By 
By Lwazi Dlamini
As part of the E2.6 billion Mpakeni Dam project, the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that development leaves no one behind.
With a strong focus on sustainable and inclusive progress, the organisation has set an ambitious target of resettling 86 homesteads (134 households) affected by the ongoing construction of the Mpakeni Dam by March 2026.
The resettlement process, which commenced in January 2021, is a key component of the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme (MNWAP)—a transformative initiative valued at over E30 billion.
EWADE Corporate Communications Manager (CCM) Nokwazi Hlophe told this publication that to date, 40 homesteads, comprising 58 households—including five “free-choice” households—have been successfully resettled in modern homes with improved living standards. This was Phase I of the resettlement program of the families affected by the project, she said.
Hlophe went on to say that the successful relocations have taken place across several areas under Prince Gasawangwane and Prince Susa’s chieftaincies, including Makhava, Mngayi, Mphelamandla, Lulakeni, Mbava, KaLiba, Sitilo, and Nsingizini. Each site was chosen based on its suitability for long-term habitation and access to essential services.
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Hlophe also stated that a further 8 homesteads (17 households and two free-choice households) are currently under construction under the Boab contract, which was originally set for completion in April 2025. “However, due to payment delays and weather disruptions, the completion date has been extended to June 2025.
o far, over 45.5million has been invested into the resettlement programme, covering construction, amenities, fencing, VIP toilets, fruit trees, and ritual fees for grave relocations,” Hlophe said.
According to the EWADE mouthpiece, the EWADE – newly built homes come with significantly upgraded amenities—clean water tanks, electricity, VIP toilets, and energy-efficient stoves—designed to enhance comfort, sustainability, and living standards.
For the underway resettlement, Phase III, the Government the Kingdom of Eswatini has allocated E83 million for the successful completion of the resettlement programme in the 2025/26 fiscal year, a move that provides renewed confidence in meeting the March 2026 deadline.
Worth mentioning is that the EWADE team under MNWAP has made headways in identifying the resettlement sites under various imiphakatsi (chiefdoms). The chiefdoms where sites have been identified include Qomintaba Umphakatsi (Makhava, Lulakeni, Mbava, Ndanayithini, Mphelamandla, and Tindvulini areas), Lushini Umphakatsi (Chalaza, Malunguza, and Mahhoca areas) and KaLiba Umphakatsi (Mahhoca). Other potential sites are still being finalised.
EWADE is also making remarkable progress in architectural and structural planning. New homes reflect the cultural and social preferences of the families, incorporating climate resilience features and complying with local building codes. In contrast to the initial phase of
resettlement, which relied on owner builders, EWADE has now initiated a formal tendering process to improve quality control and project timelines. “Tender documents detailing technical specifications, BoQs, and contractual terms are being finalised and will soon be published on various platforms, including the EWADE website, local newspapers, and the SPPRA portal before end of April, 2025,” She disclosed.
In Hlophe’s view, at the heart of EWADE’s resettlement strategy is the preservation of community and heritage. Recognising that relocation is more than just moving families from one location to another, the organisation has adopted an approach that prioritises dignity, stability, and long-term prosperity, Hlophe elucidated. “
The EWADE spokesperson highlighted that: “By aligning with international best practices, EWADE has ensured that affected households are not merely adapting to new environments but are thriving. The resettlement programme is a pledge to uphold respect, dignity, and a better quality of life for every family involved.”
Families are being resettled in carefully selected areas where they will have access to modern homes, upgraded amenities, and new economic opportunities. This initiative is not just about replacing what was lost but about creating a foundation for a brighter future,” she said.
To ensure that resettled families can rebuild their lives, EWADE is also rolling out a comprehensive agricultural restoration programme aimed at long-term food security and economic stability.
A key component is the maize planting initiative, which supports affected families with farm input packages tailored to individual land sizes. Each hectare receives 300kg of 2:3:2 (37) fertiliser and 25kg of maize seed, ensuring that families can grow their own food during the transitional period.
Hlophe also highlighted the organisation’s commitment to restoring livelihoods: “
This initiative is part of our broader commitment to ensuring that displaced families regain their independence. By equipping them with the tools and resources they need to grow their own food, we aim to support their journey toward food security and economic stability.”
MNWAP Project Coordinator Bafana Matsebula said: “While the resettlement initiative is making notable strides, the journey has not been without challenges. Government cash flow constraints have led to delayed payment of compensations for Project Affected Persons (PAPs) and late payment of Contractors.
This results in friction with the Project Affected Persons (PAPs) and creates tension in the community when Contractors slow down implementation which in turn affects the project completion timelines.”
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Matsebula also stated that the initial reliance on owner builders, with limited supervision, also created inefficiencies. “Additionally, land disputes, particularly with the families that seek to hijack the project to solve chieftaincy disputes which have been ruled upon has led to resistance from some households, have slowed progress,” he said.
Matsebula went on to say that to overcome these hurdles, EWADE is working closely with traditional leaders and improving procurement turnaround times to fast-track the resettlement process.
He expressed confidence that since the government has prioritized the funding for completing the resettlement program, the money will be released on time to meet the payment deadlines to enable the completion of the program by the end of the financial year.
With solid progress and a clear path forward, the Mpakeni Dam resettlement programme remains a landmark initiative in Eswatini’s development landscape. EWADE’s unwavering focus on sustainability, social responsibility, and community empowerment is transforming lives—creating new homes, restoring livelihoods, and securing a brighter, more dignified future for displaced families.
