BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Ministry of Health has embarked on 14 capital development projects for the 2025/26 financial year with a total budget allocation of E103.45 million, aimed at strengthening Eswatini’s healthcare infrastructure and service delivery.
According to the Ministry’s first quarter report, Authority to Commit (ATC) has been successfully secured for all planned projects, and fund requisitions have been submitted. However, actual transfers to Microprojects are still pending due to cash flow constraints, which are delaying the implementation of several critical health initiatives.
Projects with Funds Released
Out of the E103.45 million budgeted, a total of E72.96 million has been released so far, enabling progress on key infrastructure and equipment needs. Highlights include:
- Institutional Housing for Health Staff – E9 million released for staff houses at Sidvokodvo, Mavelela, Ndunayithini, and construction at New Haven Clinic.
- Provision of Security at Facilities – E1.05 million used to cover retention fees for fencing at Matsanjeni and Pigg’s Peak Hospitals.
- Water Provision in Health Centres – E2 million released for water projects at Pigg’s Peak Hospital, Mashobeni, Hluthi, and EMS base at Mshinande.
- Rehabilitation of Primary Health Care Facilities – E13 million allocated for maternity theatre upgrades, mortuary rehabilitations, and installation of cold rooms at Dvokolwako and Nhlangano.
The largest funded projects to date include:
- Construction of the Radiation Oncology Department & TB Hospital Repurposing – E15 million.
- Lubombo Regional Hospital – Phase I – E9.6 million for the kitchen project.
- Rehabilitation of Mbabane Government Hospital – E9.95 million for kitchen and sewer system works.
- Construction of Siphocosini Clinic – E11.9 million.
Projects Awaiting Fund Disbursement
Despite budget allocations, several critical projects are yet to receive any disbursement due to fiscal limitations:
- Provision of Equipment to Health Facilities – E15 million budgeted for medical equipment, including an X-ray machine for Nhlangano and ultrasound equipment for Hlathikhulu, remains unfunded.
- National Ambulance Services – E1.8 million intended for ambulances in Ikhwezi, Lubulini, and Ndzevane still pending.
- Health Systems Strengthening (Local and Loan Funding) – Combined total of E33.5 million for system upgrades, specialist hires, and the NICU at Mankayane Government Hospital awaits release.
- Strengthening Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment – E7.2 million allocated for chemotherapy drugs, lab reagents, salaries, and training is still on hold.
Summary Table of Selected Projects
| Project Name | Budget (E) | Released (E) | Status |
| Equipment for Health Facilities | 15,000,000 | 0 | Pending due to cash constraints |
| Health Staff Housing | 9,000,000 | 9,000,000 | Ongoing |
| Rehabilitation of Clinics | 13,000,000 | 13,000,000 | Ongoing |
| Construction of Oncology & TB Unit | 15,000,000 | 15,000,000 | Progressing |
| Ambulance Services | 1,800,000 | 0 | Not yet funded |
| Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment | 7,200,000 | 0 | Not yet funded |
Conclusion and Way Forward
The Ministry remains committed to delivering on its 2025/26 health infrastructure goals, despite current cash flow challenges. Officials confirmed that once funds are transferred, all 14 projects are ready for immediate implementation.
“These projects are not just capital works — they are a direct investment in the health and dignity of our people,” a Ministry spokesperson stated.
