BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– The Government of Eswatini has allocated E30 million towards the Reconstruction of Tinkhundla Project for the 2025/26 financial year, underscoring its commitment to improving public infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring safer, more functional community facilities across the Kingdom.
According to the second quarter performance report of the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, the allocation is strategically distributed across several Tinkhundla Centres and Imiphakatsi (chiefdoms) to accelerate progress on critical infrastructure projects and strengthen the efficiency of local governance.
Project Breakdown
Of the E30 million allocation, E15 million has been earmarked for the reconstruction of KuMethula Inkhundla, a key administrative hub expected to deliver modern and accessible public service facilities for residents.
Another E5 million has been set aside for the completion of the ongoing reconstruction works at Ngwempisi Inkhundla, which is nearing finalisation.
Additionally, E3.2 million has been allocated for fencing of Imiphakatsi to enhance security and protect public property, while E6.8 million will fund the installation of solar-powered lighting and CCTV systems across various Tinkhundla and Imiphakatsi to improve safety, surveillance, and operational efficiency.
Progress and Implementation
The Ministry reports that the KuMethula Inkhundla reconstruction is advancing steadily, with final design work currently being completed through the Microprojects Programme. Funds have already been released, and the transfer process to the implementing agency is underway.
At Ngwempisi Inkhundla, the reconstruction is approaching completion, though the contractor has requested an extension due to delays caused by heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, the Imiphakatsi Fencing Project has identified target sites, and the list has been submitted to Microprojects for implementation.
Preparations for the solar-powered lighting and CCTV installations are also in progress, with procurement and planning phases expected to conclude soon. Once implemented, these improvements will significantly boost security and accessibility at community service points.
Public Investment Programme
The Reconstruction of Tinkhundla Project forms part of the broader Public Investment Programme (PIP) — financed through the government’s capital budget. The programme aims to deliver modern, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure that supports efficient public service delivery and contributes to long-term socio-economic development.
In total, the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development has been allocated E57.438 million for five capital projects in the 2025/26 fiscal year. The Ministry of Finance has already authorised the commitment of funds for the following initiatives:
- Rehabilitation of Women in Development (WID) Centres (X466/70)
- Reconstruction of Tinkhundla Centres (X512/99)
- Tinkhundla Integrated Development Plan Project (G653/99)
- Rehabilitation of Tinkhundla Centres (X465/99)
- Construction of New Tinkhundla Centres (G659/99)
Rehabilitation of Women in Development (WID) Centres
The WID Centres project has received E3.438 million from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to complete the Mahamba-Zombodze Hostel facility, which began in the 2023/24 financial year. The facility’s reconstruction is now 70 percent complete, with roofing completed and work ongoing on electrical fittings, doors, windows, and final finishes.
The rehabilitation aims to restore the hostel to full functionality, supporting the Ministry’s broader objective of empowering women through training, entrepreneurship, and social development programmes.
Tinkhundla Integrated Development Plan
The Tinkhundla Integrated Development Plan Project, with a current allocation of E3 million, is designed to create a comprehensive planning framework for local development. It will ensure that all Tinkhundla Centres have coherent, evidence-based development strategies aligned with national priorities.
The Ministry has already initiated the procurement of consultancy services to develop the Tinkhundla Integrated Development Plan Framework (TIDPF) and corresponding Integrated Development Plans (IDPs). A Request for Proposals has been published, with bid submissions due in the first week of the third quarter.
Rehabilitation and Construction of Tinkhundla Centres
Under the Rehabilitation of Tinkhundla Centres Project (X465/99), E6 million has been allocated to upgrade infrastructure at four centres — Nkwene, Maphalaleni, Kubuta, and Matsanjeni North.
The Microprojects Unit has completed design and cost assessments, and a request for fund release has been submitted to the Central Agencies for approval.
Meanwhile, the Construction of New Tinkhundla Centres Project (G659/99) has been allocated E15 million for the development of Phondo Inkhundla. Consultations have been held with various ministries and departments to finalise office space requirements before moving to procurement and construction stages.
Monitoring and Oversight
The Ministry continues to conduct regular site inspections, stakeholder consultations, and progress meetings to ensure that all projects under the Capital Investment Programme adhere to approved specifications, timelines, and budgets.
A proactive monitoring strategy has been adopted to address challenges swiftly and prevent cost overruns or delays. The Ministry affirmed its commitment to maintaining transparency, accountability, and efficiency throughout the implementation process.
Transforming Local Governance Infrastructure
Through the ongoing capital projects, government aims to strengthen the Tinkhundla system of governance, improve citizen access to public services, and create a safe, modern, and efficient working environment for both government personnel and the public.
The Ministry reaffirmed that these investments are not just about buildings, but about empowering communities and advancing equitable development across all regions of Eswatini.
“Our goal is to deliver lasting, people-centered infrastructure that supports efficient service delivery, fosters community pride, and drives sustainable development,” the Ministry stated.
With multiple projects advancing concurrently, the E30 million Reconstruction of Tinkhundla Project stands as a key pillar in the government’s broader mission to modernise Eswatini’s local governance landscape — one Inkhundla at a time.
(Courtesy Pic)
