E20M FOR HLANE ROYAL RESIDENCE GRANDSTAND, DANCE ARENA

MBABANE – Government has budgeted E20 million for the construction of a dance arena and grandstand at Hlane Royal Residence.

The royal residence is located in the Lubombo Region. It is known for hosting the second leg of the celebration of the first fruit also known as Buganu Festival on the second week of March annually. Since the inception of the festival, throngs of Lutsango who attend it dance in an open dusty arena. The arena, after rains, normally becomes muddy. Those who watch Lutsango showcasing their traditional dancing skills would stand in an open space or in some of the open tents. Recently, marquees were pitched to accommodate Lutsango.

The 2023/2024 budget estimates under the State’s capital projects indicate that a total of E20 million has been budgeted for the improvement of the dance arena and grandstand at Hlane Royal Residence. The project is only budgeted for the next financial year, meaning it will be completed in the coming financial year and won’t be split between two financial years.
The E20 million will be sourced from local funds.  The project is listed under capital projects that will be undertaken by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Worth noting is that the King, during the first leg of the Marula Festival which was held at Buhleni in the northern Hhohho Region, talked about looking after the welfare of Lutsango and ensuring all logistics were at their level best. The number of Lutsango who attended the festival surpassed the numbers of the previous years.

Rehabilitation

The estimates under the projects of the ministry also show E100 million was budgeted for the rehabilitation of feeder or network roads. “E100 million local funds for the construction of single seal tarred roads to upgrade gravel roads,” reads the budget book in part. It is estimated that E200 million might be needed for the 2024/2025 financial year. Further, E5 million has been budgeted for the resettlement of households and properties that were affected by the road alignment during the construction of Bulembu and Pigg’s Peak Road. Government also budgeted over E300 million for urgent maintenance of roads across the country. The estimates indicate that E334 million local funds will be used for undertaking emergency maintenance throughout the country as well as for settling outstanding commitments from 2022/2023.

Other capital projects included the completion of Home Affairs offices, E7 million for wiring 99 schools and 86 agriculture extension officers’ houses. The government will also spend E7 023 000 local funds for separation of electricity meters in institutional houses. On another note, are major construction works are budgeted to be conducted using donor funds. These include E128 204 183 donor funds for construction and supervision of a hangar including a hangar apron to accommodate two aircraft (Airbus 340-300 and MD-87) and construction of an office for aircraft maintenance staff and a storeroom at KMIII International Airport. Further, government will need E93 390 000 loan funds for the retention of professional services and studies for Lubombo and Shiselweni roads.

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