We have budget to fix damaged roads – PM

Prime Minister (PM) Russell Mmiso Dlamini has assured the nation that government has set aside a budget for the rehabilitation of damaged roads across the country.

The premier was speaking during a media briefing after a tour of damaged roads in the northern Hhohho region yesterday.

The prime minister said government acknowledged the extent of the damage caused by recent rains and was committed to doing all it could to ensure that life returns to normal.

He stated that government had recognised climate change as a growing concern, hence the establishment of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).

Dlamini said the rehabilitation of damaged roads would be undertaken by government through the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in collaboration with NDMA.

“We have pleaded with NDMA and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to come up with solutions to this situation, especially as schools are about to open.

We are happy that there is money that government has already set aside for disasters and emergencies.

Not only that, but government will also allocate a budget for this disaster in the coming financial year,” he said.

On another note, the prime minister sympathised with communities located along the damaged roads in the areas he visited yesterday.

He noted that the challenge posed by the damage was significant and required a unified effort to resolve. Dlamini also thanked members of the public who took it upon themselves to repair some damaged roads and bridges without waiting for government intervention.

He said such actions were commendable and demonstrated that Emaswati value and care for what belongs to them.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe said the damage to roads constituted an emergency and required urgent attention.

He said government had a responsibility to mobilise resources to ensure the roads are fixed as soon as possible.

Ndwandwe noted that many roads and bridges had been damaged not only in the Hhohho region but across the country, urging the nation to be patient as government works to address the situation.

“We can assure the nation that we are going to address this issue as soon as possible and provide the necessary solutions so that Emaswati can go back to their normal life,” he said.

The prime minister was accompanied by Minister Ndwandwe, Public Works Principal Secretary Thulani Mkhaliphi, NDMA Chief Executive Officer Victor Mahlalela, and senior officials from both the ministry and NDMA.

Along the way, he was joined by Members of Parliament from the affected constituencies, including Motshane MP Wilton Nkambule, Nkhaba MP Hope Shiba, Pigg’s Peak MP Jabulani Mabuza, Ndzingeni MP Gcina Magagula and Mayiwane MP Sicelo Dlamini.