GOVT IN NEED OF E16M FUEL SHORTAGE BAILOUT

LOBAMBA - The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the next government department with a cap in hand, asking for a E16 million bailout to address the fuel shortage problem.

It was revealed in the House of Assembly yesterday that the ministry owes its two suppliers, Engen and Galp, about E16 million each, as that was the capped amount that both fuel companies extended to government.

Minister of Public Works and Transport Lindiwe Dlamini, yesterday told the Members of Parliament (MPs) that the fuel shortages continued to persist and that they had submitted a paper to Cabinet asking for the release of the money which they hoped would be paid soon.

This was after Maphalaleni MP Mabulala Maseko and Mntfongwaneni MP Mjuluko Dlamini had asked if projects were being stalled because of the lack of fuel, especially for the heavy plant or machinery. The ministry acknowledged that the problem was that they owed their suppliers, who only gave them fuel that equalled what they had paid. The ministry said they hoped that as soon as their debt was settled, the suppliers would supply government. The ministry follows the Ministry of Education and Training, which had also asked for money to purchase food for schools.

Somntongo MP Sandile Nxumalo said fuel was being abused by the very same government officials. “A car can be fuelled up in Mbabane and by the time it gets to Ezulwini, the petrol has been siphoned,” said the MP.
He said even the process of fuelling up was not solid as the CTA papers could be forged.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: