By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MBABANE – The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has confirmed that over 1500 Emaswati will benefit from job opportunities under the first phase of the Eswatini Road Infrastructure Improvement Programme (ERIIP), which includes the upgrade of the MR21 and MR14 roads in the Shiselweni and Lubombo regions.
Addressing the media at a press briefing held in Mbabane, Civil and Highway Engineer Sandile Kunene said the project was no longer just about road construction, but had evolved into a large-scale, multi-component development initiative with far-reaching social and economic impact.
“This is a comprehensive programme. We are not just building roads, we are building capacity, empowering communities, and investing in the future of Emaswati,” Kunene said.
According to the engineer, 30% of the project’s value, equivalent to E700 million, is ringfenced for local participation, and at least 1,500 locals are expected to be employed, with 40% of those jobs reserved for women and youth. The MR21/MR14 project, stretching 108 km, will be delivered over 36 months, with procurement already underway.
Kunene also revealed that the programme would include the renovation of schools, installation of boreholes, construction of laboratories, and other socio-economic infrastructure, especially in communities located along the upgraded road corridors.
“The goal is to uplift entire communities through job creation, better connectivity, and access to improved education, clean water, and essential services,” he said, noting that engineering graduates and trainees would also be mentored during the project.
The MR21/MR14 upgrade is part of Component 1 of ERIIP. However, Kunene also unpacked Components 2, 3, and 4, which cover institutional support, project management, and cross-cutting social priorities.
Under Component 2 (Institutional Support), the Ministry will carry out sector reforms, update outdated road technical standards, and develop a new road maintenance programme. It also includes the preparation of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) pipeline, aimed at attracting sustainable and climate-resilient investments into Eswatini’s transport sector.
Component 3 (Project Management) focuses on strengthening implementation capacity. It includes setting up a dedicated team to handle procurement, environmental safeguards, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and external audits such as road safety and financial compliance.
“Every element of this programme is built around transparency, efficiency, and sustainability. Even road audits, environmental checks, and training of staff are part of the plan,” Kunene said.
Meanwhile, Component 4 (Cross-Cutting) tackles social impact issues such as compensation and resettlement, with E5 million already allocated to affected households. Kunene explained that higher compensation figures would apply in hotspots like Sithobelweni and Nsoko, where road intersections and relocations are more complex.
The same component also includes sensitization efforts around road safety, gender-based violence, and HIV/AIDS awareness, alongside a dedicated strategy to enhance project visibility and stakeholder communication.
Minister of Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, who also addressed the media, said work would not stop due to misinformation. “We are not starting afresh. This project is progressing as planned. We urge local contractors to meet the standards and avoid blocking progress,” the minister warned.
The project is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and aligns with Eswatini’s National Development Plan 2024–2028, which positions transport infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth, regional integration, and poverty reduction.
“This is the road to transformation,” Kunene concluded. “We are paving more than roads, we are paving a better future for our people.”
