MBABANE – Security at imiphakatsi across the country is set for a major upgrade as government rolls out a large-scale fencing project aimed at strengthening the safety and functionality of royal kraals.
The initiative, which is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, will be implemented through Microprojects, a project-facilitation unit under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development. The programme will see the fencing of selected chiefdoms across all four regions: Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Lubombo.
According to ministry officials, the project marks the first time Microprojects is undertaking an exercise of this scale involving royal kraals. Eswatini has approximately 385 royal kraals under the 59 tinkhundla centres nationwide, making the initiative one of the most extensive rural-governance infrastructure projects in recent years.
Microprojects Director Sibusiso Mbingo, confirmed that while costs have not yet been finalised, the ministry has already instructed the unit to publish the tenders.
“We have not estimated the cost as of yet, but we have been instructed to publish the tenders, meaning the project will definitely take place once the tendering process is complete,” Mbingo stated.
The fencing initiative comes as the Ministry of Tinkhundla recently allocated E30 million for the reconstruction and strengthening of tinkhundla infrastructure for the 2025/2026 financial year. In its second quarter performance report, the ministry emphasised that the allocation was strategically directed towards improving infrastructure in tinkhundla centres and chiefdoms to enhance service delivery and improve local governance efficiency.
While the fencing project is still at the tendering stage, Microprojects continues to deliver on other development commitments across the country. Last week, the unit, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development and the Mafutseni Inkhundla, launched the Siphumelele Low Level Crossing project.
During a community meeting held to mark the beginning of the project, residents were informed that construction would begin within 14 days. Microprojects officials also highlighted the crucial role that the community would play in ensuring its success, including the collection of stones, clearing of shrubs, forming working groups and assisting in drainage and gabion construction where directed.
The assigned contractor, Home Boyz Construction, encouraged residents to cooperate fully and ensure responsible use of materials and equipment throughout the construction period.
Mafutseni Member of Parliament (MP) Sabelo Mtetwa, expressed confidence in the initiative, praising the pace of development in the constituency. He urged unity and continued support for development programmes, describing the Siphumelele crossing as a vital investment that will improve mobility for residents, transport operators and emergency personnel.
In a separate development, the successful completion and handover of the Mphembekati Dip Tank in the Manzini Region has further demonstrated the reach of government-led rural projects. The facility was funded by the Rural Development Fund (RDF), administered under the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, and implemented by the Microprojects Programme.
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