BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini was yesterday impressed by the investments worth E15 billion which are done by the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF).
The PM, according to his own account on his Facebook page, was shown the investments during a tour he embarked on yesterday. The Premier also toured the International Convention Centre and Five Star Hotel (ICC-FISH), the Royal Science and Technology Park at Phocweni and Nokwane and the Nokwane Special Economic Zone.
Dlamini’s tour began at the PSPF’s Ingcamu Building in Mbabane, where he met the PSPF Executive and Board of Trustees and he was briefed on some of the Fund’s E15BN investments. He then proceeded to tour the new PSPF apartments in Mbabane, which are near completion and in which PSPF has invested about E124M.
Thereafter, he was led on a tour of the former ESASCCO building in Mbabane, which had been a sorry sight for about 22 years, and which the PSPF has invested about E450M into re-modelling. The building, according to Dlamini, is currently being converted into a premium office building complex.
“I congratulated PSPF for the work they are doing and challenged the executive and Board of Trustees to ensure that it remains the premier organisation that it is. I further encouraged the institution to invest more in the country, applauding them for having at least 45 percent local investments,” Dlamini said.
He then invited the institution to be part of an Investment Indaba that is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade where businesses that will invest over E1BN in new and innovative initiatives are being targeted. I urged PSPF to consider partnerships and possible investments in the areas of aviation, rail, energy and mining.
The Prime Minister then visited the ICC-FISH in Ezulwini, a project that has taken much more time and resources than it should, accordingly to Dlamini. “Our Administration will ensure that this project is finally completed for the country to start benefitting from this huge investment,” Dlamini promised.
From ICC-FISH, he proceeded to the Royal Science and Technology Park’s (RSTP) Phocweni and Nokwane sites, where he toured the National Data Centre, Advanced School of IT, the National Contact Centre, the Biotechnology Park, the recently established Commercial Court and the Special Economic Zone site.
He challenged RSTP management to work hard to ensure that the project became self-sustainable by investing in automation systems and looking for other means of financing the project, including through partnerships. Lastly, he expressed Government’s support to the institution, recognising that it is key in attracting and retaining investors.
The PM was personally impressed with all the projects he visited. “They are strategic for the country and are all part of His Majesty King Mswati III’s Grand Vision. Government will endeavour to make sure they are supported by all means until completion. Top on the list are the ICC and the operationalisation of the RSTP,” he said.
He expressed appreciation for the PSPF for taking over the ESASCCO building. “We must be proud of PSFP for taking over the ESASCCO building and working towards its completion. Upon completion, it will be an iconic building in the Capital City,” Dlamini concluded.
