By Mbono Mdluli
EZULWINI – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has called on the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, alongside the private sector, to collaborate with the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office in repairing the infrastructure damaged by the heavy rains experienced across the country last week.
Speaking on the final day of the 2025 Cabinet Retreat at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini, the Prime Minister expressed sympathy for those affected by the disaster, many of whom lost their homes and property. He assured the nation that the government was actively working to address their needs, including rebuilding homes and repairing damaged roads.
“We reiterate our empathy and support to those affected and reassure the nation that His Majesty’s Government is responding to this disaster. The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, through the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport are working in partnership with development organizations and the private sector to provide food, shelter, and rehabilitate damaged infrastructure,” he stated.
The Cabinet Retreat also focused on transitioning Eswatini into a Green Economy to address climate change challenges, such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and strong winds that increasingly impact lives and properties. These efforts are part of the 2025 Plan of Action (PoA), which outlines strategies to mitigate such issues.
The Prime Minister emphasized that effective implementation of the PoA requires decentralization and the delegation of powers to ministries. This includes authorizing Principal Secretaries to manage budgets and fulfill mandates efficiently. A unified and collaborative approach among government entities is essential for achieving impactful results.
The retreat reviewed issues raised at Sibaya and incorporated them into the PoA, aligning with the National Development Plan and His Majesty’s vision of transforming Eswatini into a developed nation. The dynamic PoA framework will include workshops for government officials, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders. A special Cabinet session is also planned to prioritize and align the budget with the PoA while mobilizing additional resources for its implementation.
