MBABANE – Government is actively scouting for an eligible consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive technical audit of its multi-billion Emalangeni Road infrastructure project.
The audit targets the high-profile upgrading of the Siphofaneni-Sithobela-Maloma-Nsoko (MR14) and Maloma-Siphambanweni (MR21) roads under Tender No. 368Q of 2025/2026.
This major infrastructural development is a key component of the Eswatini Road Infrastructure Improvement Programme (ERIIP) Phase 1, heavily backed by a loan secured from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The rollout of this technical audit follows hot on the heels of government officially awarding the massive works contract for the actual construction of the road network.
According to an official publication of award notice from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the multi-billion Emalangeni contract (Tender 275 of 2024/2025) has been awarded to a South African joint venture comprising Stefanutti Stocks (Pty) Ltd and WBHO Construction (Pty) Ltd.
The joint venture clinched the mega-project with an evaluated contract award price of E2 669 159 318.99. The construction phase is already underway running for a duration of 36 months, followed by a 12-month defect notification period.
The joint venture beat out four other international competitors, including firms from China, Botswana and Egypt, many of whom were disqualified during preliminary examinations due to expired bid and security validities.
The massive scope of physical works includes:
The construction of 105.8 kilometres of single carriageway road.
Four major bridges over rivers and one Road Under Bridge (RUB).
Associated drainage structures, road safety features and the formal implementation of an Environmental & Social Management Plan (ESMP).
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This major infrastructural development is a key component of the Eswatini Road Infrastructure Improvement Programme (ERIIP) Phase 1, heavily backed by a loan secured from the African Development Bank. (Courtesy pic)