By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MBABANE – Minister of Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe has come out firmly to defend the integrity of the MR21/MR14 Road Infrastructure Project, saying government would not halt progress based on unfounded claims and public speculation.
Speaking during a press briefing held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mbabane on Friday morning, the Minister addressed growing concerns from local contractors who felt sidelined from the E3.3 billion infrastructure tender. He stressed that the 108-kilometre Siphofaneni to Sithobela to Maloma to Nsoko to Siphambanweni road project followed strict international procurement procedures set by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the project’s financier.
“This is not a secretive or unfair process. It is transparent, open to all AfDB member countries, and that includes emaSwati. What is required is compliance, not complaints,” said the Minister.
The procurement process, according to Ndwandwe, is governed by the Open Competitive Bidding International method under AfDB regulations. He explained that local companies are welcome to apply individually or through joint ventures with international firms, provided they meet the standards.
The Minister added that 30 percent of the civil works, approximately E700 million, has been reserved specifically for local subcontractors. “That is a significant slice of the pie,” he said, “and local companies must position themselves to benefit from it.”
Addressing concerns around bid securities, Ndwandwe explained that the requirement of one to three percent of project value was standard for international tenders. He cited past examples, such as the Manzini to Mbadlane highway and the Golf Course Interchange projects, where similar bid securities were required and Swazi contractors had successfully participated.
“Let’s not use technical requirements as an excuse. We’ve seen emaSwati step up before. This project should be no different,” he said.
The Minister was also quick to dispel media reports suggesting local contractors were deliberately excluded. He revealed that the General Procurement Notice had been publicly advertised six months in advance across national and international platforms, including the Times of Eswatini, the UN Development Business platform, and the AfDB website.
“All steps have been AfDB-approved. To halt the process now would mean restarting years of planning, negotiations and risk losing critical infrastructure funding,” he warned.
Ndwandwe made it clear that work will proceed as planned and encouraged local companies to meet requirements instead of blocking the project’s progress. “This project will create jobs, open up trade routes, and connect underserved regions. It’s time to focus on readiness, not resistance.”
The road upgrade is part of Eswatini’s broader national development strategy and aligns with the 2024 to 2028 National Development Plan. It includes the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure, enhanced road safety features, and social components like HIV/AIDS awareness and road safety education.
With E1 billion expected to circulate within the economy through this project and E5 million already allocated to compensation and resettlement, particularly in areas such as Sithobelweni and Nsoko, the Ministry has urged stakeholders to rally behind the initiative.
“We must not derail this opportunity with misinformation. Let’s build this road, and let’s build it together,” the Minister concluded.
