By Ncaba Ntshakala
Nhletjeni Multipurpose Cooperative has received a major financial boost with the official handover of a tractor, a tipping trailer, and essential farming implements worth E1.6 million, funded through the Regional Development Fund (RDF).
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini led the handover ceremony, where he emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering local farmers and driving economic growth through agriculture.
“As part of our commitment to supporting community-driven development, we were honoured to officially hand over a tractor, trailer, and essential implements to the Nhletjeni Multipurpose Cooperative,” he stated.
The cooperative, comprising 25 members, is engaged in crop and vegetable production, a sector the government views as crucial in ensuring food security and self-sufficiency.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Nhletjeni formed part of a major tour across the Shiselweni Region, where he assessed various government-funded development projects.
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He highlighted the significance of community investments in economic stability and agricultural sustainability, urging emaSwati to take full advantage of the RDF grants.
“We take this opportunity to encourage emaSwati to make full use of the Regional Development Fund, which is allocated annually by His Majesty’s Government to all Tinkhundla across the country,” he said.
These funds, he explained, are designed to foster local development by financing key infrastructure projects and agricultural initiatives.
Again, the Prime Minister also visited the Ngololweni community, where he observed the successful implementation of the E12 million Water Harvesting Project.
Funded by the RDF in partnership with the Rural Water Scheme, the project has provided clean, potable water to 485 households under Sandleni Inkhundla.
“This milestone achievement demonstrates the transformative power of targeted investments in community infrastructure,” he said.
He also commended local conservation efforts in the Ngololweni and Kuhlaleni Wetlands, underscoring the importance of sustainable environmental practices in preserving natural resources.
During his engagements with the Nhletjeni community, the Prime Minister encouraged youth participation in agribusiness and eco-tourism, emphasizing the economic potential of these sectors in enhancing job creation and long-term financial stability.
“We emphasised the immense opportunities within agri-business and eco-tourism, sectors that have the potential to create sustainable employment and drive economic transformation,” he noted.
With government support and strategic investment, he argued, communities such as Nhletjeni can unlock their full potential, leveraging both agriculture and natural landscapes to attract investment and growth.
The visit also served as a platform to address national economic recovery following the challenges of the 2021 unrest.
The Prime Minister expressed concerns about the financial setbacks caused by the destruction of infrastructure during the unrest, stressing the need to safeguard national resources for development.
“The unfortunate events of the 2021 unrest dealt a significant blow to our national development efforts.
The destruction of key infrastructure set the country back immeasurably, diverting resources that could have been directed toward critical development initiatives,” he remarked.
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He called on emaSwati to remain committed to peace and unity to ensure sustainable progress.
Further, making emphasis on the government’s dedication to infrastructure development, the Prime Minister announced the upcoming construction of a 44km paved road from Hlathikhulu to Maloma via Mbulungwane, which will enhance connectivity and boost economic activity in the region.
“We are pleased to announce that the tendering process will commence in the coming weeks, signalling the beginning of yet another vital national development project,” he confirmed.
