BY LUNGA DLAMINI
MBABANE-The Minister of Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe launched the Eswatini Tourist Train earlier today in a business seminar held at the Mavuso Trade Fair.
According to Minister Eswatini and the world at large are still trying to overcome the setbacks brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia/Ukraine war. These challenges have significantly disturbed many plans that were in place to resuscitate the Eswatini economy.
He further mentioned that the challenges succeeded in reducing the sphere within which there can be gains realized from capital expenditure and social spending which in turn makes it difficult for the country to address the socio-economic challenges.
The Eswatini Government is in the process of implementing reforms needed to restore financial stability and expand the fiscal space to facilitate private sector development and provision of public services.
“It is therefore pleasing to see Eswatini Railways aligning with Government reforms in its quest to revitalize the economy and dedicate itself to attaining the 1st world status as proclaimed by His Majesty during the official opening of the 2023 Eswatini International Trade Fair”, said the Minister.
The tourist train presents an opportunity for Eswatini Railways to unlock business opportunities that had not been explored before. It is also pleasing to hear of the integration with other sectors of the economy and partnerships that will be edified by returns yielded from the tourist train spinoffs.
The Chief Executive Officer at Eswatini Railways Nixon Dlamini argued that the train will be effective from the 22nd of September. Tourists can travel to Maputo. Everyone is welcome to board the train. Tourists below the age of 18 will only be allowed to board the train traveling within the country. We request passengers above the age of 18 for the Journey to Maputo.
Tourists can book their tickets on MoMo by sending “Hi” on WhatsApp to 7808400. They can also buy tickets on COMPUTICKET.
“May God Bless us all as we prepare for the successful implementation of the Tourist Train. May it mark the beginning of an even larger presence of passenger train business in Eswatini”, concluded the Minister.
