BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in collaboration with members of Parliament, has embarked on a nationwide tour to assess the state of infrastructure projects and determine maintenance needs to ensure their continued functionality.
The tour is being led by the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, accompanied by senators and members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Works. The exercise aims to strengthen coordination between the ministry and legislators in prioritizing maintenance and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure.
The first stop of the tour was Siphocosini, represented by MP Mduduzi Matsebula, who also serves as the Minister of Health. In Siphocosini, the delegation visited a bridge constructed within the chiefdom, which serves as a vital crossing point for pupils of Masibekela High School and surrounding residents. Minister Ndwandwe noted that while the bridge has greatly improved accessibility, additional infrastructure interventions remain necessary to meet community needs.
The delegation also inspected the D78 road, which connects Siphocosini to Motshane via Sigangeni. The Minister highlighted that the stretch between Siphocosini and Mvambi River—the natural boundary separating Siphocosini and Sigangeni—requires urgent maintenance due to emerging potholes. He explained that the road’s single-seal tar surface had begun to deteriorate, necessitating resurfacing to prevent further damage.
According to Ndwandwe, construction on the Mvambi to Sigangeni Clinic section is progressing well under the supervision of Afri Civils, while the Motshane to Hebron (Kupheleni) segment is also under construction, led by Roots Construction. However, the stretch between Hebron and Sigangeni remains gravel and will need to be sealed once current works are completed. Motshane MP Wilton Nkambule was seen during the inspection and was happy with the progress, which also improves parts of his constituency.
The tour later continued to Lugaganeni in Manzini, where the officials inspected the road connecting Lugaganeni to Kukhanyeni, represented by MP Appolo Maphalala, who also serves as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development. Minister Ndwandwe observed that the road required paving to improve accessibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians.
The next stop was Matsanjeni North Inkhundla, represented by MP Phila Buthelezi, who is also the Minister of Labour and Social Security. In that area, the ministry recently completed the sealing of the Siteki–Maphungwane road. The delegation’s visit focused on exploring ways to extend the project towards Mambane, with the minister assuring that government would continue paving works as resources allow.
Minister Ndwandwe emphasized that the tour was not merely an inspection but a strategic effort to ensure that public infrastructure is properly maintained, contributing to safer transport networks and improved service delivery. He reiterated that the government remains committed to enhancing road infrastructure across all regions of Eswatini.
“We want to ensure that the infrastructure we build continues to serve communities effectively,” said Ndwandwe. “Maintenance is key to preserving government investments and ensuring people’s daily lives are made easier.”
The tour will continue across other constituencies as the ministry and legislators collaborate to identify priority maintenance areas and mobilize resources for rehabilitation projects.
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Courtesy Pic)
