Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, officially opened the Mphembekati Dip Tank No. 440 yesterday, 13 November 2025, in the Manzini region under Nyakeni chiefdom, marking a major milestone for farmers who have long awaited improved livestock services.
The project, funded through the Regional Development Fund (RDF) in collaboration with Micro Projects, cost a total of E470 664 with E345 729 contributed by Tinkhundla Development and Administration and E124 935 contributed by 189 farmers in cash.
The dip tank will benefit local cattle and goat farmers from Manzini North, Ekukhanyeni , and Mphembekati by providing regular livestock dipping services, reducing the prevalence of tick-borne diseases, improving animal health, increasing productivity, and supporting the growth of sustainable farming practices in the community.
The Minister commended the community for identifying the development gap and working collectively to ensure the project was completed. He said the new facility would serve not only for dipping but also as a centre for auction sales, vaccinations, treatment, branding, eartagging, and disease surveillance.
“The Ministry cannot achieve this mandate alone without your assistance,” he said. “Healthy, parasite-free animals are more productive, and this facility will help increase weight gain, reproduction, milk production and overall income for farmers.”
Speaking on behalf of the Dip tank committee member, Bongani Masuku, narrated the difficulties farmers previously faced with the old dip tank, noting that livestock were difficult to control and dipping sessions took longer than necessary. He said the situation improved after the community, with assistance from the former Bucopho, applied for RDF support and successfully secured funding.
Chief Jokovu Dlamini expressed deep appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the project. “The Kukhanyeni Inkhundla seems to be included in every project. Recently, we were visited by Their Majesties and now the Minister is here,” he said. “I have no doubt that all ministers will still come and open something.”
He thanked the dip tank committee for its dedication, Micro Projects for its continued role in community development, Tinkhundla for providing financial support and the community for contributing the required 10%. “It shows their undivided dedication to a developed community,” he added.
Member of Parliament, Nomkhosi Masuku applauded the community’s collective effort and urged residents to continue supporting development initiatives that elevate agricultural productivity. She emphasized that such investments strengthen food security and contribute to Eswatini’s long-term economic growth.
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