ABOUT 250km of untarred roads in the country’s four regions are about to receive Probase tarring that will cost about E1.6 billion.
This was the assurance given to His Majesty King Mswati III when Probase Manufacturing together with officials from Exim Bank, paid a courtesy on His Majesty yesterday.
The company, which has already undertaken 211km of Probase tarring in the country and now has a product manufacturing factory in Sidvokodvo employing about 40 locals, was led by its Managing Director, Seow Chen Soon while Exim Bank was led by its Chief Business Officer, Fazah Mustapa. Soon explained that an additional 60 local citizens have been hired for the maintenance of the roads over an agreed 15-year period, while about 2 000 locals gain temporary employment during construction.
His Majesty expressed his appreciation to Probase Manufacturing for the impact their project has had in communities across the country. He said many lives had been changed and saved as better road facilities gave access to better livelihoods and easier access to essential facilities like hospitals and clinics, which were difficult to reach during the rainy seasons.
He commended Exim Bank for partnering with the company on this project and urged the bank to expand its finance into other projects in the country, such as the development of industrial parks in the four regions of the kingdom that could help reduce unemployment. The king mentioned that one country has already pledged to invest E6 billion in Eswatini to develop an industrial park, which is a good indication of the confidence in the opportunities that exist in the kingdom.
Prior to the behind-closed-doors meeting, Soon explained to the media that their partnership with Exim Bank for the second phase had been concluded and an additional US$100 million loan (About E1.6 billion) would be made available for the project. He said it cost the same amount of money for the first phase.
“This was an initiative of His Majesty when we met 15 years ago and we are happy to see it making a difference in the lives of Emaswati,” said Soon, as he explained that the upcoming roads would be upgraded probably equitably in the four regions of the kingdom. He highlighted that the loans issued by Exim Bank have the lowest interest when compared to other financial entities involved in development finance and attributed the low interest to the negotiation skills of the king, who engaged the bank on these while talks were ongoing.
Soon also highlighted technology transfer and skills. “The good thing about this project is that the employees now know how to properly use technology to construct the roads and carry out the maintenance.
“All the locals are experts now. We can even export them to Namibia, South Africa or other countries to do this project,” he said.
Present during the courtesy call were, among others, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, High Commissioner to Malaysia Menzi Dlamini, Emazinyane and Prince Gcina.
KING SETS FIRST-WORLD CHALLENGE
HIS Majesty King Mswati III has called upon Emaswati students studying in Malaysia to maximise their academic exposure and acquire high-level skills necessary to drive the kingdom towards achieving first-world status.
Speaking during a sponsored dinner where the students were accorded an audience with the king, he highlighted the long-standing bilateral relations between Eswatini and Malaysia, noting that the partnership continues to grow stronger, particularly in higher education and technology.
His Majesty observed that since his last visit to the South-East Asian nation a decade ago, Malaysia has made significant technological advancements.
He urged the students to take advantage of this environment to acquire expertise that could be translated into national development upon their return home.
“You are aware that Eswatini desires to become a first-world country. This requires highly skilled Emaswati to ensure this vision becomes a reality. You should make full use of this exposure to translate this expertise back home, contribute to the development of the country and improve the lives of your fellow citizens,” His Majesty stated.
The king praised the students for maintaining high standards of discipline and representing the kingdom well.
He reminded them that they serve as the country’s ambassadors abroad and should reflect national values in their conduct.
“When Malaysians see a Liswati, they should see a person with respect, humility and discipline towards their work. We expect nothing but the best from you,” the king said, encouraging them to pursue higher qualifications, including doctorates and professorships.
His Majesty noted that the establishment of the Eswatini High Commission in Malaysia was specifically intended to safeguard the welfare of citizens and nurture bilateral ties.
He expressed satisfaction over reports confirming that the students were well looked after.
His Majesty pointed to new avenues created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasising that the vast market offers immense potential for skilled professionals and specialised industries, such as locomotive manufacturing.
He further encouraged the students to present their qualifications to international firms expressing interest in local talent, emphasising that the burden now rests on them to showcase the value of the investment made in their education.
STUDENTS RECEIVE E16 000 FROM KING
HIS Majesty King Mswati III has supported the welfare of local students studying in Malaysia with a contribution of US$1 000 each, which is equivalent to about E16 000.
The gift was announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu yesterday, when the students had paid a courtesy call on the king at a sponsored dinner.
The news was met with resounding applause as emphatic shouts of ‘Bayethe’ reverberated at the dinner hall of the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
A total of students became beneficiaries of the royal gesture, while High Commissioner Menzi Dlamini explained that there could have been more, but some universities had closed and students returned home.
Each of the students had introduced themselves and the professions they were pursuing at various universities in Malaysia, three of whom are from the royal family.
