Regional Development Fund makes strides
SINCE its launch, the Regional Development Fund (RDF) programme has been impacting communities in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Recently, the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development when addressing legislators in the House of Assembly, announced remarkable progress through the Regional Development Fund (RDF) initiative.
With a staggering E73,823,000 invested and over 10,715 direct beneficiaries for the 2023/24 financial year (FY), the impact of the RDF on local communities has been profound and far-reaching according to the Ministry.
The Ministry’s latest report reveals that a total of Ninety-three (93) projects have been successfully completed under the RDF during the recent review period. Among these projects, twenty-four (24) were specifically designated as Income Generating Projects (IGP), aimed at creating sustainable sources of income for local residents.
Additionally, sixty-nine (69) projects focused on infrastructure development, ranging from road networks to educational facilities, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents across various constituencies.
The Regional Development Fund represents a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and development. The investments made by the fund are aimed at empowering emaswati in local communities and driving sustainable progress at the constituency level.
Managed by the Micro Projects Unit under the Ministry’s purview, the RDF is a government initiative aimed at promoting comprehensive and integrated regional development. It focuses on a range of initiatives, including infrastructure improvements, service delivery enhancements, and labour-intensive projects, all geared towards uplifting communities at the grassroots level.
A key feature of the RDF is its flexibility in funding allocation. Unlike traditional mechanisms, there are no minimum or maximum limits set for project funding. Instead, allocations are tailored to suit the specific needs and priorities of each constituency, ensuring efficient utilization of resources and maximizing impact.
According to the Eswatini government, RDF is not just about infrastructure; it’s about empowering communities and fostering socio-economic development. This is done through proper regional planning and coordination, and both the Ministry of Tinkhundla and the Ministry of Economic Planning work towards creating a more balanced and integrated development landscape.
Established by the government of Eswatini, the RDF operates within the framework of Act 2015, which mandates parliamentary oversight through the Regional Development Fund Committee and the Regional Development Technical Fund Committee. These bodies, comprising legislators (MPS), play a crucial role in monitoring the fund’s activities and ensuring transparency and accountability.
Looking ahead, the Ministry expressed that it remains steadfast in its commitment to the principles of the RDF, with plans to expand its scope and reach. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and embracing innovative approaches, the RDF aims to remain a driving force behind Eswatini’s journey towards prosperity and equitable development.
What to know about the Regional
Development Fund (RDF)
The fund is a government initiative to promote rural and regional development through the Regional Development Fund (RDF). It is managed by the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development and Micro Projects Unit under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development. The fund was designed to benefit all qualifying Emaswati.
Here are the requirements for accessing the Fund
1. The project must be financially viable
2. Must portray a job creation element
3. Project promoters must be a group of not less than ten (10) Swazis
4. Project promoters (group) should have already registered with their respective constituency
5. Group should have all business documents
6. Infrastructure projects should be accompanied by a recommendation from the government
7. Group should have an approval letter from Umphakatsi (chiefdom) or the local chief.
Focal points of the fund
1. Infrastructure development
2. Improvements
3. Service delivery
4. Labour intensive projects