Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla conducted a site inspection of four houses currently under construction at Madlangemphisi Inkhundla, as part of a royal initiative commissioned by His Majesty King Mswati III to provide decent housing for vulnerable families in the area.
The housing project is being implemented through a partnership involving the Government of Eswatini, the National Disaster Risk Management Authority (NDRMA), and the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), which has provided technical expertise and labour for the construction work.
The houses, which are designed to provide beneficiaries with dignified and comfortable living conditions, feature modern amenities including a sitting room, fitted kitchen, two bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, and a bathroom. 
Each home is also connected to electricity and water services, significantly improving the quality of life for the recipient families.
During the inspection, Dladla visited four construction sites and interacted with beneficiaries, many of whom have endured years of difficult living conditions before being selected for the housing programme.
Among the families visited was that of Sipho Dlamini, a disabled father who has been living in a tent at Maguga with his wife and three children.
His new house is nearly complete and fully fitted, bringing relief and hope to the family after a prolonged period of hardship.
Speaking during the visit, Dlamini expressed profound gratitude to His Majesty King Mswati III for extending assistance to vulnerable citizens.
He said the new house would transform the lives of his family, providing them with security, comfort and dignity that they had long been deprived of while living in temporary shelter.
The Deputy Prime Minister also inspected the house being built for elderly couple Mkhulu Aaron and Gogo Monica.
The pair have been residing in a leaking traditional hut together with their daughter and four grandchildren.
Their new home has reached an advanced stage of construction and is expected to be completed soon.
Gogo Monica could not hide her excitement as she looked forward to moving into a safer and more comfortable environment.
For years, the family has endured difficult conditions, particularly during periods of heavy rain when water would seep into their dwelling.
The new house is expected to provide a secure and healthy living space for the multigenerational household.
The third stop on the inspection tour was the home of Gogo Sikhandzephi Sifundza, whose previous house collapsed, leaving her and her three grandchildren homeless.
Following the disaster, the family was accommodated in a tent provided by the NDRMA.
Construction of their new house is currently underway and progressing steadily. Officials indicated that the project seeks not only to replace structures lost through disasters but also to restore dignity and stability to affected families.
The final house inspected belonged to Sipho and Zodwa Gabsile Dlamini, parents and grandparents in a large household comprising eight children and grandchildren.
Construction of their home has reached window level and is expected to be completed by the end of July 2026.
Once completed, the house will provide adequate accommodation for the family, which has faced challenges associated with overcrowding and inadequate housing conditions.
Addressing those gathered during the inspection, Dladla commended His Majesty King Mswati III for prioritising the welfare of vulnerable citizens through the housing programme.
She noted that the King had commissioned the construction of ten houses within the inkhundla as part of ongoing efforts to improve living standards and strengthen social protection for disadvantaged families.
The Deputy Prime Minister explained that extensive assessments had been carried out to identify deserving beneficiaries.
Following the evaluation process, six families qualified for modern houses, while an additional twelve families received standard two-room houses to address their housing needs.
She further revealed that two of the six families earmarked for modern houses had been allocated land by their respective Umphakatsi structures.
However, the identified sites were found to be unsuitable for construction, necessitating alternative arrangements before development could commence.
Dladla said the project demonstrated the government’s commitment to ensuring that no citizen is left behind, particularly those facing extreme vulnerability due to poverty, disability, old age or disaster-related displacement.
She also praised the collaboration between government institutions and community structures, describing it as a practical example of how partnerships can be leveraged to improve the lives of ordinary emaSwati.
Special recognition was extended to the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force for its contribution to the project.
The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the military for providing skilled personnel and labour, which have played a critical role in advancing construction work and ensuring quality standards are maintained.
The housing initiative forms part of broader government efforts to improve social welfare and support vulnerable households across the country.
Through programmes coordinated by the NDRMA and other stakeholders, families affected by disasters and extreme poverty continue to receive assistance aimed at rebuilding their lives and restoring hope.
