By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Government of Eswatini has taken a major step towards improving service delivery with the acquisition of 68 new vehicles that will be distributed across various ministries.
These vehicles represent the first batch in a larger fleet of 741 cars being procured through a landmark public-private partnership between the government and Standard Bank.
This initiative, worth E500 million, was hailed as it aims to enhance the operational efficiency of government ministries and ensure better mobility for officials whilst addressing the longstanding issue of service delays.
REALTED: Court grants govt condonation of late filing of record
Again, the partnership with Standard Bank was hailed as a pivotal moment in Eswatini’s approach to fleet management.
For the next five years, the vehicles will be financed and managed by the bank, with the government assuming full ownership once all payments have been made.
This collaboration also involves local car dealerships and insurance providers which has been said to be a reflection of a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder effort to modernize government operations.
Speaking during the handover ceremony held at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Minister Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe lauded the partnership with Standard Bank where he highlighted the potential of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in addressing critical challenges faced by the government.
“We are very pleased with the results of this partnership. This fleet will help us improve service delivery, especially where mobility has been a key constraint,” the minister remarked.
He further explained how the lack of transportation had negatively impacted government employees which ultimately led to delays in services for the public.
He stated that this was a key issue raised by emaSwati during the last Sibaya, where the lack of vehicles was cited as a major hindrance to timely service delivery.
The Minster said that the new fleet will directly address this challenge and allow ministries to reach more people efficiently.
RELATED: Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida to resign, paving way for new leader
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has further emphasized the importance of responsible use and maintenance of these vehicles.
The 68 new cars, along with the remaining fleet to be delivered in phases, will be equipped with advanced tracking systems to ensure that misuse is minimized.
The Minister urged all government ministries to take great care of the vehicles, noting that daily monitoring by the Heads of Ministries will ensure they are used appropriately and effectively.
Moreover, Standard Bank’s involvement was said to go beyond financing, as the bank is also introducing digitized fleet management solutions to improve the monitoring and maintenance of government vehicles.
These technological upgrades will streamline operations within the Road Transport Department which will ensure that vehicles are used efficiently and transparently.
