The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has reported that nearly half of its residential properties have been deemed unsuitable for occupation by health and environmental officials. This development has forced some officers to share facilities, leading to disputes, health risks, and low morale. The affected buildings require urgent repairs or replacement. REPS acknowledged the issue in its Second Quarter Performance Report, covering July to September 2026.
The police service faces not only housing challenges but also deteriorating police stations and other infrastructure, which affects officers' welfare and policing operations. The sharing of accommodation has increased pressure on utilities and added to maintenance problems. To address these issues, the government allocated E15.75 million to REPS for rehabilitation and security fencing during the 2026/27 financial year. This funding is part of Phase II of the capital development programme and covers several police facilities.
The allocated funds will be used for various projects, including rehabilitating the Police Academy kitchen and removing bat waste from ceilings at police facilities in several areas. The Manzini Regional Police Headquarters is also earmarked for rehabilitation. Some work involving bats and their waste was awaiting Tender Board approval during the reporting period. Additionally, REPS undertook repairs at Manzini Regional Police Headquarters and the recently damaged Manzini Police Station.
REPS also used some rehabilitation funds during preparations for the annual Police Day. However, the service acknowledges that the E15.75 million allocation is insufficient to address its infrastructure problems. In addition to the rehabilitation funds, REPS received E13.125 million for institutional housing projects in Mbabane, Lubulini, and Hlane. These projects aim to improve the living conditions of police officers.
The housing projects have made some progress, with eight housing units and fencing completed at Lubulini but awaiting handover during the quarter. A three-storey residential building at Mbabane Police Camp, designed for 24 occupants, had its structure completed, but interior work remained outstanding at the end of September. The project was expected to be completed within two months after the reporting period.
At Hlane, a 48-room dormitory was completed and ready for occupation, while work on an officers' canteen continued. Microprojects supervises the construction projects. Furthermore, one-bedroom houses built at Buhleni have been occupied. However, the housing and rehabilitation programmes face financial and administrative challenges, which may impact the timely completion of these projects.
REPS warns that cash-flow constraints could delay contractor payments, expose the government to litigation, and discourage suppliers. The service identifies rehabilitation and additional housing as necessary to improve officers' living conditions. The police service's infrastructure challenges and funding shortages may also affect planned policing programmes if not addressed.
Key points
- Almost half of police residential properties in Eswatini have been declared unfit for occupation.
- The government allocated E15.75 million to REPS for rehabilitation and security fencing.
- REPS received E13.125 million for institutional housing projects in Mbabane, Lubulini, and Hlane.
