BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Regional Development Fund (RDF) is set to create 1,506 jobs through 207 ongoing projects valued at over E210 million.
These initiatives are expected to benefit more than 40,000 Emaswati. The Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration’s performance report highlights that 100 projects have already been completed, amounting to over E77 million, which directly benefited 15,922 Emaswati and created 574 jobs.
Project Breakdown
– Completed Projects:
– 100 projects completed
– 36 Income-Generating Projects (IGPs)
– 64 infrastructure projects
– Total value: E77,334,404.55
– Ongoing Projects:
– 207 projects currently in progress
– 61 IGPs and 146 infrastructure projects
– Total value: E210,803,679.41
– Expected to create 1,506 jobs and benefit 40,625 Emaswati.
Financial Overview
As of December 31, 2024, the RDF’s financial commitments stood at E7,771,383.37, with an opening balance of E24,696.41 and funds received totaling E6,637,500. This resulted in an impressive implementation rate of 99%. The disbursement and commitment rates were recorded at 64% and 106%, respectively.
Challenges and Recommendations
A key challenge identified for the 2024/25 period is the quarterly release of RDF projects and administration funds. It is recommended that the RDF allocation be fully released in the first quarter of the financial year, and a review of the five percent Administration Budget allocation is suggested.
Training and Project Applications
During the review period, 288 project committee members from 88 Eswatini Organised Groups (EOGs) received training focused on:
– Infrastructure projects: General stock control, handling, and storage of materials.
– Income-generating projects: Basic bookkeeping and financial reporting.
The RDF Technical Committees (RDFTCs) received 169 project applications (87 IGPs and 82 infrastructure projects), with a total estimated cost of E185,153,138.57. Out of these, 57 applications were considered, with an estimated cost of E67,120,159.66.
The RDF aims to alleviate poverty across the Kingdom of Eswatini by promoting infrastructure development and viable commercial projects.
