MBABANE – Did you know that government, through Microprojects, has spent a whopping E141 million to provide infrastructure to schools for the 2020/2021 financial year? In fact, the target was to ensure access to basic education for all children and to ensure improved facilities in schools by 2030.
However, the petrol bombing and vandalizing of schools by unknown hoodlums disguised as pushers of democratic call for the Tinkhundla system of government, has sabotaged government’s effort to bring better education for Eswatini pupils. With next week reserved as the reopening date for schools in Eswatini, it is uncertain whether learners will enjoy their constitutional right to education or they will be disturbed by what some parents have labelled as a barbaric act by the vandalizing of schools.
According to a 2020/2021 progress report released by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, a total of 738 projects worth E141 000 000 have been implemented across the country in line with the education policy, NDS, and Sustainable Development Goals.
The Dr. Thambo Gina-led ministry has stated that the project components include among others; construction of schools toilets, kitchens, laboratories, administration blocks, fencing, libraries, staff houses for both primary and high schools, classrooms for primary and high schools, schools water supply, tertiary institution and rehabilitation of structures damaged by storms.
The report has disclosed that about 228 schools have benefited as a result of this intervention.
“Upon completion, a total of 13 100 people will benefit from this project. A total of 621 projects are ongoing while 117 have been completed this far,” stated in the report.
