Africa-Press – Eswatini. For too long, travelling across Eswatini has meant navigating cracked highways and dusty rural tracks.
Families have endured bumpy rides, businesses have faced costly vehicle repairs, and rural communities have struggled with poor access.
But now, government says the tide is turning, thanks to a bold plan that promises smoother, safer, and well-maintained roads across the kingdom.
This week, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg outlined how a newly strengthened Road Agency Fund, supported by fuel levies and border toll fees, will finally deliver a sustainable solution to the country’s road maintenance challenges.
A Sustainable Fix
The Minister explained that while traditional budget allocations often fluctuate, this new system guarantees consistent funding for road maintenance. “This money is going to be a considerable fund, running into hundreds of millions of emalangeni every year,” he assured.
Already, 40 cents per litre has been added to fuel since April 2025, channeling resources directly into the Road Agency Fund. To strengthen this, commercial vehicles registered in Eswatini and all foreign-registered vehicles crossing into the country will now pay structured toll fees.
Local commercial vans and taxis: E55 per entry
Small trucks (3.5 – 7.5 tonnes): E60
Medium trucks: E80
Large interlink trucks: E100
Foreign vehicles: from E80 for motorbikes to E450 for large interlinks
Private cars registered in Eswatini remain exempt, ensuring ordinary families are not burdened.
A Boost for Jobs and Accountability
Importantly, the fund will not purchase expensive government-owned machinery but will instead channel opportunities to private contractors through open tenders. This approach is expected to improve efficiency, stimulate job creation, and ensure taxpayers get real value for money.
“The Road Agency Fund will be a big breakthrough. By working with private companies, we’ll ensure projects are completed properly and on time,” Rijkenberg said.
A Brighter Road Ahead
Oversight for the Road Agency Fund falls under the Ministry of Public Works, where a new board is already in place and staff recruitment underway. With revenue streams now secured, emaSwati can expect a new era of improved road networks, vital for commerce, tourism, and everyday life.
This initiative is more than a policy shift; it is a promise of smoother, safer journeys and a stronger economy built on reliable infrastructure.
As the Minister concluded: “We really believe that we now have the solution to maintaining our roads in Eswatini”
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