by Ncaba Ntshakala
His Majesty King Mswati III officially inaugurated the newly completed Gege-Sicunusa road, an impressive 42.5-kilometre stretch of world-class roadway.
The project, which cost E647 million, represents a vital strategic link between three border points Mahamba, Gege, and Sicunusa and was hailed by the King as a pivotal development for the region and the nation.
His Majesty the King, speaking during the official opening, acknowledged the vital role played by Inyatsi Group, a leading local construction company, in successfully delivering this critical infrastructure project.
“As the nation is aware, Inyatsi Group has its footprint in some parts of our continent,” the King noted.
“This is good because we are now sharing our expertise with the rest of Africa. It is pleasing to note that our people have risen to this level and they are able to deliver projects of this magnitude outside Eswatini.”
The King highlighted that the completion of the Gege-Sicunusa road is not just a technical triumph but also an emblem of national pride.
The road, engineered and constructed entirely by emaSwati, was hailed as it showcases the country’s growing capability to tackle large-scale infrastructure projects.
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“We are proud of the local expertise and quality of work delivered by our own people. We want to see more young technical professionals and experts rise to showcase their worth and what they can do for our country,” His Majesty declared.
The King expressed the vast benefits of such infrastructure developments, particularly in terms of job creation and community upliftment.
“During the construction itself, job creation was boosted, as we have been informed that many members of the surrounding communities were hired and got to earn a living to support and improve their families,” King Mswati III stated.
He further applauded the positive economic ripple effects that the road construction had on small businesses in the region, noting that informal businesses flourished as they supported the workers involved in the project.
The road has already received acclaim from emaSwati who have had the chance to experience its smooth, well-constructed surface.
“We are receiving positive feedback from individuals who have already experienced this road, hailing it as a magnificent infrastructure.
We have also experienced firsthand the excellent engineering and quality of the road construction,” His Majesty shared.
The King also took time to recognize the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) for its financial backing of the E647 million project, noting the importance of innovative funding models in making large infrastructure projects a reality.
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“We applaud the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF), which, when approached by the Government, agreed to provide the necessary financing for the project.
This kind of financing model is one that has transformed countries all over the world, and I would like to encourage other public and private fund management entities to collaborate with the Government in using such models to deliver public infrastructure,” the King said.
While the project faced delays and contractual disputes, His Majesty emphasized the need to learn from these challenges.
“We must ensure that such issues do not arise again. We all have a responsibility and remain accountable to the people who have entrusted us with ensuring that we bring these projects and services to them in the most cost-effective way possible,” he said.
Moreover, beyond the completion of the road itself, the construction brought tangible benefits to the surrounding communities, including the development of three new bus-rank facilities that are expected to enhance the local textile industry.
The ease of movement brought by the road is also set to reduce travel costs and simplify transportation for residents across the region, further enhancing local commerce and connectivity.
His Majesty King Mswati III further reflected on the comprehensive impact of such infrastructure projects on the nation’s future, particularly in terms of creating opportunities for the youth.
“It is only when our companies and people succeed will our country be able to create technical jobs for our youth,”
the King said, adding that he looked forward to more young professionals seizing opportunities to contribute to the country’s development.