BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
SIPHOFANENI – The E5.2 billion Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve Facility (SORF) is steadily advancing, with Government confirming strong local participation, disciplined execution, and measurable construction progress as the national energy security project reaches 16 percent completion.
The Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve Facility (SORF) is a E5.2 billion national fuel storage facility currently under construction in Siphofaneni, Eswatini. Managed by the Eswatini National Petroleum Company (ENPC), the project aims to secure the country’s long-term energy security by storing 80 million litres of fuel, sufficient to cover approximately 60 days of national consumption.
The update was presented during a high-level site inspection on June 26, 2026, led by His Excellency the Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini, joined by His Royal Highness the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela Dlamini, HRH Sibahle, alongside senior Government officials, Members of Parliament, engineers, project consultants, contractors, and representatives of ENPC. Implementing partners from Overseas Electric & Engineering Corporation (OEE) and CECI Engineering Consultants were also present.
The project, which officially commenced in January 2026, is scheduled for delivery over a 38-month construction period and stands as one of Eswatini’s most significant infrastructure investments aimed at strengthening national energy security and economic resilience.
Following a detailed inspection of the construction site, His Excellency the Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini, expressed satisfaction with the pace of implementation, noting that key milestones have already been achieved.
He stated, “We are encouraged by the progress made on this project. Significant milestones have already been achieved, including site establishment, site clearance, bulk earthworks, fuel tank foundations, drainage systems, and related infrastructure works. This demonstrates strong coordination and disciplined execution on the ground.”
A defining feature of the project’s rollout has been the growing involvement of emaSwati in employment opportunities across the construction site.
Project updates confirm that 128 emaSwati are currently employed on-site, reflecting Government’s commitment to ensuring that large-scale infrastructure investment translates into tangible economic participation for local citizens.
The project continues to emphasize skills transfer, local inclusion, and participation in line with national development priorities.
Overseas Electric & Engineering Corporation (OEE) Development Manager Hein Papenfus confirmed that construction remains on schedule and is progressing within planned targets.
“The project is currently 16 percent complete and progressing within planned targets. We are also pleased with the level of local participation, with 128 emaSwati already employed on site contributing to delivery,” Papenfus said.
Speaking during the inspection, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokhela Dlamini, said the development represents far more than infrastructure delivery, describing it as a strategic national asset central to Eswatini’s sovereignty and long-term stability.
He noted that recent global energy disruptions have reinforced the importance of fuel security, stressing that countries with strategic reserves are better positioned to protect their economies from external shocks.
Prince Lonkhokhela also welcomed progress made in strengthening local participation frameworks and ensuring that national projects deliver direct benefits to emaSwati.
He emphasized that ongoing policy refinements are aimed at enhancing inclusion, efficiency, and long-term economic impact.
ENPC Board Chairperson Velaphi Dlamini said the project has already exceeded early expectations, with current progress tracking slightly ahead of initial benchmarks.
He confirmed that key contractual risks identified at the outset have been resolved through consensus among implementing partners, allowing the project team to maintain full focus on delivery, safety compliance, and quality assurance.
Dlamini further emphasized that the project is not only a construction milestone but a long-term strategic investment expected to unlock future value in energy trading, regional integration, and operational sustainability.
Once completed, the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve Facility will become Eswatini’s first in-country fuel storage system, significantly enhancing national energy security and reducing vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.
The facility is expected to strengthen economic stability, improve investor confidence, and support long-term industrial expansion by ensuring reliable fuel availability within the country.
Government has reaffirmed that the project remains a flagship initiative under the national transformation agenda, with continued emphasis on disciplined execution, safety standards, and value for money.
With construction steadily advancing, Government maintains that the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve Project is on course to become one of Eswatini’s most transformative infrastructure developments—anchoring national energy security while expanding meaningful economic participation for emaSwati.
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