Written by: Badr Ahmed

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom confirmed EswatiniRasel Msisu Dlamini said that the MR14 and MR21 road development project represents a strategic national investment that will bring about a comprehensive economic transformation by opening up new investment opportunities, creating jobs, and enhancing Eswatini’s position as a regional hub for trade and logistics.

This came during the official launch ceremony for the civil works of the road infrastructure development project, which was held in the Sethubellini Enkhundla district, where the Prime Minister explained that the project represents a new milestone in the government's efforts to accelerate the pace of infrastructure development and drive the economic transformation process.

Eswatini is banking on infrastructure development

Dlamini noted that the project falls under Eswatini’s ERIIP road infrastructure improvement program, which is being implemented in partnership with the African Development Bank Group, and is in line with the Sibaya outcomes, the Nkowi Action Plan launched by His Majesty the King, and the National Transformation Plan.

He explained that the government prioritizes investment in infrastructure projects capable of achieving comprehensive and sustainable economic growth, which contributes to expanding economic opportunities for citizens, stressing the continuation of the policy of giving priority to local contractors in implementing these projects, which ensures that national companies, suppliers, craftsmen and local communities benefit from the returns on investment.

The Prime Minister revealed that the project will provide more than 1,600 direct job opportunities during the construction phase, noting that these jobs are not just numbers, but will provide sources of income for thousands of families, and contribute to improving the standard of living, in addition to providing young people and workers with technical skills and practical experience that will enhance their opportunities in the labor market in the future.

He added that the upgraded road network will be integrated with the Mbakini Dam project, leading to the creation of an integrated economic corridor that combines agricultural and industrial development and enhances water security, which will support food security, raise the efficiency of commercial agricultural production, and stimulate regional development.

Dlamini stressed that the project will not only improve the transport network, but will also contribute to reducing transport costs, facilitating farmers’ access to markets, and enhancing economic activity in rural areas, as well as consolidating Eswatini’s position as a regional hub for trade and logistics services linking the Kingdom with both South Africa and Mozambique via the SADC corridors. .

The Prime Minister concluded his remarks by emphasizing that this project embodies the concept of modern infrastructure, which provides job opportunities in the present time, connects major national projects, and puts Eswatini on the path to becoming a leading economic center in the region for decades to come.