BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has tabled its on-going capital projects.
This was during the tabling of the Ministry’s annual performance report for the financial year 2023/2024.
In the report one of the listed on-going capital projects is the Urban Development Project worth E10 million.
“The Urban Development Project (UDP) is intended to provide roads and drainage services within Mhobodleni controlled area phase 1. The development will also include water supply sewer management system and electricity supply,” reads the report in part.
It further reads that this current financial year an approved contract increase for Inyatsi Construction was received for the continued construction of roads infrastructure at Mhobodleni Township Phase 1.
Another project listed in the report is the project involving the procurement of 1 Emergency Tender Vehicle through donor funds of E15.5 million, and E10 million local funds will procure water tender truck and light pump vehicles.
“Procurement of the Emergency Tender is completed; the Ministry awaits the completion of manufacturing of the vehicle. Other vehicles are yet to complete the tendering procedures,” read the report.
However it was noted that there is still a lack of fire service personnel, the department has a request for 168 new posts for the newly built fire posts and 31 further vacancies due to retiring, promotion and death of officers. The Ministry of Public Service was engaged to resolve the matter.
Meanwhile, the Ministry is still working to complete projects at Manzini Autism Centre Operationalisation the facility will provide health services to children living with Autism.
Lastly, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development Prince Simelane pleaded for his budget to be approved. “Honourable Chairperson and the House, the Ministry would like to acknowledge the continued guidance and support of the House as it delivered on the mandate. Furthermore, request for the approval of the budget for the financial year 2023/24 amounting to E387 450 254 for recurrent expenditure and E35 000 000 for capital expenditure appropriated under Head 24 and under Head 26 E124 122 256 for recurrent expenditure and E11 500 000 for capital expenditure,” he said.
