Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in partnership with the Municipal Council of Mbabane, joined the global community in commemorating World Sustainable Transport Day 2025 on December 4, 2025 at the Sincephetelo MVA Fund (SMVAF) Conference Room.
The event was graced by the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, and reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), a global campaign promoting resilient, eco-friendly, accessible and socially equitable transport systems.
In his keynote remarks, the Minister described transport as the lifeblood of Eswatini’s economy and “the thread that connects communities,” enabling citizens to access opportunities and participate meaningfully in national development. He stressed that Eswatini’s growth must now be “smarter, cleaner and more equitable,” with sustainability at the centre of all transport planning.
He emphasised that safety and accessibility remain essential in transport development, calling for safer road designs, pedestrian walkways, cycling lanes and strengthened school safety zones to protect children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. A sustainable future, he noted, requires infrastructure that prioritises both people and the environment.
Addressing climate change, the Minister said the transport sector can significantly reduce emissions by decreasing the number of vehicles on the road, shifting to cleaner fuels and introducing electric or hybrid public transport.
He highlighted Eswatini’s ongoing electric mobility policy, developed jointly with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, as a key step towards climate-conscious mobility.
The Minister stated that improved connectivity opens opportunities for all Emaswati by enhancing trade, tourism, education and economic activity.
He encouraged the Municipal Council of Mbabane to continue strengthening transport corridors, improving inter-town links and ensuring that public transport integrates effectively with essential services such as markets, clinics and schools.
The Minister further noted that increased rainfall in recent years has placed pressure on infrastructure not built with climate considerations in mind. He urged national and local authorities to adapt to these evolving environmental conditions to ensure long-term rresilience.
He praised the Municipal Council of Mbabane for its initiatives aimed at improving mobility and accessibility, including the Public Transport Strategy, tactile guiding blocks for persons with disabilities and audio traffic signals for visually impaired pedestrians. He described these efforts as clear demonstrations of the city’s commitment to building a transport system that serves all residents.
In closing, Chief Ndlaluhlaza called for collaboration among government, municipalities, transport operators, the private sector and development partners. He stressed that the future of mobility “is not about more cars, but better choices,” and that shared responsibility is essential in building transport systems that are modern, inclusive and able to withstand future challenges.
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