By Mbono Mdluli
MANZINI – Local contractors are appealing to the government to be considered for participation in the construction of the Siphofaneni–Siphambanweni road in the Shiselweni Region.
This plea was made during a meeting held on June 11, 2025, at The George Hotel in Manzini. The contractors expressed concern that the requirements for the tender seem to exclude them, suggesting that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport is favoring foreign companies.
Four contractors voiced their frustrations: former Senator Bhutana Dlamini, Sabelo Nhleko of Nguboyengwe Construction, Simanga Lukhele of CSD Investment, and Dan Dlamini of Dan & Don Construction—who also served as a former Chairperson of the Construction Industry Council (CIC).
They stated that this was not the first instance of exclusion. Previous major projects such as the Mpakeni Dam, the Manzini Interchange, and the new Parliament building had also overlooked local firms. The contractors believe this reflects a lack of confidence by their own government in local capacity.
Regarding the Siphofaneni–Siphambanweni project, they pointed out that a collateral of over E650 million is being required, which is unaffordable for many local companies. As a solution, they proposed that the project be divided into smaller lots—similar to the approach taken with the Manzini–Sikhuphe road, which was split into two phases.
Given that the project spans 108 kilometers, the contractors argued that dividing it into manageable segments would make it feasible for local companies to participate by requiring smaller collaterals. They emphasized that this would not only empower local businesses but also create jobs for Emaswati and ensure that the loan used to fund the project benefits the very citizens who will repay it.
They also questioned the assumption that the African Development Bank (AfDB), which is financing the project with E2.5 billion, mandated the exclusion of local contractors. According to them, it would contradict the bank’s founding purpose—to support African development—if it discouraged local participation.
Parliament has already approved the loan, authorizing Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg to proceed with securing the funding for the road’s construction.
