Eswatini - Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme Holistic Approach Development Master Plan (MNWAP-HADMP)

The proposed operation is an allocation of UA 654,174 of the Middle-Income Countries Technical Assistance Fund to the Kingdom of Eswatini to support activities that will facilitate the development of the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Program (MNWAP) holistic approach development (HAD). This project, aimed at developing a holistic development master plan for the MkhondvoNgwavuma Water Augmentation Program (MNWAP) through integrating sectoral plans aligned to the National Development Plan (NPD) (2023 to 2028), which aspired to make Eswatini among the top 10% of the medium human development group of countries founded on sustainable economic development, social justice and political stability. One of the strategies to achieve this was through an eco-friendly, green growth and circular economy approach. To attain this goal, a coordinated and holistic development approach is required. The Project activities will be undertaken through seven (7) components: i) SocioEconomic Development including a Centre of Excellence, ii) Cross Border Activities, iii) Energy development, iv) Transportation schemes, v) MNWAP Holistic Development Master Plan Investment Plan, vi) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment, and vii) Implementation and Management. The activities will be implemented within the Shiselweni Region to address the region’s high poverty and unemployment rates, especially amongst the youth (boys and girls). Gender will be a cross-cutting issue, as a key development issue, aiming for equitable and full participation of women and men. It is planned to be implemented for a period of 12 calendar months from the date of approval.