LOBAMBA-Minister for Economic Planning and Development Dr Tambo Gina has indicated that the International Convention Centre (ICC) project could create around 1 000 permanent jobs once fully operational, although he stressed that the figure remains an estimate.
The matter arose during a parliamentary session when Ngudzeni MP Charles Ndlovu sought clarity on the project's projected returns and economic benefits.
In response, Dr Gina explained that convention centres are rarely profitable based solely on direct revenue generation.
"Convention centres usually generate returns of between zero and five per cent. However, what is important is their broader impact on the economy," he said.
He noted that such facilities stimulate economic activity through increased tourism, employment opportunities, tax revenues and higher hotel occupancy rates.
"The operators will conduct a feasibility study to determine the full extent of the benefits. For example, the Durban ICC generates between E150 million and E177 million annually, while its contribution to GDP is estimated at around E7 billion," he said.
Dr Gina added that the government expects visitor spending, tax revenue and increased hotel occupancy associated with the ICC to contribute significantly to national economic growth.
Nhlambeni MP Manzi Zwane asked whether recruitment for the project had begun and requested details on the number of people employed so far.
Meanwhile, MP Ndlovu pressed the minister for more specific projections and also questioned who owns the structure housing Palazzo Ezulwini, how much rent is being collected from the ICC, whether the country has an economic planner, and how unemployment levels compare with the project's expected benefits.
Responding, Dr Gina said no rental income had been collected from the ICC to date.
"On the issue of rent, there is no rent being collected so far. I do not know where they stay, and that has nothing to do with the returns from the project," he said.
Addressing employment projections, the minister acknowledged that the figures were not yet definitive.
"The projection was that we would build a facility capable of hosting conferences, which would in turn create employment opportunities. I do not know exactly how many people will be hired. For now, permanent jobs could be around 1 000, but that is only an estimate," he said.
He added that approximately 5 000 jobs were created during the construction phase.
Dr Gina further revealed that the total cost of the project stands at between E5 billion and E6 billion. He confirmed that construction has not yet been completed.
… Good Shepherd staff, ex-miners’ motions passed
LOBAMBA-Members of Parliament (MPs) yesterday passed two motions which led to the appointment of committees following the delivery of petitions in recent weeks.
The first motion that was passed has allowed the House to appoint a seven-member select committee which will inquire, and/or investigate the contents the petition delivered and tabled by the Eswatini Nursing Association and the Good Shephered Mission Hospital Unit Committee.
On the other hand, the second motion has allowed the House to appoint a seven-member select committee that will inquire, and or investigate the contents of the petition delivered and tabled by the Swaziland National Ex-Mine Workers Association.
Minister for Economic planning and Development Dr Thambo Gina.