…..PM orders parliamentarians to reconsider the way they think
…..need to review Eswatini’s procurement system
BY MBONGENI NDLELA
EZULWINI – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has urged government and Members of Parliament to reconsider the way of thinking.
Speaking during an introduction meeting with the House of Assembly Portfolio Committee at Sibane Sami Hotel today, the premier said it was important that as government and Members of Parliament; “we reconsider the way we think,”
He urged parliamentarians that they should understand that what they think is mostly influenced by what they read and watch.
“This has led to the way we look down upon ourselves as a Nation. For instance, most of our buildings as a country are small in size. In 10 years, they will even be smaller. Why? Because we have been influenced to think small,” he said.
Giving an example, the PM said some years ago, His Majesty King Mswati III shared his vision of building a highway in Eswatini. However, many people were opposed to the idea and thought it was not necessary.
“However, time has proven that even the highways we have currently are no longer sufficient to accommodate our traffic volumes as a country. What I am trying to say, Honourable Members, is that it is time we start thinking big. Let us be confident of who we are and let us be patriotic while doing so,” he said.
Dlamini explained that to change the mindset of people, the country needs quality education.
“This is why we have charged the Ministry of Education to review the entire education system to ensure that it is world-class and fits into His Majesty’s vision of a first-world country – from primary level to tertiary,” he said.
On another note, PM Russell Dlamini said processes are underway to review the country’s procurement system. He said as it stands, government pays more amount than actual prices. Again, it takes a long period for government to pay its suppliers. This, he said, must to an end.
“We have urged the Ministry of Finance and ESPPRA to review the procurement system – a thing that will help reduce crime and promote efficiency,” he said.
