Africa-Press – Eswatini. Jeremy Liang,the Taiwan Ambassador and his alleged partner in the R5.2billion Strategic Oil Reserve Project Kareem Ashraff are allegedly lobbying Members of Parliament(MPs) to approve the controversial multibillion project that will dig deeper into the pockets of poor emaSwati. Mp Welcome Dlamini Denies Involvement in Ongoing Vigorous Lobbying.
The Ambassador, according to MPs who spoke to this publication, promised the Legislators that, they will share R2million as a token of appreciation, should Parliament approve the project.
It has been reported that, the project will be funded through public funds by increasing the fuel levy and this means apart from the recent increase in electricity tariffs, emaSwati might soon face a fuel increase as a result of the Strategic Oil Reserve project.
Welcome Dlamini, the Mbabane East MP is alleged to be lobbying other MPs to approve the project but, he denied any involvement when responding to this Swaziland News on Monday evening.
“I have no idea about what’s going on with the oil reserve project and I believe it’s the duty of the implementing ministry to lobby MPs for its approval.I’m not even a member of the Portfolio Committee so I don’t know where the MPs who are your sources got this from Nkhosi”, said the Mbabane East MP.
Jeremy Liang, the Taiwan Ambassador declined to comment about this particular matter but, he previously referred such matters to the Government when speaking to this publication.
On another note, the Strategic Oil Reserve Project has been marred by allegations of corruption, Government signed an agreement with a Taiwan company, CECI Consulting Engineers for the construction of the R5.2billion but, another company that agreed to implement the project with R2.2billion was sidelined.
It remains unclear if Parliament will eventually approve the project as some MPs previously vowed to oppose it.
Taiwan enjoys close ties with King Mswati who also ordered Government to sign the agreement and “ensure that, the project is implemented”.
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