Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini’s ambitious Mkhondvo/Ngwavuma water projects have gained powerful international attention, with representatives of the Saudi Fund for Development expressing their interest in supporting the landmark initiative.
This came during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings, where Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg led discussions aimed at unlocking infrastructure financing for Eswatini’s development priorities.
The Saudi Fund delegation commended Eswatini’s commitment to sustainable development and indicated that they are eager to explore avenues to fund and accelerate the implementation of the Mkhondvo/Ngwavuma projects. The discussions focused on potential financing models and technical cooperation to ensure the projects’ long-term success.
A Game-Changer for Communities
The Mkhondvo/Ngwavuma water projects are among the most transformative initiatives in Eswatini’s infrastructure development pipeline. They are designed to boost water security, expand irrigation capacity, and promote commercial agriculture, especially in the country’s southern regions.
The projects involve diverting water from the Mkhondvo and Ngwavuma rivers to supply irrigation schemes, households, and industrial use. By doing so, they will not only improve access to clean and reliable water for thousands of households but also unlock vast tracts of arable land, enabling year-round farming.
This project has the potential to uplift entire communities by creating jobs, improving food security, and laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Driving Economic Growth and Employment
Once implemented, the Mkhondvo/Ngwavuma projects are expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, particularly in the agricultural sector. Farmers will benefit from consistent irrigation, which will allow them to grow high-value crops and attract agribusiness investments. Local industries and service providers are also expected to thrive as infrastructure improves.
The project aligns with Eswatini’s National Development Plan, which emphasizes strategic infrastructure investment to stimulate inclusive growth and enhance resilience to climate change.
Strategic Partnerships for Development
Rijkenberg welcomed the Saudi Fund’s interest, noting that strategic international partnerships are crucial for advancing Eswatini’s development agenda.
A Vision for the Future
With growing international interest, the Mkhondvo/Ngwavuma water projects are moving closer to becoming a reality. Once completed, they will transform livelihoods, enhance agricultural productivity, and support sustainable economic growth, a clear testament to the power of development partnerships and visionary planning.
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