Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini says the Government-initiated Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP II) & the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP) will contribute towards the transformation of the lives of thousands of emaSwati. The PM has been speaking at the conclusion of a tour of the projects.
Both projects, based in the Lubombo and Shiselweni regions, are agriculture-focused and will benefit a combined total of 124 000 people in the different communities. Government has invested about E194 million in the establishment of the LUSIP II project while the rest of the funding has been sourced from other partners. Government is implementing the projects through ESWADE.
Speaking during the tour, the Prime Minister said “These two projects are a catalyst for economic activity and job creation. They are built on the philosophy of water provision being an engine for rural development.”
Prime Minister Dlamini also highlighted that His Majesty King Mswati III has commanded Government to create an enabling environment for economic development, job creation and the full empowerment of emaSwati in the socio-economic development of their economy and country.
“The Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma project, in its early phase, is expected to put about 10 000 hectares of land under irrigation in the Shiselweni and Lubombo regions, with the potential to develop more in the future”, said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister also commended that both the projects visited today are designed to develop Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are known globally as the backbone for economic activity. “Reports indicate that the LUSIP II project has developed 30 MSMEs to date, employing just over 1 000 local people,”
