BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE– A decent home can mean safety, dignity and relief for a vulnerable family, and Government has built 1 033 houses for vulnerable emaSwati since 2023, Deputy Prime Minister Senator Thulisile Dladla has told Parliament.
Dladla revealed the figure on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, while responding to Sigwe MP David “Cruiser” Ngcamphalala during Question 29 of 2026, which requested details on houses built for destitute people, the elderly and people with disabilities.
For beneficiaries, the programme means having a safer place to sleep, protection from the weather and a home where they can live with greater dignity.
However, Dladla stressed that the 1 033 houses do not mean the country’s housing needs among vulnerable people have been fully addressed.
She told MPs that many vulnerable people across the country still need proper housing, while some houses are currently under construction and will soon be handed over to beneficiaries.
Among these are nine houses being built through E1 million allocated by Parliament during the 2025/26 financial year. Dladla said the houses were nearing completion and were expected to be ready for handover.
The housing programme has also received support from external partners, helping Government extend assistance to more vulnerable people.
Dladla said Philip Morris International (PMI) of Switzerland had supported the construction programme on two occasions after being satisfied with how its initial contribution was used.
PMI provided US$100 000 around November and December last year before providing a further US$250 000 towards additional construction.
PMI representatives have also worked with the National Disaster Risk Management Authority (NDRMA) to monitor construction and ensure that the houses are climate smart.
Taiwan is another partner supporting the programme through two arrangements, Dladla said.
One provides assistance when the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office requires support for house construction, while another forms part of bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini, with E6 million allocated for the programme.
However, Dladla said the E6 million had not yet been released to the DPM’s Office for construction. A further E3 million is being overseen by the NDRMA.
For the current 2026/27 financial year, Parliament has approved another E5 million for vulnerable housing.
Dladla said the funds had not yet been released, meaning construction under that allocation had not started.
She also acknowledged that some constituencies had not benefited adequately from the programme, specifically mentioning Kwaluseni and Mbabane East.
Dladla said efforts were being made to determine how assistance could be extended to areas that had received less support.
The 1 033 houses represent more than a government figure they represent families and vulnerable people who now have a place to call home. But with many others still waiting, the focus remains on getting approved funds moving and ensuring that support reaches communities where the need remains greatest.
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(Courtesy Pic)
