BY MBONGENI NDLELA
LOBAMBA – The financial year 2022/2023 promises to bring about good news to the many unemployed EmaSwati.
Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg has announced thousands of job opportunities that are expected to come with the implementation of a number of new projects around the country.
Among these is the construction of at least four factory shells across the country.
The minister said the factory shells construction shall entail the completion of the Gamula factory shell, Mantambe factory shell, Hlathikhulu factory shell and the Johnson Workwear factory situated in the Jabulani area near Nhlangano.
“This huge factory will be finished at the same time as the Sicunusa road along which it is located. These factory shells shall employ over 6 000 people,” Rijkenberg said.
He said Government will also a number of pipeline projects that are private sector-led, which are expected to employ a further 3000 people in the coming financial year.
He said these projects include a renewable energy project through the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA), mining, manufacturing, retail and agriculture.
“All of these projects originated from the Post Covid-19 Recovery Plan,” the minister said.
Some of the projects listed by the minister include the new mall that is to be constructed in Manzini at the Old Trade Fair Grounds, which is estimated cost of over E2 billion and is expected to start in the coming financial year.
Another commercial development, according to Rijkenberg, is expected to start construction near the new interchange, and is set to be worth over E3 billion.
“We are happy to note strong reinvestment initiatives in a number of large private companies, indicating that the investment sentiment in Eswatini remains strong,” he said.
The minister further said government, through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, in pursuit of its policies and programmes in this medium term is committed to creating 9000 new jobs this coming financial year, “whilst continuing to explore all avenues as we continue to grow a competitive and export-driven economy”.
