BY MBONO MDLULI
LOBAMBA – The Eswatini government has allocated E600 million to complete the construction of the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Ezulwini.
This funding has been designated specifically for the ICC, while plans for the associated Five-Star Hotel (FISH) will be addressed at a later stage. The hotel’s completion could take an additional one to two years.
Budget Details and Timeline
Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg explained that government had initially aimed to complete the ICC in the previous financial year. However, due to changes in the scope of work, this goal was not met. The E600 million budget for this year is intended to finalize the ICC project, with an additional E30 million allocated for its operationalization.
Tourism Sector Performance
Rijkenberg highlighted that Eswatini’s tourism sector is performing well, with an 11.8% increase in intercontinental visits, totaling 853 000 visits in 2024. This represents a significant rise of 90 000 visits compared to the previous year, reflecting the effectiveness of targeted advertising efforts in attracting international tourists.
Environmental and Social Oversight
The government remains committed to ensuring that all major infrastructure projects, including the ICC, undergo Environmental and Social Impact Assessments. Rijkenberg stated that this is part of a broader strategy to minimize adverse environmental and socio-economic impacts. He also mentioned the development of a Radiation Safety Bill, which is pending parliamentary approval and aims to protect both the environment and public health.
Community Engagement and Environmental Initiatives
In addition to the ICC project, the government has issued E2 million in environmental grants to communities across Eswatini and collaborated on 108 clean-up campaigns. These initiatives are funded by the Eswatini Environment Fund, which supports various environmental projects, including the establishment of the Eswatini Reptile Education Centre.
Addressing Climate Change
Rijkenberg emphasized the urgent need to address climate change, citing the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. He called for greater vigilance in infrastructure development, including road and bridge construction, and the selection of crops to better prepare for climate change impacts.
