Africa-Press – Eswatini. Government, with the support of the Republic of China (Taiwan), has committed over E21.3 million (US$1 300 000) towards security upgrades for the Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s Offices.
This is contained in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development’s first quarter performance report.
According to the document, the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan) date back to 1968, following Eswatini’s independence from British rule. The two Governments have, over the years, signed periodic Agreements to guide collaboration in mutually agreed priority areas. The current Agreement covers the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2027. Significant progress has been made in the implementation of ongoing activities during the period under review
“For security upgrades for the Prime Minister’s Offices, US$1 300 000 (E21.3 million) was committed. A total of US$666 666 (E10.9 million) was committed towards the upgrades and the balance repurposed to another activity within the Prime Minister’s Office,” reads the report.
Government Grand Plan of Action
At an allocation of E7.6 million, ESEPARC and Pinnacle Advisors were engaged to undertake the assignment, and the development of the Grand Plan of Action was successfully concluded during the year following extensive consultation with key stakeholders including the public and private sectors as well as traditional authorities. The draft Report has been submitted to the Donor for final payment.
There was then the construction of Potable Water Supply and Sanitation Schemes at an allocation of E58.8 million. The project covers the construction of potable water supply and sanitation schemes at Nkwene (Phase 4), Maphungwane-Lukhetseni (Phase 3) and Lubuyane (Phase 3). The scope of works includes the construction of intake weirs, laying of transmission mains, construction of treatment plants and storage reservoirs, development of distribution systems, and construction of break pressure tanks. The project recorded a disbursement rate of 93 percent. All budgeted work was scheduled for completion by 31 March 2026.
A total of E3.2 million was committed to the construction of Houses for the Vulnerable. The project supports the construction of decent shelter for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable and elderly citizens. Approximately 33 two-room housing units, each estimated at US$ 5 600 (approximately E100 000), are being constructed. Full project funds were transferred to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), and construction activities are ongoing.
Rehabilitation of classrooms and associated facilities
Then the rehabilitation of St Joseph’s School (Mzimphofu) had E5.7 allocated. The project supports the rehabilitation of classrooms and associated facilities at St Joseph’s School and is implemented through Microprojects. On-site works progressed steadily during the period with 33 percent of the total allocation disbursed. Additional funding amounting to US$190 000 (E3.1 million) was mobilised from the donor to enable full completion of the project in 2026/2027 financial year.
The construction of Medium Earth Dams at Sidvokodvo and Mangcongco cost E15.05 million. The project entails: the construction of a 111,550m3 earth dam at Sidvokodvo (Mkhiweni) to support livestock, watering and irrigation of up to 10 hectares at US$585 000 (E9.5 million); and the construction of the Mangcongco earth dam at Dwalile Chiefdom at US$334 000 (E5.4 million). It is implemented through EWADE. Construction commenced in December 2025 and targeted completion date is 31 March 2026.
A total of E46.8 million was committed to the National Grain Reserves. The project involves the construction of two 20,000-metric-ton steel maize storage silos to enhance national grain storage capacity. It is implemented through the National Maize Corporation (NMC). The NMC in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, undertook a benchmarking exercise to Zambia and subsequently commenced the procurement processes for the contractor. The draft contract was submitted to the donor for review and clearance to enable construction to commence.
Procurement of an ambulance
Purchase of Ambulance for Ikhwezi, Lubuli and Ndzevane Clinics cost E1.6 million. The project entails procurement of an ambulance to service Ikhwezi, Lubuli and Ndzevane Clinics, facilitating referral of patients to larger health facilities including Matsanjeni, Hlathikhulu and Good Shepherd Hospitals. The Ministry of Health engaged a supplier for procurement and customization of the ambulance. An advance payment of 75 percent was effected, with delivery and final disbursement expected before 31 March 2026.
E491 314.50 was used for Management Consultancy for Sikhuphe Resettlements. This project provides for the engagement of a consultant to conduct a comprehensive study and develop a costed resettlement model for communities affected by the construction of the King Mswati III International Airport. Approval to single source the consultant was granted by the National Tender Board. Procurement is ongoing, with project completion expected by the end of the 2026/2027 financial year.
E9.8 million was used for construction of Computer Laboratories for Rural Schools. The project covers the design, construction and supervision of construction of computer laboratories in the six schools of: Ikhwezi, Duze, Matsetsa and Florence Christian Academy High Schools; and Phocweni and Mpofu Methodist Primary Schools. Implementation commenced during the period, achieving a disbursement rate of 88 percent. Construction at all sites is expected to be completed by March 2026.
Contract granted by the Donor
Then E10.6 million committed to the Eswatini Mobile Governance Initiative. The initiative seeks to establish a robust digital governance framework to guide the digital transformation of government operations, develop a mobile-accessible government services portal, and digitize priority government information systems. Following procurement, a no-objection to sign the contract was granted by the Donor. Submission of the signed contract by the implementing entity is pending. Project completion is anticipated by the end of the 2026/2027 financial year.
Eswatini Business Digitalisation and Enhancement cost government E6.5 million. The project focuses on strengthening Eswatini’s digital e-commerce ecosystem through integration of payment and logistics services into the ‘Buy Eswatini’ platform, development of an enhanced mobile application, and planning for long-term sustainability. The Donor’s no-objection to sign the contract has been granted to EIPA. Submission of the signed contract is still pending, and project is expected to be fully complete during the next financial year.
Enhancing Junior Achievement (JA) Financial Programmes was E1.4 million. The project supported capacity building of in-school and out-of-school youth in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, job readiness, savings and investment culture. A full disbursement of the project funds was made to the implementing entity, and all planned activities are duly completed.
Capacity building
ENACTUS – Capacity Building for Tertiary Students also had E1.4 million allocated. The project supported capacity building of tertiary students and unemployed graduates in entrepreneurship, business innovation and enterprise development, including provision of seed capital. Project activities were completed during the year and project funds fully disbursed to the implementing entity.
E6.8 million was committed by government to Industrial Sewing Machines for the National Handcraft Training Centre. The project provides for procurement of 60 industrial sewing machines and 15 over-lockers for the National Handcraft Training Centre. The Ministry of Commerce completed the procurement process and submitted a draft contract for the Donor’s vetting and issuance of a no-objection. Delivery of the equipment is expected in the first quarter of 2026/2027 financial year.
Upgrading of Equipment at Malkerns Vocational Services Training Centre had E1.6 million allocation. The project is intended to procure farming and training equipment, including agricultural machinery, irrigation equipment, classroom furniture and kitchen appliances. Due to continued delays in project implementation, the allocated funds might be repurposed to other priority activities of Government.
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