By Ncaba Ntshakala
PRIME Minister Russell Dlamini has issued a compelling challenge to the community of Lobamba to restore the area to its former glory by strengthening the environment and implementing programs that promote good social behavioural change.
This transformation, he emphasized, is crucial in the nation’s ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS, which continues to pose a significant public health threat.
The Prime Minister highlighted Lobamba as one of the most densely populated constituencies in the country which is a factor that inherently increases the community’s exposure to various social behavioral risks.
These risks, he noted, have significantly contributed to the rise in new HIV infections, particularly among key and priority populations. His call to action was clear:
by instilling good social behaviours, Lobamba can play a pivotal role in reducing these risks and, consequently, the spread of HIV.
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“Lobamba is one of the most crowded constituencies in the country, which undoubtedly exposes this community to many social behavioural risks.
These behaviours have contributed to the rise in new HIV infections among key and priority populations.
I challenge the Inkhundla to restore Lobamba to its former glory by providing an environment and programs that instil good social behavioural change.
This will contribute to the effort to end HIV and AIDS as a public health threat in the country,” the Prime Minister stated.
During his visit, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini toured the Lobamba Service Centre, which is a vital hub providing a wide array of government services.
He was warmly welcomed by the Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, Legislators, Senior Regional Officer, Ntombikayise Ndzabukelwako and other notable figures.
The centre offers essential services including birth, death, and marriage certificate registration, revenue services, and the Master of the High Court, among others.
The Premier expressed his satisfaction with the operational efficiency of the service centre, and he commended its alignment with the government’s decentralization drive, which aims to enhance access to vital services across the nation.
He highlighted the importance of maintaining high ethical standards and professionalism among public officials to ensure efficient and respectful service delivery.
“I am excited to familiarize myself with the Lobamba Inkhundla, which serves as one of the country’s service centres, delivering critical services to the Nation.
His Majesty’s Government prioritizes the allocation of resources in the delivery of public services. In deploying human capital as a key resource, all sectors are compelled to ensure that those officials are well equipped and capacitated to ensure efficiency,” he remarked.
Again, the Prime Minister also highlighted Lobamba’s rich potential as a tourism hub. Lobamba area is home to numerous cultural and historical sites which include the King Sobhuza II Memorial Park, the National Museum, and the National Archives.
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These attractions have been hailed by Dlamini as they present significant opportunities for the community to thrive economically, particularly through the supply of traditional artefacts and fresh food to local hotels.
“Lobamba is an epicentre of tourism activities, merging cultural activities with historical sites. This presents opportunities for the community of Lobamba to thrive and harness the benefits that can be derived from these tourist activities and sites,” he noted.
Addressing another critical issue, the Prime Minister called for the inclusion of programs which will empower men and boys in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
He emphasized that Tinkhundla centres like the one in Lobamba are well-positioned to facilitate community engagement and promote positive social behaviours.
“These centres should be places where organizations like NERCHA and others bring programs aimed at empowering young men and men in general in the fight against GBV. This is in addition to the programs already in place to empower women and girls,” he asserted.
The visit also included the handover of a new 15-seater Toyota Quantum to Khulisanani Bomake (Pty) Ltd which is a local transport business funded through the Regional Development Fund.
The recipients of the project hailed this initiative, and they said it e exemplifies the government’s dedication to supporting local enterprises and enhancing economic sustainability.
“Khulisanani Bomake is an example of what the RDF can do if properly utilized. We encourage more emaSwati to use these funds.
The involvement of the elderly as qualifying beneficiaries is a testimony to the inclusive approach that His Majesty’s Government embraces in her developmental approaches,” the Prime Minister said.
In closing, Dlamini put emphasis on the government’s dedication to delivering public services efficiently and sustainably.
He urged all stakeholders to collaborate in safeguarding infrastructure and maintaining high service standards to ensure the long-term welfare of emaSwati.
The Prime Minister’s visit to the Lobamba Service Centre concluded with a tasting session of food prepared by the Taiwan Africa Vegetable Initiative (TAVI) project and an educational session on diabetes and hypertension for the public.
