Service Contract No 2007 / 147-446 - Swaziland

phase one and two was found to be 1.51m3/hr and 1.28m3/hr respectively; instead of1.4m3/hr stipulated in the Swaziland sugar industry standards.‣ The average GAR for Maphobeni phase 1 irrigation is 4.2mm/hr and 3.9mm/hr for phasetwo. The recommended GAR is 4.2mm/hr and this means that Maphobeni FA is slightlyunder-irrigating phase two Three sprinkler packages with identical nozzle sizes wereidentified‣ Sprinklers were not equipped with pressure regulators and were running on differentpressures and deliveries.‣ Timely maintenance and repair of minor leaks are often neglected in this system. Theleaks in the pipes of the supply network of this irrigation system caused a drop inoperating pressure and an increase in pump flow.‣ Phase one of the irrigation system was installed in 1994, almost 19 years ago, and asyears elapsed, system efficiency reduces due to equipment wearing out‣ Measurements of the amount of sprinkler nozzle wear (mm) taken from phase 1 and twoblocks averaged 3.2% and 5.5% respectively. Nozzle wearing was on maximum 12% inboth phases.‣ S.I.I. dragline irrigation system was installed in such a way that all laterals have individualhydraulic valves. These hydrants are equipped with Gulf hydraulic valves but withoutpilots for pressure regulation. A mechanical choke was installed on the valve headinstead.‣ No drainage was planned with the development of this project and large waterloggedareas appeared at some areas.OVERALL MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCEOperations‣ Financial viability for smallholder grower‣ High Interest Rates‣ Electricity cost high‣ High Transport costs‣ High Production CostsMaphobeni Farmers Association Report - 2009 Page - 55 -