BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The newly established Roads Authority has been tasked with a major national undertaking: ensuring that 3 000 kilometres of the country’s road network are upgraded and tarred.
This was announced by the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, during the appointment of the Authority’s Board of Directors on 17 July 2025 at Ezulwini. The board was appointed under the powers vested in the minister by the Roads Authority Act of 2023, and is chaired by former Mbabane Municipal Council CEO, Gideon Mhlongo.
Chief Ndlaluhlaza emphasised that roads play a vital role in transportation, communication, trade, and access to essential services across communities, constituencies, and regions. He also highlighted their importance in enhancing connectivity between Eswatini and neighbouring countries, including Mozambique and South Africa.
According to national road engineers, Eswatini’s entire road network spans approximately 5 000 kilometres, of which only about 1 500 kilometres are tarred. This means that 3 000 kilometres, or roughly 73.5% of the road network, remain untarred.
Currently, only 26.5% of the country’s roads are surfaced. However, the National Development Plan targets 45% of all roads to be tarred by 2030, a goal that Chief Ndlaluhlaza described as “ambitious but necessary.”
“This is a mammoth task, and I call upon the new Board to bring innovative ideas that will drive the successful implementation of this vision,” he said.
The minister encouraged the board members to adopt an inclusive and consultative approach in their planning. “Do not plan for the people without talking to the people. Go into communities and consult those who actually use these roads,” he urged.
He also underlined the critical link between road infrastructure and economic growth, stating that better roads would facilitate more efficient trade, improve access to services, and boost rural development.
The formation of the Roads Authority represents a strategic shift in how Eswatini will manage its road infrastructure, with a focus on independent oversight, improved accountability, and long-term strategic planning.
The minister concluded by expressing confidence in the new Board and its leadership, urging them to move with urgency and purpose.
With just under five years left to meet the 2030 target, the newly appointed Board faces a defining challenge – one that could transform Eswatini’s transport infrastructure for generations to come.
Members of the Roads Authority include:
Gideon Mhlongo (Chairperson)
Thulani Mkhaliphi
Ntombi Dlamini
Nomsa Dlamini
Sidumo Dlamini
Ngabisa Nkambule
Senzo Mkhabela
Chief Mnisi of Nkhaba
The minister appointed Nelisiwe Mkhabela, who is a roads engineer at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, to work with the Roads Authority.
(Courtesy Pic)
