BY SIFISO NHLABATSI

MTFONGWANENI – What began as a tour of completed and ongoing development projects quickly turned into a platform for communities to directly present their long-standing needs to Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, with residents calling for better roads and accelerated infrastructure development.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by senators, Members of Parliament, and senior government officials, spent the day inspecting projects across Mtfongwaneni Inkhundla, including the Hlane-Bulunga Water Project, the Moyeni low-level crossing, the Thandeka piggery project, Lamveshe Enterprise’s banana plantation, community halls in different chiefdoms, a home economics classroom with fully fitted equipment and the Gundvwini Police Post.

While the projects highlighted government’s ongoing investment in rural development, community leaders used every stop to remind the Prime Minister that much still needs to be done.

One of the strongest appeals came from Mtfongwaneni Member of Parliament Nathi “Mdockies” Hlophe, who acknowledged government’s efforts to improve access to clean water but pleaded for urgent intervention on the area’s deteriorating road network.

He said poor roads continue to isolate communities, especially during the rainy season when several routes become impassable.

Hlophe explained that residents often struggle to travel to towns, health facilities and schools because roads become flooded or severely damaged, adding that improved road infrastructure would unlock economic opportunities while complementing investments already being made in water supply and agriculture.

The MP also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for personally visiting the constituency, saying such visits are rare.

According to Hlophe, many residents had never witnessed a sitting Prime Minister touring projects in their communities, describing the visit as a sign that government was bringing itself closer to the people it serves.

His sentiments were echoed by several speakers throughout the day, who said the visit had given residents confidence that their concerns were finally being heard directly by the country’s leadership.

Another emotional appeal came from Chief Nkamane of Lwandle, who requested the construction of a high school in the area.

 

The chief said the request was not new, explaining that the community had repeatedly raised the issue over the years without success.

He said children continue to travel long distances to attend secondary school, creating financial and safety challenges for many families.

The chief appealed to government to prioritise the project, saying access to education remains one of the community’s greatest needs.

Agriculture Minister and Mkhiweni Member of Parliament Mandla Tshawuka also used the occasion to advocate for development beyond Mtfongwaneni.

While congratulating the constituency for the progress being made, Tshawuka appealed for similar infrastructure investment in his own constituency, saying rural communities across the country continue to require roads, water and other public facilities to stimulate economic growth.

The tour itself showcased several projects aimed at improving livelihoods.

At the Hlane-Bulunga Water Project, the Prime Minister reiterated government’s ambition of ensuring every household in Eswatini has access to clean water by 2030.

He said the Mtfongwaneni project alone is expected to provide reliable water to more than 200 homesteads through a solar-powered system, significantly improving the quality of life for residents who have long struggled with water shortages.

The Prime Minister said access to clean water is fundamental to public health, agriculture and economic development, adding that projects of this nature demonstrate government’s commitment to improving living conditions in rural communities.

Agriculture also featured prominently during the tour.

Inspecting piggery projects, vegetable gardens and Lamveshe Enterprise’s thriving banana plantation, the Prime Minister applauded local farmers for transforming agriculture into a viable business.

He noted that the success of community-supported agricultural projects proves that farming can generate meaningful income and sustainable livelihoods.

Pointing to the banana enterprise, he remarked that “imali iyangena”, saying the project demonstrates how government support, combined with community commitment, can create employment and stimulate rural economies.

 

Infrastructure development was another highlight.

At the Moyeni low-level crossing, House of Hope Enterprises Chief Executive Officer Lulu Magagula assured the Prime Minister that construction would be completed before December 25.

She said she was honoured that her company had been entrusted with implementing His Majesty King Mswati III’s Nkwe directive, adding that national development is not the responsibility of men alone.

Magagula said women also have an important role to play in delivering strategic infrastructure projects that improve people’s lives.

She explained that once completed, the crossing would provide safe access to schools, clinics, shops and other essential services throughout the year.

The bridge, she added, would also prevent the recurring tragedies that have claimed lives when residents attempted to cross flooded rivers during heavy rains.

The Prime Minister also inspected the Gundvwini Police Post and staff accommodation, which has been designed to provide separate housing for male and female officers.

The facility is expected to strengthen policing services while improving working and living conditions for law enforcement officers stationed in the area.

At every stop, residents welcomed the Prime Minister with enthusiasm, presenting him with gifts ranging from goats to fresh fruits and vegetables as a gesture of appreciation.

The exchanges reflected the close relationship between government and communities and underscored the significance residents attached to the visit.

The day’s engagements concluded with another gesture of goodwill as residents returned home carrying food parcels distributed during the community gathering.

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