BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE– His Excellency Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini is already hard at work!
Within 18 days into the year, the PM of Eswatini has already taken up his duties, and today, he was touring the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) in the Manzini Region.
According to a statement that was sent out by Government Spokesperson Alpheus Nxumalo, the Prime Minister began his tour at the under-construction Nokwane site, where he assessed the construction progress. Upon completion, the Nokwane site will comprise a biotechnology centre, business incubation facilities, a One-Stop-Shop service centre as well as an agricultural-related research facility. The facility also houses the country’s Commercial Court.
Nxumalo further explained that His Excellency then proceeded to the Phocweni site, where he appreciated some of the facilities, which included a National Data Centre, the Advanced School of IT, and the National Contact Centre.
“He also had the opportunity to interact with some of the innovators currently housed at the Incubation Centre.
“The Prime Minister was briefed on the operations of RSTP and the challenges faced by the facility as it carries out its mandate of promoting science, technology, and innovation in Eswatini,” explained Nxumalo.
In his deliberations, His Excellency said he learned a lot from today’s tour.
“There is obviously a lot that still needs to be done at the Nokwane site, as we currently have the infrastructure but no investors on the Special Economic Zone. At the Phocweni site, there is a lot of infrastructure that is currently being under-utilized, either because of its massive size, or because people do not know about it, or because there is a lack of capacity from the Nation to utilize it. What is clear, however, is that the technology that is there can service the entire Nation,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister also urged the business community to have an interaction with RSTP to advance the use of technology in the country. He further pledged the government’s support to RSTP where possible, within the limited resources available.
