BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – In an effort to afford housing to disadvantaged Emaswati, Government has reconstructed and rehabilitated 778 houses.
Delivering this year’s Government’s Performance Progress Report today at Private and Cabinet Offices in Mbabane, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini said these houses were delivered with the help of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). Dlamini stated that these houses helped in protecting the vulnerable people from harsh weather conditions brought by global warming.
He said the devastating impact of climate change on livelihoods continued to be felt across all sectors throughout the country, in the form of tropical storms, hailstorms, heatwaves and drought amongst other hazards.
“Government, through its agency, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), has reconstructed and rehabilitated about 778 houses, aiding over 3 890 individuals impacted by severe weather and climate conditions. A supplementary budget of E32 million was approved and released to NDMA to achieve this milestone,” Dlamini said.
Additionally, he remarked that Government provided livelihood support to 100 households that were affected by extreme weather conditions to bolster food security among families whose crops were destroyed by the summer extreme conditions.
Recognising the importance of the social security of all Emaswati, the PM said Government continued to intervene and mitigate the impact of extreme poverty. Government conducted socio-economic needs assessments, reaching 175 beneficiaries with essential food parcels.
A National Disability Plan of Action (2024–2028) was completed aimed at mainstreaming disability inclusion across sectors, according to the PM. In addition, a dedicated studio for Persons with Disabilities has been set up. This studio, according to the premier, will play an important role in addressing the needs of people with various disabilities.
“Government approved a budget for the rehabilitation of homesteads and support for families of security officers who were affected by the 2021 unrest as a result of their employment by Government. The support was also extended to dependents for their education and sustenance,” the prime minister said.