BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE — Renovation works at the Mbabane Government Hospital kitchen have reached 90 percent completion, marking a major milestone in ongoing efforts to modernise ageing infrastructure at one of the country’s busiest public health facilities.
The update was shared during a visit by Minister of Health Hon. Mduduzi Matsebula to the hospital on Friday, May 29, 2026, where he toured various sections currently undergoing refurbishment. According to the Ministry of Health, hospital management briefed the minister on the progress of projects being implemented under a broader programme aimed at restoring deteriorating facilities within the institution.
Mbabane Government Hospital, one of Eswatini’s main referral hospitals, has for years faced infrastructure challenges linked to ageing buildings and maintenance backlogs. In response, the Ministry of Health embarked on a phased renovation programme to rehabilitate structures that had fallen into a dilapidated state and improve conditions for both patients and staff.
Among the key areas inspected during the minister’s visit was the hospital kitchen, which is expected to play a critical role in strengthening operations once completed. Officials informed Matsebula that work on the facility was nearing completion, with only final touches remaining before it becomes fully operational.
The minister welcomed the progress, expressing optimism that the upgraded kitchen would significantly improve standards at the hospital. He noted that the refurbished structure would complement the newer developments already established within the health institution.
“Once completed, the kitchen will match the standards of the new modern structures within the hospital,” said Matsebula during the inspection.
The kitchen serves an essential role in the day-to-day functioning of the hospital, providing meals for admitted patients and supporting broader healthcare delivery. A modernised facility is expected to improve food preparation processes, hygiene standards and operational efficiency, helping ensure that patients receive meals prepared in a safer and more suitable environment.
Beyond the kitchen, the minister’s visit also focused on assessing the condition of other sections earmarked for rehabilitation. The phased approach adopted by the ministry seeks to gradually transform older hospital infrastructure without disrupting critical health services offered to the public.
Government has increasingly prioritised the upgrading of health infrastructure as part of wider efforts to improve service delivery in public healthcare facilities. Officials believe investing in modern and functional environments is key to strengthening patient care, improving staff morale and enhancing the overall healthcare experience.
The refurbishment at Mbabane Government Hospital comes at a time when there is growing public interest in the state of healthcare infrastructure across the country. Authorities have maintained that the staged renovations will ultimately bring older hospital sections in line with newer standards, ensuring that patients access services in safer and more dignified conditions.
As construction nears completion at the kitchen, attention is expected to shift towards ensuring the facility is fully equipped and ready to meet the demands of one of the country’s busiest hospitals.
