LOBAMBA – Before the commencement of the construction of the new Parliament building, government would have already spent E78.3 million on the project.
To date, a total of E31.796 million has been expended under project G548 (Construction of the New Parliament Building), although full-scale construction is yet to begin.
According to the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini’s Estimates for the Financial Years 2026/27 to 2028/29, additional funds will be allocated in the next financial year, beginning April 1, 2026, to settle outstanding payments related to design work and security contract management.
This is a matter that is before Parliament.
Currently, a security company is stationed at the project site, but actual construction work has not commenced. The project falls under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, which is also responsible for millennium Development goals.
His Majesty King Mswati III has called for renewed efforts to ensure that the long-awaited construction of the new Parliament building becomes a reality, stating that the existing facility has outlived its usefulness.
Delivering his Speech from the Throne last Friday, His Majesty expressed disappointment that the project had not progressed as expected, urging stakeholders to revisit the plans and devise a practical way forward.
“We had also looked forward to the commencement of the new Parliament building by now. The current facility has run its course, and our Legislature requires a facility that is fit for its present purpose,” His Majesty said.
The King emphasised that the new structure, envisioned as a Parliamentary Campus, would create a conducive environment for lawmakers whose work demands long hours and proximity to parliamentary operations.
“The work of our parliamentarians requires long hours, compelling them to be in close proximity to Parliament so that decision-making is swift and our implementation turnaround time meets our expectations,” he explained.
His Majesty further urged government to rethink the country’s approach to capital projects, stressing the importance of creating frameworks that encourage private sector participation.
“Going forward, the country needs to structure our capital projects programmes in ways that incentivise private sector participation by both local and international investors,” he said.
The proposed Parliamentary Campus is expected to include modern legislative chambers, offices and support facilities designed to enhance efficiency and collaboration among lawmakers.
Meanwhile, the construction of the Bulembu–Pigg’s Peak–Magoga Road (MR20 and MR2) remains a deferred project that has yet to take off.
A deferred project refers to a planned initiative that has been officially postponed to a later date rather than cancelled altogether, often due to budgetary constraints, limited resources, shifting priorities or strategic delays. The intent is usually to resume the project when conditions become more favourable.
Government is, however, set to spend E45.5 million on compensating affected property owners. To date, E28.03 million has already been paid in compensation, with a further E17.5 million allocated in the next financial year to finalise outstanding payments.
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