By 
By Thokozani Mazibuko
In its latest Annual Performance Report, the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development has highlighted significant strides in community development and job creation through various ongoing and completed projects across the country.
According to the report, the ongoing projects are valued at E210, 803,679.41 and are set to benefit 40,625 emaSwati and create 1,506 job opportunities directly. These initiatives are primarily focused on improving infrastructure and generating income for local communities, showcasing the government’s commitment to uplifting the living standards of its citizens.
It should be noted that the Regional Development Fund (RDF) in Eswatini is a fund that supports rural and regional development and the government uses the RDF to fund projects that help communities and improve their quality of life.
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During the review period, a total of 100 projects were successfully completed, comprising 36 Income Generating Projects (IGPs) and 64 infrastructure endeavours.
These completed projects amounted to E77, 334,404.55, benefitting 15,922 emaSwati directly and resulting in the creation of 574 jobs.
The report provides a regional snapshot of achievements and ongoing efforts. In the Hhohho region, nine projects were completed, with four being IGPs and five infrastructure projects worth E5, 049,567.47.
Collectively, these projects benefited 262 emaSwati directly and created 29 jobs. There are currently 39 ongoing projects in the region worth E50,648,852.57, targeting 8,406 direct beneficiaries and adding 187 job opportunities.
The Lubombo region completed a total of 11 projects, including eight IGPs worth E8, 991,473.93, which benefitted 189 emaSwati, creating nine job opportunities. Ongoing projects in Lubombo include 24 initiatives valued at E3, 220,475.48, which will directly benefit 3,696 emaSwati and create 82 jobs.
The report also details the completion of 63 projects in another region, predominantly infrastructure (45) and IGPs (18), with a total expenditure of E49, 177,467.54.
These projects will benefit 9,284 Emaswati and have created 406 jobs. Additionally, there are 41 ongoing projects in this area worth E40, 145,698.04, expected to benefit 8,704 emaSwati and generate 326 jobs.
Highlighting the report’s findings, a total of 17 projects were completed in another segment of Eswatini, including six IGPs and 11 infrastructure projects with investments totalling E13, 603, and 389.20. These projects have provided direct benefits to 1,228 members of the community and created 119 jobs.
Currently, there are 103 ongoing projects worth E116, 788, 653.32, aimed at benefiting 19,819 emaSwati and generating 911 job opportunities.
It is worth mentioning that the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development remains committed to fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for all emaSwati.
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The report states that through these projects, the government not only emphasizes the importance of sustainable development but also strives to empower citizens through skill development and better employment opportunities.
It should be noted that as the government continues to roll out various initiatives, the impact on local communities and the economy at large is expected to be substantial, paving the way for further progress in the years to come.
