Service Contract No 2007 / 147-446 - Swaziland

OVERALL MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCEManagement‣ Considering the reduction or termination of interest rates on all loans, such measureswould allow smallholder growers to realize some return on their investment and to be ableto eventually pay dividends to the investing members. Alternatively other financialarrangements can be put in place without any prejudice to the commercial operations ofthe financial institutions currently engaged with the sector.‣ There is a need to have the electricity tariffs looked at and, maybe have the tariff ratediscounted for sugar cane growers to enable them to be sustainable in the business.Pump attendance must be trained on economic ways of operating pumps.‣ A consortium could be formed for the sugarcane growing industry to have a muscle wherebuying of farm inputs is concerned. This could reduce production costs‣ Adopted a proper scheduling strategy.‣ The water allocation of 4 cusecs is not enough for this developmentMaintenance‣ Compilation of an operation and maintenance manual to assist in the implementation of aproper maintenance and operation strategies for the association.‣ A proper scheduling tool must be adopted and, where possible, blocks scheduledaccording to soil type.‣ Implement an irrigation pattern that will result into a 6.5mm/day net application, i.e.changing from a 6 to 4 day cycle at the implemented 8 hour standing time.‣ Establish arrangement with a reliable establishment to assist with the repair andmaintenance of all equipment.‣ Replace all old equipmentMaphobeni Farmers Association Report - 2009 Page - 59 -