Politics

MBABANE - During a sitting of the Finance Portfolio Committee in Parliament yesterday, tensions flared between Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg and Nhlambeni Member of Parliament (MP) Manzi Zwane over the budget of the civil servants’ salary review.

MP Zwane told the committee that the minister had previously informed lawmakers that E500 million was allocated as a commitment towards the review. He said it was therefore disheartening to hear differing accounts regarding the actual allocation, adding that it was impractical to earmark E500 million for a salary review that had been delayed for five years.

“The information we received was that the E500 million was a commitment, open to be added, based on the consultant’s assessment,” Zwane said.

Minister Rijkenberg interjected to correct the MP, saying he had been misquoted.

“He says I said openly that it was a commitment, which means he doesn’t understand how a budget works. He’s been in Parliament for many years now, but clearly still doesn’t understand,” the minister said. “You can’t say here’s money in the budget but it’s a commitment — where would we take the other money from? What I would have said is that what we can afford this year is this, because we don’t yet know the consultant’s salary review outcome.”

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MPs press for urgent road rehabilitation, transparency

MBABANE - Members of Parliament (MPs) raised strong concerns during the sitting of the Public Works Portfolio Committee yesterday, urging the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to expedite road rehabilitation projects and improve transparency in infrastructure funding.

Several MPs questioned the slow release of funds, particularly the E200 million budgeted for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport for road rehabilitation. Others lamented that poor infrastructure continues to affect service delivery and public safety.

Ngudzeni MP Charles Ndlovu called for the quick disbursement of the E200 million, saying travel expenses were escalating while communities continued to suffer from impassable roads. He also questioned why only E6.7 million was allocated for government housing, describing it as too little for the ministry to carry out its duties effectively.

Nkhaba MP Hope Shiba both questioned how the ministry planned to support the Public Works Ministry in executing its road projects, while Hhukwini MP Alec Lushaba sought clarity on the delay in implementing the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Somntongo MP stressed that the country is facing dire conditions, including a shortage of drugs in hospitals and deteriorating roads. He proposed a national indaba to discuss and resolve the country’s pressing issues, saying: “It has never happened in this country that the poor man was given anything without putting up a fight.”

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Civil servants blocked

MBABANE - There was a permanent barrier between civil servants and government officials during the delivery of the petition at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The civil servants were blocked from entering the primier’s offices with the locked gate. Police officers deployed at the Cabinet closed and locked the gates and remained inside while others remained outside as the hundreds of workers approached. 

The gates remained locked until acting Principal Secretary received the petition on behalf of the Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini. The march proceeded peacefully under the watch of the Royal Eswatini Police Service, who had their armoured vehicles parked from a distance. However, there were a few instances where the police had to maintain order. The civil servants vowed to stand in solidarity with the police officers as they also deserve a salary increment.

*Full article available in our publication.

Hhukwini MP Alec Lushaba, Ludzeludze MP Nomkhosi Masuku, Mafutseni MP Sabelo Mtetwa, Minister for Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, Mayiwane MP Sicelo Jele (C), Timphisini MP Thulani Nsingwane and Nkilongo MP Petros Sibandze. (Pic: Khulile Thwala)