Manzini North celebrates rehabilitation of road
MANZINI – Manzini North Constituency has celebrated the re-gravelling of the constituency centre’s 1.5 kilometres stretch road, which cost about E180 000.
Following concerns about the horrible road leading to Manzini North Constituency centre (inkhundla), the constituency has rejoiced about the refurbishment of the road, courtesy of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. The project took five working days, and yesterday the ministry and constituency teams tour the road.
Manzini North Member of Parliament Macford Sibandze pointed out that the entire nation was faced with the challenge of damaged roads for quite a long time. He highlighted that recently, they had tabled a report of a motion asking the total amount of funds required to fix the country’s roads. MP Sibandze mentioned that he learnt that the amount was about E5 billion, which showed that the country’s roads were extensively damaged.
Challenge
“As a constituency, we faced a great challenge in accessing the constituency centre due to the bad road. The road was in a terrible state and we appreciate that the ministry has revamped our road,” he expressed.
The politician hoped that the appreciation could provide more opportunities for the refurbishment of more of the constituency’s roads. He mentioned that although one road was refurbished, the constituency had requested for the rehabilitation of 10 roads. Sibandze said the constituency designed a programme for the refurbishment of the constituency’s roads and the first start would be on Thursday at Mzimnene to Siyeni, and then further down Sterksroom. The politician stated that they would also visit Mnywenyweni, Dvwaleni and Makholweni. “We are banking on the ministry for its continued support because we are heading towards the rainy season. If the country had sufficient funds, it could have capitalised on refurbishing the roads during winter because now it will be competing with the rains,” Sibandze said.
Ministry of Public Works and Transport Under Secretary (US) Nhlanhla Motsa said it was the ministry’s mandate to ensure that emaSwati had access to their destinations on proper roads. He highlighted that although there were many challenges due to shortage of funds, government would not sit back and not fulfill its mandate.
He said government had leaders who went out and solicited funds.
“We have noted that re-gravelling is no longer effective because the equipment is insufficient due to the extensive rains that damaged road infrastructure. Nonetheless, the ministry is dedicated to assisting the entire nation,” Motsa reassured.
The US appealed to emaSwati that where government had not reached in the refurbishment process, they should not despair as this did not mean they would not arrive.
He mentioned that the ministry had reached areas such as Mankayane, and were working with contractors.
He said the ministry was working tirelessly to ensure emaSwati were assisted. Motsa appealed for patience and for emaSwati to address their grievances in the right manner, without taking to the streets in protests.
Meanwhile, Indvuna yenNkhundla Fana Tsabeze highlighted that the gathering was as a result of public transport workers’ concerns about the damaged roads at Makholweni and Sterksroom.
“We take the opportunity to appreciate the road refurbishment. We have many damaged roads in the constituency and appreciate those that have been improved and that the ministry still continues to work on those that were affected,” he said.
He further implored the ministry to continue with its support until the refurbishment process was done. However, he noted that the challenge of road damage in the constituency still affected them.