EZULWINI — Eswatini’s local authorities are calling for urgent partnerships between national government, financial institutions, and private developers to tackle municipal infrastructure deficits.
Gathering at the Ezulwini Palazzo for the ongoing second Eswatini Urban Forum under the theme “Empowering Eswatini’s Local Authorities: Financing Smart Solutions, Resilient Infrastructure, and Housing for All,” local government leaders are warning that sustainable urban growth cannot be achieved by local councils acting in isolation. Political leaders, policy makers, and development experts from across the kingdom and abroad are meeting to formulate practical solutions for municipal financing, resilient infrastructure and housing access.
Delivering the main welcoming address, Ezulwini Town Council Chairperson Comfort Hlophe urged participants to move beyond identifying systemic challenges and focus on deliverable solutions over the next three years.
Hlophe points out that municipal financial stability remains the foundation of effective local government, advocating for transparent expenditure, modern digital operations, climate-resilient road networks, and serviced land for low- and middle-income housing.
He also requested State financial backing of a E300 million road network expansion connecting the Ezulwini Palazzo complex to the main highway network to relieve critical traffic congestion.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Simon Zwane noted that building on the foundation set by the inaugural 2024 forum, this second edition brings together leaders from all walks of life to share best practices and establish long-term networks that support sustainable urban development throughout the Kingdom of Eswatini.
