Joint Venture secured Lot 2 for E154.8 million, surpassing five competitors, including local companies Afri Civils and Stefanutti Stocks Construction Swaziland, as well as South African firms Murray and Dickson Construction, Zibandlela Trading 10, and Quench Management.
Lot 3, valued at E176.5 million, will see ZTCS Joint Venture, a partnership between China’s Zhengtai Group and Botswana’s Cherry Splash, build the infield distribution systems and implement on-farm development for Maloma 1 and 2. The consortium outperformed five other bidders, including international joint ventures from India and Malawi, and local companies. Funding for both contracts is provided by the OPEC Fund for International Development.
At the signing ceremony held at the Lubovane Dam Offices, EWADE Chief Executive Officer Dr Samson Sithole said the contracts mark an important step in turning MNWAP’s vision into socio-economic impact. He noted that the programme is not only about infrastructure but also about creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and unlocking the agricultural potential of southern Eswatini. Water from the Mpakeni Dam will reach communities and farms, supporting irrigation, food production, and growth for commercial and smallholder farmers.
ZTCS Joint Venture Chief Executive Officer Steven Liu said the project represents a landmark in Eswatini’s water and agricultural transformation. He said the initiative combines global engineering expertise with regional experience and will empower farmers, strengthen food systems, and improve livelihoods.
The MNWAP programme has previously reached other milestones. Last year, EWADE appointed supervising engineers for the E2.6 billion Mpakeni Dam and its 50 kilometre conveyance pipeline, the programme’s largest components. The supervising engineers’ contracts, valued at E327 million, included a E170 million award to a Nippon Koei-led joint venture for dam construction supervision over 48 months, and a E157 million contract to Isiphethu Consulting for pipeline oversight.
When fully operational, MNWAP is expected to irrigate about 30,000 hectares across Maloma 1 and Maloma 2, Mconcwane and Mcathuvane, St Philips, Somntongo, Matsanjeni, and Greater Lavumisa. The programme is projected to create 100,000 jobs, stimulating local economies through direct and indirect employment.
Crops such as cotton, beans, and maize have been earmarked for production, supporting agro-industrial growth, food security, and export potential. MNWAP forms a key pillar of Eswatini’s strategy to leverage water as a driver for economic diversification and rural development.
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