BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
SIPHOFANENI – The Government has issued a firm directive that the E5.2 billion Strategic Oil Reserve Facility (SORF) at Phuzumoya must proceed without delay, cost overruns, or compromise on quality, as His Excellency the Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini reinforced strict accountability measures during a high-level site inspection in Siphofaneni on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The Prime Minister said the project represents a critical national investment in Eswatini’s energy security and economic resilience, and must therefore be executed with discipline, urgency, and full compliance with approved timelines and budgets.
He stressed that Government will not tolerate any deviations that risk delaying delivery or inflating costs, warning all implementing partners that performance will be closely monitored.
“Our expectation is clear: this project must be delivered within the agreed timelines, budget parameters and required quality standards. There will be no unnecessary delays or cost escalations,” the Prime Minister said.
The Strategic Oil Reserve Facility project officially commenced in January 2026 and is scheduled for completion within a 38-month construction period. Government confirmed that the project is currently 16 percent complete, with major civil works progressing steadily and ahead of schedule.
Following a detailed inspection of the construction site, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace of implementation, noting that key milestones have already been achieved, including site establishment, site clearance, bulk earthworks, fuel tank foundations, drainage systems, and related infrastructure works.
He emphasized that the facility is a strategic response to global energy uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions, refinery disruptions, and extreme weather events that continue to threaten fuel supply chains across the region.
The Prime Minister further highlighted that fuel remains a critical driver of economic activity and national productivity.
“Fuel is the lifeblood of the economy. Without a secure and reliable supply, no sector can function effectively. This project is therefore essential for national stability, resilience and growth,” he said.
The Strategic Oil Reserve Facility forms part of His Majesty King Mswati III’s Nkwe Programme of Action and the broader national transformation agenda aimed at strengthening long-term economic sovereignty.
Once completed, the facility will provide Eswatini with its first in-country strategic fuel reserve, offering a 60-day buffer supply, with Government already considering expansion to 90 days in line with future demand projections.
Beyond its strategic importance, the Prime Minister underscored Government’s commitment to ensuring tangible benefits for emaSwati through the project.
He reaffirmed that at least 30 percent local participation remains a non-negotiable requirement, aimed at empowering local contractors, suppliers, and service providers while building national technical capacity.
He also welcomed commitments from project partners on skills transfer and corporate social responsibility initiatives designed to equip emaSwati with long-term expertise for operation and maintenance of the facility.
The Prime Minister urged all stakeholders to maintain strong coordination, discipline, and efficiency to ensure successful and timely delivery of the project.
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