BY MBONO MDLULI
LOBAMBA – The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development is reminded of the urgency of the construction of the National Referral Hospital.
The construction of the National Referral Hospital in Eswatini has been a topic of significant discussion and urgency. It was particularly highlighted by Somntongo Member of Parliament (MP) Sandile Nxumalo during a recent session of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The session took place on April 4, 2025 in the House of Assembly and the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development appeared before the committee. Nxumalo emphasized the need for the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development to prioritize this project, which is seen as crucial for improving the health services available to the population.
Background and Importance
The call for the construction of the hospital, according to Nxumalo, stems from directives issued in the Speech from the Throne by His Majesty King Mswati III in February 2025. This directive was influenced by public calls made during the Sibaya gathering in late 2023, where citizens expressed their concerns regarding healthcare. Nxumalo pointed out that the delay in the project is perplexing, especially given its long-standing discussion at the national level.
The National Referral Hospital aims to:
– Reduce health costs associated with foreign medical treatments.
– Lower mortality rates from non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
– Retain local medical practitioners within the country.
Funding and Financial Details
The funding for the hospital project has been structured through various loans and grants:
– In 2016, Eswatini secured a loan of E259 million for the project.
– The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development provided a loan of KWD 4.5 million, equivalent to E262 million.
– The OPEC Fund for International Development co-financed a loan of E81 million for the project, with an agreement signed in 2017.
The financial arrangements include a fixed interest rate of 2% over a 25-year repayment period, with a 5-year grace period. Despite these arrangements, there remains uncertainty regarding why the government has not yet accessed the funds necessary to commence construction.
Conclusion
The urgency expressed by MP Sandile Nxumalo highlights the critical need for the Eswatini government to act on the construction of the National Referral Hospital. With substantial funding already secured, the focus now shifts to overcoming bureaucratic hurdles to ensure that this vital healthcare facility can be built to serve the needs of approximately 1.3 million people in the country.
