Eswatini - Mkondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Program (MNWAP) Study

The proposed operation is a MIC Grant of UA 1.2 million to the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini to support the undertaking of the Mkondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Program (MNWAP) Study and a Detailed Designs. The overall goal of the program is to contribute to food security, poverty reduction and resilience to climate change, through supporting water and irrigation infrastructure development in Eswatini. This feasibility study is consistent with the Bank’s 2013-2022 Strategy and its five priority areas (the High 5s), particularly Feed Africa and Improve the Quality of life of the people of Africa. The project consists of conducting feasibility studies for the construction of a dam on the Mkondvo River at Mahamba Gorge and the transfer of water to the Mahosha River (a tributary of the Ngwavuma River), for the purpose of increasing the low flow of the Ngwavuma River. It was designed because of the key role of agriculture and water development in supporting inclusive growth, job creation and poverty alleviation in Eswatini. The study has four (04) main components, namely: (i) Mpakeni Dam and Water Supply and Irrigation Development Plan and Bidding Documents, (ii) Feasibility Study for the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Resources Augmentation Project, (iii) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment, and (iv) Detailed Design and Bidding Documents for the Water Resources Augmentation Option. It will be implemented over a period of two years between June 2020 and September 2022. The total estimated cost of the Study is UA 2,037,859 (equivalent to Eswatini Lilangeni (SZL) 26,210,000 or USD 2,832,624.68.