Eswatini Government's Housing Woes: Termites, Mould, and Exposed Wiring Plague Police Residences

The Eswatini government's housing provision for its employees, particularly police officers, has come under scrutiny as reports reveal that almost half of police residences are unfit for human occupation. The homes are plagued by termites, mould, and exposed wiring, with some even infested with bat droppings. This has led to concerns about the living conditions of those serving on the frontlines, including police officers who spend long hours protecting the public.

According to government reports from July to September 2026, the situation is dire, with many officers forced to live in substandard housing. The government has allocated E15.75 million for police building rehabilitation, but some projects are awaiting Tender Board approval, further delaying repairs. This has resulted in a situation where officers are waiting for permission to repair their homes, while termites and bats occupy the premises rent-free.

The issue is not limited to police residences, as Correctional Services also faces challenges with deteriorating buildings. Three projects worth E24.702 million have been allocated, but no funds have been spent. Additionally, E16 million for prison rehabilitation, E7.827 million for facilities, and E875 000 for radio communication have not been released. This has led to concerns about the maintenance and upkeep of correctional facilities, which house an average of 4 315 inmates and employ 2 798 officers.

The government's housing policy has been criticised for its inefficiencies, with only 20 out of 2 100 applicants receiving houses in one quarter. The Housing Board has a 99% occupancy rate and 97% rent collection, but 496 maintenance requests remain outstanding. This has led to accusations that the government is more efficient at collecting rent than maintaining its properties.

The issue of inadequate housing is not unique to Eswatini, with similar challenges faced by governments in Mozambique, London, and Brussels. In Mozambique, termites damaged two newly completed government houses before they were occupied. In London, two diplomatic properties require E23.72 million in repairs, while in Brussels, another ambassadorial residence needs E9.55 million.

The Eswatini government's response to the housing crisis has been criticised for being inadequate. The allocation of funds for repairs and maintenance has been slow, and the bureaucratic process for approving projects has led to further delays. This has resulted in a situation where officers are forced to live in substandard housing, while termites and other pests occupy government properties rent-free.

The housing crisis in Eswatini has significant implications for the well-being of public officers and the delivery of public services. The government's failure to provide adequate housing has led to concerns about the morale and motivation of officers, as well as the impact on their health and safety. The issue is a pressing concern that requires urgent attention and action from the government.

Key points

• The Eswatini government's housing provision for its employees is plagued by termites, mould, and exposed wiring, with almost half of police residences unfit for human occupation.
• The government has allocated funds for repairs and maintenance, but the bureaucratic process has led to delays and inefficiencies.
• The housing crisis has significant implications for the well-being of public officers and the delivery of public services.