By Lwazi Dlamini
Outlining major projects that have come out of the Taiwan-Eswatini diplomatic relations, Taiwan Ambassador to Eswatini Jeremy H.S Liang has indicated they are fully behind the plans to transform Mbabane into a Smart City.
This will be done by providing free Wi-Fi in various parts of the city and a network which will be utilized to enhance traffic management and disaster prevention.
Liang disclosed these plans in his speech during the 113th Double Tenth National Day celebrations held at the Happy Valley Resort on Wednesday night.
“Taiwan has the skills, resources and will to support Eswatini’s development and progress. It is a fact that Eswatini consistently advocates for Taiwan in the international arena.
Two weeks ago, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, once again called for Taiwan’s participation in the UN System.
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Prime Minister Dlamini emphasized that Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN System would strengthen global cooperation and partnerships as well as enable greater progress on realizing the Sustainable Development Goals,” Liang said.
Liang then highlighted some of the commendable the two sovereign states have achieved together in particular on the medical cooperation.
“The three operating rooms funded by Taiwan and located in the Referral and Emergency Complex of the Mbabane Government Hospital, are in operation.
These facilities are equipped with the latest medical equipment, raising the standard of health care in the Beautiful Kingdom and making a real contribution to saving countless lives.
They are a symbol of Taiwan and Eswatini’s commitment to achieve Health for All and Leave no one behind,” the Ambassador said.
He added: “An important part of this commitment is the Taiwan Medical Mission, providing free outreach services in rural areas each month. It has visited all corners of Eswatini, assisting those most in need.
Since January, the mission has treated more than 8,000 patients. No matter the distance, whenever people face difficulties accessing health care, the mission is ready, willing and able to lend a helping hand.
Through these actions, Taiwan and Eswatini share a bond as close as brothers.”
Liang said in addition to the outreach services, since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the Taiwan Embassy has donated rice to constituencies every week, which eases food insecurity and demonstrates without doubt that the people of Eswatini are always in the Taiwanese’ hearts.
He said the Rural Electrification Project, a farsighted Taiwan-Eswatini joint effort, successfully provided electricity to over 80 per cent of Eswatini’s areas.
“This positions the beautiful Kingdom as one of the leading countries in Africa for electricity access. Today, we are working together on Potable Water Supply and Sanitation Schemes, seeking to ensure that all of Eswatini’s regions can access clean water.
This year, we funded and supported the construction of clean water facilities and transportation pipelines in several rural villages. It is our most sincere hope that all remote areas in Eswatini will soon have access to clean water.”
Liang said a major upcoming project is the construction of Strategic Oil Reserve in Eswatini and the facility will provide the country with oil reserves to manage fluctuations in international prices, stabilize domestic prices and enhance energy security.
He said the project will also create more job opportunities for the people of Eswatini.
“Additionally, with Taiwan’s assistance, Eswatini’s first Aquaculture Research and Production Centre was completed this year. This is a milestone in the development of Eswatini fisheries.
The centre will be used to cultivate fish larvae and train aquaculture technicians, who will then share this knowledge in other regions of Eswatini,” Liang said.
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He further stated: “I am particularly pleased to see that the Microfinance Revolving Fund, established with a million-dollar contribution by Taiwan, is helping many women entrepreneurs succeed.
This initiative effectively motivates all segments of society to contribute to Eswatini’s economy, enhances the status of women in Eswatini and promotes gender equality.”
Liang said in terms of foreign policy, Taiwan will continue to uphold the spirit of Taiwan Can Help, making contributions to the international community in areas such as public health, agriculture, infrastructure and humanitarian assistance.
“As we can see, Taiwan’s commitment to Eswatini remains rock solid. Taiwan will continue to partner with Eswatini in advancing national development and the relationship between Taiwan and Eswatini will continue to grow from strength to strength,” the Ambassador noted.
