Mkhiweni – The community of Mkhiweni Inkhundla gathered today for the official launch of the Sidvokodvo Earth Dam project, a development that sparked excitement among local farmers, government officials, and representatives from the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Taiwan supported the construction of the dam with over E10 million, aiming to provide irrigation for more than 10,000 hectares of farmland. The Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, stressed the significance of the project, saying it would offer a reliable water source for farming in an era of unpredictable rainfall due to climate change.
“This project will irrigate 50 hectares of land, helping our farmers grow crops year-round,” he said.
The Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Eswatini, Jeremy Liang, expressed his delight in taking part in the launch and acknowledged the challenges that climate change poses to Africa, particularly in Eswatini. Taiwan invested nearly E18 million to help the country preserve its water resources.
“Climate change has complicated agricultural production, causing severe droughts and floods,” he said, noting that effective water management is critical for the country’s development.
Ambassador Liang thanked Minister Tshawuka for his commitment and extended an invitation for him to visit Taiwan to witness their agricultural advancements. “We believe this dam will help local residents cope with climate change and improve their livelihoods,” he added.
As the event came to a close, embassy representatives distributed 100 bags of rice to the community, symbolizing support and solidarity. Minister Tshawuka encouraged locals to take ownership of the project:
“This is your project. Let’s work together to make it a success,” he said.
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