Home | News | KING HANDS OVER E114M MPOLONJENI RDF PROJECTS

KING HANDS OVER E114M MPOLONJENI RDF PROJECTS

14/03/2025 07:31:00 Maxwell Molapo and Sibusiso Zwane

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MOLONJENI - In what can be termed a significant boost for the Lubombo Region, His Majesty King Mswati III handed over projects amounting to E114 million.

The projects, which were handed over during his visit to Mpolonjeni Inkhundla yesterday, included those from the Regional Development Fund (RDF), amounting to about E27 million, a water project that cost E22 million, and another initiative aimed at revamping roads, bridges, and schools, which will cost around E65 million.

The RDF projects were handed over to 20 multipurpose cooperatives from various constituencies in the Lubombo Region. These included tipper trucks, tractor-loader backhoes (TLBs), a cattle feedlot, and goat rearing and feedlot facilities, among others. When handing over the RDF projects, the King stated that the projects should generate turnovers that will transform the communities. For example, he mentioned that a truck cab could generate at least E600 000 per month. “These developmental projects should have turnover effects that will significantly benefit our communities,” he emphasised.

He noted that during his last visit to the constituency, he toured dams and observed that community members were sharing the dam water with livestock, which was detrimental to their health. In that regard, he expressed his satisfaction in announcing that significant developments have taken place and declared the official opening of a E22 million potable water project at the Inkhundla, which he subsequently did.

He attributed the success of the project to the collaboration between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy and World Vision. He also highlighted the importance of accessibility, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that state people should have access to clean water within two kilometres. Furthermore, he stated that Microprojects have been tasked with visiting schools, roads, and bridges around the constituencies to assess their conditions. Subsequently, he mentioned that Microprojects would revamp those that need attention, with the project costing about E65 million.

Additionally, the King assured that elderly people would not be overlooked and announced that the government would construct at least ten houses aimed at providing shelter for the needy and impoverished ‘bogogo and bomkhulu’. He stated that this initiative would be rolled out in phases, with the ten houses falling under Phase I. “Low-cost houses should be a thing of the past in the country,” he remarked.

Moreover, the King indicated that the government is actively engaging financial institutions, both locally and internationally, to secure funding for the construction of essential infrastructure across chiefdoms and constituencies. The envisioned facilities will include regional centres dedicated to youth, men, and women, fostering a more inclusive society.

Lastly, the King urged the communities to take ownership of the developmental projects, ensuring their sustainability and long-term success. With a clear vision for the future, he reaffirmed that poverty would no longer be tolerated and that the Lubombo Region is on a path to lasting prosperity.

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King wamts new name for Lonhlupheko

LONHLUPHEKO - The King seeks a new name for Lonhlupheko, as he believes that the development taking place there will eradicate poverty.

He made this statement when he officially opened the multimillion Emalangeni KaLanga Gateway, established by KaLanga Chief Jozane Maziya. The King noted that the area was named Lonhlupheko (meaning poverty) because it was historically one of the regions most affected by drought. However, he stated that following the establishment of the multimillion Emalangeni Gateway, which includes a filling station and shopping complex among other projects, poverty will be a thing of the past in the area.

Therefore, it needs a new name to signify that it will no longer be affected by drought. The King’s tour commenced at the Engen Filling Station, strategically located within the KaLanga Gateway. Accompanied by KaLanga Chief Jozane Maziya, they explored various facets of the complex, including the KaLanga Gateway Police Post and the Gateway Shisanyama, which is becoming a popular eatery in the area.

The management of the lounge within the KaLanga Gateway described it as a place of relaxation, further enhancing the King’s understanding of the complex's role in the community. A highlight of the visit was the presentation of a 3D layout of the KaLanga Gateway, providing the King with a comprehensive overview of future developments planned for the area.

During his visit to the KaLanga Gateway Hardware, Siddick Patel shared ambitious plans for expansion that promise to create new job opportunities for the Lonhlupheko community. Further on, His Majesty inspected the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) belonging to five different banks operating within Eswatini: First National Bank, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Eswatini Bank, and Eswatini Building Society. This visit underscored the importance of financial accessibility in the region.

When addressing the gathered residents, King Mswati III expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the development brought about by the KaLanga Gateway. He acknowledged the significant improvements that have made life easier for the people of Lonhlupheko, emphasising that the area’s name is becoming increasingly irrelevant due to the progress achieved. The King urged investors to continue expanding their efforts, thereby creating more job opportunities for local inhabitants.

The King also took the time to view the tetfulo - traditional offerings brought forth by the residents. These included not only cattle and goats but also chickens and pumpkins, among other vegetables. These offerings are a testament to the community’s dedication and respect for their monarch. He expressed his gratitude for the tetfulo presented to him, stating, “Inkhosi inandzisele lanitsetse khona nine bekunene,” which translates to a deep appreciation for the offerings brought forth by the community. He officially declared the KaLanga Gateway blessed for operations.

The KaLanga Gateway is a development that has significantly transformed the area. The King’s visit, marked by a display of local offerings, included the presentation of 12 cows and 9 goats as gifts to the King, symbolising the community’s respect and gratitude.

Excitement in Mpolonjeni

MPOLONJENI - Residents of Mpolonjeni and Lonhlupheko expressed their enthusiasm and hopes during the King's visit, showcasing their strong sense of community and optimism for the future.

Upon the King's arrival at Mpolonjeni Inkhundla, he was greeted with whistles and ululations from community members, who joyfully waved at him. This warm reception highlighted the residents' eagerness to engage with their monarch and celebrate the positive developments in their area.

The King’s tour left a lasting impression, with sentiments of progress and development resonating among the residents. Mancoba Mthimkhulu, a 65-year-old resident of Lonhlupheko, shared his heartfelt feelings: “I can only share my joy for seeing the King closer as I have only seen him from a distance in the past. If I can be given a chance to talk to him, I can inform him about the challenges faced by the community, particularly regarding the need to review the elderly grant to alleviate financial burdens.”

Luyanda Mbuyisa (20) of Lonhlupheko; “I have hopes for the King to address youth unemployment during his visit. As the youth of the area, we have a lot of aspiration and we need support from government.”

Richard Makama (58) of Mpolonjeni: “I was a truck driver in South Africa and I am here (Mpolonjeni Inkhundla) to see the King as the father of the nation. If I can get a chance to talk to the King I ask him to get investors to develop the area so that they can have water connectivity to practice farming. I hope the King will commission government and its partners to give us water for farming by constructing a dam.”

Nonhlanhla Hleta (18) KaLanga: “I am going Form IV at Ndzangu High School. I like poems because once can be able to express her feelings and ideas. I usually see the King during Reed Dance and performing a poem in front of him today (yesterday) makes me feel and believe that my dream of being a professional poet will come true. If I can get a chance to talk to the King I can ask him to assist our school with vocation facility so that even those who did not do well in their studies can get life skills. I wish the King commission government to construct a high school because the closest is Matsetsa High School. In the country, I wish the King can encourage government to take people's talent across all codes seriously.”

Menzi Magagula (18) of Mpolonjeni; “If I can get a chance to speak to the King, I can tell that I am grateful for day as he (as my King) is so wonderful and is behind us as Mpolonjeni community members. I wish the King will promise to support us by creating jobs, through government and partners. I wish he will also talk about our roads, which are in bad state and dams.”

Sakhizwe Magagula (19) of Mpolonjeni: “I would like to say thank for the opportunity to see our king in our place. I want to thank the King and government for the orphanage they built for us. I hope the King will talk about the support we need as youth and also refurbishing our dilapidated roads as it affects the development of our community.”