BY THEMBA ZWANE
SIKHUPHE– Renovations to the Prime Minister’s Waiting Area at King Mswati III International Airport have been completed, marking a major milestone in the ongoing upgrade of the airport’s VIP facilities aimed at enhancing security, hospitality and operational efficiency.
This is revealed in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s First Quarter Performance Report for the 2026/27 financial year, which covers the period from April to June 2026.
According to the report, the rehabilitation of the airport’s VIP lounges is progressing with financial support from the Republic of China (Taiwan). The project seeks to modernise key facilities used by visiting dignitaries and senior government officials.
The ministry reported that the VIP Arrival Lounge and the Prime Minister’s Waiting Area are largely complete, while only finishing works remain outstanding in the VIP Departure Lounge.
“With funding support from the Republic of China on Taiwan, renovations are advancing to enhance security, hospitality, and operational efficiency. The VIP Arrival Lounge and Prime Minister’s Waiting Area are largely complete, while finishing works in the Departure Lounge remain pending,” states the report.
The completion of the Prime Minister’s Waiting Area is expected to improve the experience of high-level government delegations and international guests using the country’s main aviation gateway.
The upgrade forms part of broader capital projects being undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The ministry is also carrying out renovations at its headquarters in Mbabane, where refurbishment works are reported to be about 80 per cent complete.
The headquarters project has already seen significant progress, including ceiling refurbishment, roof leak repairs, plumbing upgrades, painting and the installation of fittings. Remaining works include air-conditioning installation, electrical repairs and cabinetry.
Meanwhile, the ministry has raised concerns over the condition of government-owned properties in Brussels, Geneva and London, which have reportedly deteriorated over time. A joint assessment involving the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has been completed to determine whether the properties should be rehabilitated or disposed of.
The ministry warned that the absence of funding for property rehabilitation abroad during the current financial year poses both fiscal and reputational risks for the country. It has therefore called for supplementary funding and increased budget allocations to address the issue.
Despite challenges relating to infrastructure, staffing and financial constraints, the ministry said it continues to make progress in advancing national priorities and strengthening Eswatini’s international engagement.
The near completion of the VIP facilities at King Mswati III International Airport is expected to further strengthen the country’s capacity to host foreign dignitaries and support diplomatic engagements as Eswatini continues to position itself as a key player in regional and international affairs.
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(Courtesy Pic)
