Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) and Indian construction company, GVPR Engineers Limited, have signed a contract for construction of the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP) Phase 1B – the Main Conveyance Pipeline from the Mpakeni Dam worth E1.78 billion.
The groundbreaking agreement saw the government entity and GVPR Engineers put pen to paper on February 23, 2026 at the Hilton Garden in Mbabane.
EWADE Chief Executive Officer Dr Samson Sithole said they were pleased to announce a major milestone in Eswatini’s long term water security programme with the signing of the contract for MNWAP Phase 1B – the Main Conveyance Pipeline from the Mpakeni Dam.
This phase involves the construction of a 36 kilometre high grade steel pipeline, with diameters ranging from DN2000 to DN1800, designed to deliver water to the irrigation command areas of Sigwe/Maloma, Mconcwane/Mcathuvane and St Philips – covering approximately 4,600 hectares.
“This pipeline is part of a much larger national investment. It will carry water from the Mpakeni Dam, which is currently under construction under MNWAP Phase 1A. As of the end of January 2026, construction progress at Mpakeni Dam stands at 44%, and the project remains on track for completion in April 2028, marking a transformational achievement for Eswatini,” he said.
He said it was also important to acknowledge the realities behind the project timelines. Phase 1B has commenced one year later than originally anticipated. This delay, he said, resulted from the need to return to tender in order to comply fully with the African Development Bank’s procurement guidelines. These standards which are rooted in transparency, fairness and value for money -are central to EWADE operations. While the process added time strengthened the integrity and credibility of the project.
“The re-advertised tender attracted strong international participation. This follows a three stage evaluation process, preliminary examination, detailed assessment, and post qualification. The contract has therefore has been awarded to GVPR Engineers Limited, who met all technical, financial and experience requirements in line with AfDB rules,” said the CEO.
The project represents an investment of approximately ZAR 1.78 billion, with a 36 month construction period according to the CEO.
Although the Main Conveyance will only be fully completed in 2029, the benefits of water delivery will begin earlier because of the engineering design of Phase 1B, the pipeline can be commissioned in stages.
“As each section is constructed, pressure tested, and becomes hydraulically operational; water can start flowing into parts of the network even while other downstream sections are still under construction. This means farmers and communities will begin to experience progressive water availability well before full project completion. The people will not wait until 2029 to see value.”
To GVPR Engineers Limited – their implementing partner – the responsibility now shifts to execution. According to Dr Sithol, they have earned this contract competitively, and expectations are high: adherence to quality, safety, environmental and social safeguards, and timely delivery. Working together, they will ensure this infrastructure stands the test of time. “Please note the strict requirements for local employment. We also encourage GVPR Engineers Limited to promote the participation of local contractors in the execution of the project.
We extend sincere appreciation to the African Development Bank for its continued confidence in Eswatini. AfDB’s partnership ensures that global standards of governance and procurement remain embedded in all major national projects undertaken through EWADE.”
To the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Traditional Authorities, communities along the pipeline route, EWADE management and staff, Dr Sithole said expressed gratitude for their ongoing support, cooperation and commitment. He said engagement, transparency and mutual respect will continue to guide them throughout construction.
“MNWAP Phase 1B represents more than engineering; it is a lifeline that links investment to impact, dam to field, and potential to prosperity. Together with Phase 1A, it will anchor food security, stimulate agribusiness, create jobs, and strengthen climate resilience for decades to come.”
He said the MNWAP was a game changer because it will deliver water to irrigation systems by gravity, eliminating the need for pumping. This, he said, dramatically improves long term agricultural viability, especially as electricity is often the single largest cost driver in irrigation operations.
At the signing of the contract, GVPR Engineers Limited was represented by Chief of Global Business Parikshith Reddy and Head – Projects International Business, Rajeev Singh.
