BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LOBAMBA– Minister of Public Works and Transport Hon. Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe says he is not aware of any plan by government to purchase a private jet for Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini.
The minister made the remarks on March 11, 2026, during the House of Assembly Portfolio Committee budget debate for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, where MPs raised a number of concerns affecting the sector.
He clarified to Members of Parliament that as the minister responsible for transport matters, he had not received any information indicating that government intends to buy such an aircraft.
The Minister further said he had engaged the Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RENAC) on the matter, and the entity also indicated that it was not aware of any such plan.
Recent reports from February 2026 suggested that the Prime Minister had asked government to purchase a private jet estimated to cost over R2 billion, sparking public debate.
Meanwhile, Hon Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe also informed the committee that heavy rains had damaged more than 80 bridges across the country, worsening the condition of several roads.
He said over 30 of the damaged bridges were yet to be rehabilitated, but assured MPs that the ministry was working tirelessly to address the situation.
“We are working day and night to find solutions. Even on weekends I communicate with the Principal Secretary as we try to address these challenges,” said the minister.
He added that the ministry would present possible solutions to Parliament to help resolve the infrastructure challenges.
Addressing concerns about the Eswatini railway system, the Minister said government was preparing to appoint an independent auditor to assess the state of the railway.
The issue was raised by Mayiwane Member of Parliament Sicelo KhungaNkhosi Dlamini, who sought clarity on challenges affecting the railway sector.
Minister of Public Works and Transport also acknowledged that fuel theft within the railway system had been a major concern, revealing that some individuals had already been dismissed while others remained under investigation.
Responding to Somntongo MP Sandile Nxumalo, the minister said government had a youth empowerment project with funds specifically allocated to mentor unemployed young people.
He said participants in the programme would receive certificates after completing mentorship programmes, which would improve their chances of securing employment.
On road infrastructure, the minister said rehabilitation work in the Hhohho Region currently on progress focusing on the Pigg’s Peak to Magoga road.
He also said work in the Lubombo Region, particularly around Siphofaneni, would proceed once government finalised a loan agreement needed to finance the project.
Hon Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe said the ministry supported the idea of introducing double seal roads, but financing remained a major challenge.
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(Courtesy Pic)
