Government expands housing support by over 2000 houses
By Delisa Magagula
The Government of Eswatini continues to make steady progress in improving the welfare of public servants, with the provision of housing emerging as one of the most tangible achievements of the Ministry of Public Service during the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.
Presenting the Ministry’s second Quarter Performance Report, Minister for Public Service Mabulala Maseko said the availability of government accommodation remains a critical enabler of efficiency and stability within the public service.
“As a Ministry, our responsibility is to ensure that public servants are supported in a manner that allows them to serve the nation effectively.
Adequate accommodation is not a privilege, but a necessity that directly affects performance, morale and service delivery,” said Maseko.
According to the report, the Ministry currently manages a total of 2,684 houses designated for the accommodation of public servants across the country.
Of these, 1,104 are government pool houses, excluding institutional houses, while 1,580 houses are leased from private landlords. This housing portfolio represents one of the largest coordinated accommodation programmes within government, aimed at reducing housing insecurity among public officers.
The Minister explained that the housing programme is aligned with the Ministry’s broader mandate to create an enabling environment for effective public service delivery.
During the period under review, the Ministry realigned its Ministerial Statement, Vision, Mission Statement and Core Values to reflect the aspirations of emaSwati as articulated at Sibaya in 2023, the Government Programme of Action and the National Development Plan.
“We have deliberately repositioned the Ministry to respond to the expectations of the nation.
This includes setting SMART objectives that are measurable and responsive to the realities faced by public servants on the ground,” Maseko said.
He further said, demand for government accommodation remains high, reflecting both population growth within the public service and rising housing costs in urban centres.
The report further reveals that during the first quarter, the Housing Allocation Committee received 1,900 applications for government quarters from officers across various ministries.
From these applications, 18 officers were allocated government houses based on availability and established allocation criteria.
Maseko said the continued rise in housing requests underscores the importance of government intervention in the accommodation sector.
“The volume of applications we receive shows clearly that government housing remains essential. While supply cannot immediately meet demand, we are continuously exploring alternative mechanisms to support our officers,” she said.
In addition to new allocations, the Ministry processed requests for house and office swaps, a mechanism designed to address changing personal and operational needs among public servants.
During the quarter, the Housing Allocation Committee approved eight swaps from 65 requests received.
“These swaps may appear small in number, but they have a meaningful impact. They allow us to optimise existing housing stock and ensure that officers are placed where they can function more effectively,” the Minister noted.
The report also highlights decisive action taken in the management of leased properties. All lease agreements submitted during the quarter were renewed, and rental payments were maintained in good standing. Importantly, the Ministry terminated five leased houses due to failure by landlords to meet maintenance standards.
“We are firm on this issue. Government will not continue paying for houses that are not properly maintained. This is about accountability and ensuring decent living conditions for our public servants,” said Maseko in his report.
Meanwhile housing allowances remain another critical component of government support for officers who are not accommodated in government quarters.
During the reporting period, the Ministry processed 68 housing allowance claims. The report notes that delays in submission by some ministries continue to affect turnaround times, prompting the Ministry to reinforce compliance and accuracy in documentation.
“We are strengthening coordination with line ministries to ensure that claim forms are submitted correctly and on time. Our objective is to ensure that eligible officers receive their allowances without unnecessary delays,” the Minister said.
The Ministry also continued to manage exit processes related to government housing. During the quarter, two rental clearance certificates were issued to officers exiting the civil service, ensuring that housing records are properly closed and assets safeguarded.
Maseko said the Ministry’s housing programme will remain a priority area going forward, particularly as government seeks to stabilise the public service and improve productivity.
“When public servants are properly housed, they are better positioned to focus on their responsibilities. This directly benefits government operations and, ultimately, the citizens we serve,” she said.
The first quarter performance reflects government’s continued investment in practical interventions that support public servants beyond remuneration.
Through structured housing provision, firm lease management and targeted allowances, the Ministry of Public Service is strengthening the foundation of an efficient, responsive and motivated public service in line with national development priorities.