BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has officially opened E2.1 million Malandzela Veterinary Offices at Maphalaleni Constituency.
The event took place today (Friday, October 18, 2024 at Maphalaleni. The offices are set to offer veterinary services to residents of Maphalaleni Constituency and surrounding areas, such as Nkhaba Constituency
It is worth mentioning that the offices were constructed with some residential buildings that will house the veterinary officers.
Speaking during the event, Dlamini congratulated the Maphalaleni residents for such a positive development.
He said domestic animals, such as cows have been seen to be very important in the lives of Emaswati and other nations of the world. Dlamini further advised farmers in the area to ensure that they treated their domestic animals as business.
This is because cows have been proven to be in demand, as people were in need of food on a daily basis. Cows are also in need by people who have events on a weekly basis, as they are needed in events such as weddings, funerals, and other events such as festivals.
The premier advised the farmers not to let their cows to be way too old such that they became undesirable at the market.
The project was funded through the Regional Development Fund (RDF). This milestone reflects the unwavering commitment of His Majesty’s Government to fostering development within communities.
According to the premier, the commercialisation of agriculture forms part of Government’s broader strategy to boost economic growth and aligns with the 12th administration’s ambitious target of achieving 12 percent annual GDP growth.
“Notably, lucrative international markets—including Norway, Taiwan, the UK and the European Union—are already open to our local beef exports, presenting a significant opportunity for growth. We must also actively pursue other strategic markets, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to fully realise the potential of our agricultural sector,” the prime minister said.
He urged Emaswati to invest in commercial farming, as it remained one of the most sustainable and impactful economic ventures, particularly in light of the global food shortages and slow economic recovery. “By doing so, we not only strengthen our economy but also safeguard our food security,” he said.
The prime minister also took an opportunity to discuss the Policy Statement and Programme of Action, with particular focus on the pillars of economic growth, fighting corruption, advancing agriculture, and fostering a shift in the collective mindset of Emaswati.
Dlamini also called upon the nation to unite in the fight against the alarming rise of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). “This pervasive issue manifests in various forms and demands urgent action. It is time for us to engage in a serious dialogue on how we can eradicate GBV and ensure safety and dignity for all Emaswati,” the premier said.
