Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III says government needs to budget for capital projects to create an enabling environment for the kingdom to develop.
He added that there was a need to step up plans to integrate alternative sources of energy supply to Eswatini as the country needs to become energy independent before its contract with Eskom expires.
He said in the country’s quest to become a developed nation, the investment targets need to aim higher.
He said the country needed enterprises that would generate a turnover running in the billions of Emalangeni.
“We are aware that such projects are guided by the availability of good electricity supply. However, the Eswatini contract with Eskom is coming closer to an end,” he said.
He said the country was looking to the thermal power project to generate electricity locally.
“We are aware that the global community is considering phasing out coal generated power. This compels us to rely on experts to help put in place the available technology that is able to minimise the impact of emissions to the environment,” he said.
He said the country also needed to maximise on solar energy as well as wind turbines and explore natural gas options.
“Hydro power generation can also make use of the abundant rains. Put together, these projects ought to play a critical role in the resuscitation of our economy. It is important that this is done before the Eskom contract expires,” His Majesty said.
He said capital projects that needed to be budgeted for included, but were not limited to; infrastructure development such as road construction, provision of potable water, dams for irrigated agriculture, health facilities, energy, factory shells and others.
“An important new addition to the large irrigation infrastructure is the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project. It will bring under irrigation about 10 000ha of land mainly located in the Shiselweni region with potential for more land in future,” His Majesty said.
He added that transport infrastructure and services remained the key driver of economic and community development.
“It is for this reason that we welcome the completion of the Lukhula–Big Bend road and the progress made on the upgrade of the Manzini-Mbadlane Highway,” the King said.
He added that the improvements that had been done in the rural areas by introducing the pro-base technology and the single seal approach to road paving, had also contributed to the improvement of the country’s road network, including all weather accessibility.
He said government would continue with its programme of fixing the damaged roads.
“The challenges the world faces today require that countries be self-reliant on many aspects. These include availability of air connectivity and infrastructure. The country is at an advanced stage in re-establishing its own national airline as aviation is critical for socio-economic development,” he said.
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