Eswatini's local government leaders are urging for urgent partnerships between the national government, financial institutions, and private developers to tackle the country's municipal infrastructure deficits. The call was made during the second Eswatini Urban Forum, which is being held under the theme "Empowering Eswatini's Local Authorities: Financing Smart Solutions, Resilient Infrastructure, and Housing for All." The forum brings together political leaders, policymakers, and development experts from across the kingdom and abroad to find practical solutions for municipal financing, resilient infrastructure, and housing access.
The Ezulwini Town Council Chairperson, Comfort Hlophe, delivered the main welcoming address, emphasizing the need for deliverable solutions over the next three years. He stressed that municipal financial stability is crucial for effective local government and advocated for transparent expenditure, modern digital operations, climate-resilient road networks, and serviced land for low- and middle-income housing. Hlophe also requested state financial backing of a E300 million road network expansion to relieve critical traffic congestion.
The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Simon Zwane, noted that the second edition of the forum builds on the foundation set by the inaugural 2024 forum. He stated that the event brings together leaders from all walks of life to share best practices and establish long-term networks that support sustainable urban development throughout the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The forum aims to address the challenges faced by local authorities in Eswatini, including limited financial resources and inadequate infrastructure. Participants are expected to share experiences and expertise in addressing these challenges and finding innovative solutions. The event also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with each other and establish partnerships that can support sustainable urban development.
Comfort Hlophe emphasized that sustainable urban growth cannot be achieved by local councils acting in isolation. He called for collaboration between local authorities, the national government, and private sector stakeholders to address the country's urban development challenges. The Ezulwini Town Council Chairperson also highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to urban development, including the provision of serviced land for low- and middle-income housing.
The second Eswatini Urban Forum is expected to come up with practical solutions to address the country's municipal infrastructure deficits. Participants are expected to develop a framework for sustainable urban development, including strategies for municipal financing, resilient infrastructure, and housing access. The forum will also provide a platform for stakeholders to share best practices and learn from each other's experiences.
The event is being attended by stakeholders from across the kingdom and abroad, including government officials, policymakers, and development experts. The forum is expected to contribute to the development of sustainable urban areas in Eswatini, where residents have access to basic services, including housing, sanitation, and infrastructure.
Key points
- Eswatini's local authorities are seeking partnerships to address municipal infrastructure deficits.
- The second Eswatini Urban Forum aims to find practical solutions for municipal financing, resilient infrastructure, and housing access.
- The event brings together stakeholders from across the kingdom and abroad to share best practices and establish long-term networks that support sustainable urban development.
