FISH completion pushed back several years, only ICC on schedule
IN response to inquiries raised by Members of Parliament regarding the completion timeline of the International Convention Centre and Five Star Hotel (ICC & FISH) project in Ezulwini, the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development has provided comprehensive insights into the project’s status and future outlook.
According to the Ministry’s report, the requested budget allocation is anticipated to be sufficient for the completion of the International Convention Centre. However, the construction of the Five Star Hotel has been deferred to future years to prioritize the completion of the ICC. The delay in the hotel’s completion is attributed to the absence of an operator, hindering progress on the project.
The Ministry further disclosed that despite the allocated budget for the 2024/25 fiscal year, the Five Star Hotel cannot be completed without the presence of an operator. This setback has led to delays in construction activities, impeding the project’s progression as planned.
Regarding the International Convention Centre, the Ministry revealed that significant strides have been made in securing an operator of a renowned flagship brand. While the process of finalizing a management agreement was at an advanced stage, insufficient budget allocation posed a challenge, resulting in delays and cost overruns.
Furthermore, the Ministry highlighted that the project has faced cash flow issues from the government’s side, leading to delays in payments and subsequent claims due to non-payment on time and inflationary pressures. Despite these challenges,
discussions have revolved around achieving 97 percent completion of the project, focusing primarily on the completion of the grey box (superstructure), excluding interior works. In terms of timelines, the Ministry aims to complete the International Convention Centre by December 2024, with commissioning scheduled for July 2025. However, the completion of the Five Star Hotel remains contingent upon securing an operator and resolving budgetary constraints.
Audit
Additionally, addressing concerns about a forensic audit, the Ministry clarified that the assignment is under the purview of the Auditor General’s office, operating within the Ministry of Finance.
Eswatini’s tourism industry is set for a major boost with the nearing completion of the International Convention Centre (ICC) and Five-Star Hotel (FISH) complex at Ezulwini. This ambitious project promises to be a game-changer, attracting high-profile conferences, events, and international visitors. The ICC’s state-of-the-art facilities will cater to large-scale gatherings, positioning Eswatini as a prime destination for business tourism. Imagine hundreds of delegates from across Africa and the globe convening in Ezulwini, injecting foreign currency into the local economy.
This increased demand will ripple outwards, stimulating growth in sectors like transportation, catering, and retail.
The luxurious FISH will provide a worldclass hospitality experience, enticing tourists to extend their stay and explore Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. This translates to increased revenue for local businesses, from craft markets (which one is adjacent to the ICC and FISH) to wildlife sanctuaries.
Furthermore, the project has created significant job opportunities during construction and will continue to do so once operational, fostering local skills development and economic empowerment.