Recent Developments include the following on the Eswatini side:
- 506 graves have been relocated and 235 households will be resettled in Eswatini.
- The land acquisition process is at an advanced stage
- A structure at grass roots level comprising of project affected people (PAPs) is in place to address all resettlement issues. A participatory process to relocate graves in Eswatini has been concluded.
- A robust consultative process with traditional authorities and other stakeholders like the Manzini Regional Administrator, Chiefs and Government ministries is ongoing.
- Complete adherence to regulatory and statutory requirements lies at the core of the entire project.
- The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini is in full support of the project as evidenced by its mention in the 2017/18 Government of Eswatini budget speech.
Progress on the South African side:
Significant amount of work has been done also on the South African Side:
- The feasibility studies of the Greenfield are complete and the authorities in South Africa and Eswatini have granted both teams the necessary environmental permits
- Approximately 100 graves have been exhumed and relocated
- The Socio Economic Assessment in the Mpumalanga area to determine the level of skills available, types of small businesses available to boost local employment and business opportunities.
- The purchasing of approximately 506 hectares is at an advanced stage
- The plans to resettle the affected households are also in progress.
- Feasibility studies of the existing lines that need to be upgraded, that is, Ermelo to Lothair as well as Golela to Nsese are also in progress.
- Engagements are being conducted on a continuous basis with all stakeholders.
Construction
- Construction will commence as soon as the funding is finalised. However, some of the enabling works, such as acquisition of land and the relocation of affected households are ongoing.
Timeline
