By Mbongeni Ndlela
MBABANE – In response to the devastating rains that recently ravaged parts of Eswatini, Acting Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla visited five constituencies in the Shiselweni region on January 9, 2025, to evaluate the extent of the damage and offer relief to affected communities.
The disaster left a trail of destruction, including washed-away bridges and collapsed homes, highlighting the need for urgent government intervention.
Accompanied by National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) CEO Victor Mahlalela, Members of Parliament, and other government officials, the DPM commenced her tour in Nkwene.
Here, a footbridge was swept away by the swollen Mkhondvo River, severing the community’s access to vital services such as clinics and shops. Dladla assured residents that the government would prioritize the rehabilitation of the footbridge. Starting January 10, the NDMA will distribute food parcels to families in the area to alleviate immediate hardships.
The tour continued to Nhlangano near KaMjuda, where yet another bridge had been destroyed. The destruction of such infrastructure has compounded the challenges faced by residents, isolating communities and disrupting daily activities.
In Zombodze Emuva, Dladla visited the Dlamini family, whose stick-and-mud house was completely obliterated. In a gesture of support, the government pledged to construct a new home for the family. Similarly, in Shiselweni 1, the DPM visited two affected households, including that of 80-year-old Gogo Gladys Ntjangase, whose home suffered significant damage when a wall collapsed.
Sigwe was another stop on the DPM’s itinerary, where three vulnerable households were assessed, including one headed by children. The homes in this area were found to be in precarious conditions, with leaking roofs and structural instability posing severe risks to the occupants.
In Ngudzeni, the plight of 63-year-old Mfanaleni Mamba was highlighted. Mamba’s house, constructed from old sticks and corrugated iron sheets, was left uninhabitable as rainwater soaked the interior. He is currently being housed elsewhere while awaiting assistance.
During her visits, Dladla provided food and blankets to affected families, offering some solace amid the devastation. In addition, building materials were delivered to select households, signaling the start of efforts to construct safer and more durable homes for those in need.
The Acting Prime Minister’s assessment tour will continue in the Lubombo region today as the government intensifies its response to the disaster. The visit underscores the urgency of addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities in rural areas and ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society receive timely assistance.
As Eswatini grapples with the aftermath of the rains, the government’s swift response and commitment to rebuilding bring hope to affected communities, reaffirming its dedication to improving resilience in the face of natural disasters.
