BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE– Government has allocated E57.438 million towards the Public Infrastructure Investment Programme of the Ministry of Tinkhundla and Administration for the 2026/27 financial year, with a significant portion earmarked for the construction, reconstruction and maintenance of Tinkhundla centres across the country.
According to the Ministry’s First Quarter Performance Report for 2026/27, the investment is aimed at strengthening local governance infrastructure and improving service delivery at community level.
The programme covers the rehabilitation of Women in Development (WID) Centres, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Tinkhundla centres, development of Tinkhundla Integrated Development Plans and construction of new Tinkhundla centres.
The largest allocation disclosed in the report is E25.375 million for the Reconstruction of Tinkhundla Centres.
Of this amount, E22.375 million has been earmarked for the reconstruction of KuMethula Inkhundla, with the objective of providing a modern and functional administrative and service hub for the community.
A further E1.5 million has been allocated for the fencing of Imiphakatsi, while another E1.5 million will finance the installation of solar-powered high-mast lighting and CCTV systems across Tinkhundla Centres.
The investments in security infrastructure are expected to strengthen the safety of public facilities while improving the environment in which communities access government services.
The Ministry said the infrastructure projects were designed to enhance service delivery at Tinkhundla level and improve the overall socio-economic environment in communities.
On another note, the rehabilitation of Women in Development (WID) Training Centres has also received funding under the programme, with E2.335 million allocated for the 2026/27 financial year.
The allocation comprises E2.188 million in local funds and E147,000 in external assistance from the Republic of China (Taiwan).
The current priority under the WID project is the completion of the Mahamba-Zombodze Hostel, which began during the 2023/24 financial year following the reconstruction of the previously dilapidated facility.
According to the report, construction has been substantially completed, with only final painting and internal finishing works remaining.
The completed facility is expected to improve the functionality of the WID Training Centre and support skills development and empowerment programmes targeting women.
The Ministry reported that the Ministry of Finance has authorised the commitment of funds for the various projects under the Public Infrastructure Investment Programme.
The latest allocation represents a continued government investment in infrastructure at the grassroots level, particularly facilities that serve as important administrative and service-delivery points for communities.
With the reconstruction of KuMethula Inkhundla accounting for the bulk of the Tinkhundla-centre reconstruction allocation, the programme places considerable emphasis on upgrading existing local governance infrastructure while introducing improved security and modern facilities.
The Ministry is expected to continue reporting on progress, achievements, challenges and the impact of the infrastructure programme as implementation of the 2026/27 financial year progresses.
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(Courtesy Pic)
