According to the bank provided information, the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini intends to upgrade the Siphofaneni-Sithobela Maloma-Nsoko (MR14) Road. The government received financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB) towards the cost of the development of the Manzini Golf Course Interchange and intends to apply part of the proceeds to cover eligible payments under a contract for the preparation of an update to the feasibility study and detailed designs for MR14 and MR21 roads. The MR 14 road connects on the MR8 from Siphofaneni to Maloma and from Maloma to Nsoko where it again connects to the MR 8 road. The overall length of the MR14 is approximately 82.2 km.

The project aims to improve domestic and regional connectivity and mobility in urban and rural areas through investing in safe, efficient and cost-effective road infrastructure. It is expected to open opportunities for economic activities, access to social economic services and jobs, ultimately contributing to poverty alleviation and economic development.

The project roads connect key areas within the Lubombo and Shiselweni regions. The MR14 begins in Siphofaneni, passing through Sinceni and Lavundlamanti, and heads southward to Sithobela. From Sithobela, the road continues to Nkonjwa and then to Maloma. Finally, it heads east to Nsoko, where it meets the MR-8 Junction. Additionally, the MR-21 gravel road starts at the junction of MR-14 and MR-10 in Maloma. It travels south along the MR-10 for about 4.6 km before joining MR-21 at Sigwe Junction. The MR-21 then extends approximately 21 km south, concluding at the Siphambanweni Junction with MR-11. The initial 5 km of MR-21 is situated in the Lubombo region, while the remainder lies in the Shiselweni region. This road network is crucial for improving accessibility and connectivity between these regions, facilitating transport and economic development. These roads, which currently are gravel, will be paved, directly benefiting about 234,027 people of which 45.7% are female and 54.3% are male. The upgrade aims to improve access to social services, address employment issues, and reduce transport costs for agriculture. Stakeholder engagement has been a key component, involving mapping, surveys, and consultations to ensure community involvement and support.

Aaron Katambula MWILA
Transp. Engineer(Infrast. Assets), RDGS
African Development Bank
a.mwila@afdb.org 
www.afdb.org

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

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ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF AfDB

The Independent Review Mechanism (IRM), which is administered by the Compliance Review and Mediation Unit (CRMU), is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who have been or are likely to be adversely affected by an African Development Bank (AfDB)-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the IRM, it may assist you by either seeking to address your problems by facilitating a dispute resolution dialogue between you and those implementing the project and/or investigating whether the AfDB complied with its policies to prevent environmental and social harms. You can submit a complaint electronically by emailing crmuinfo@afdb.org, b.kargougou@afdb.org, b.fall@afdb.org, and/or s.toure@afdb.org. You can learn more about the IRM and how to file a complaint at: https://www.afdb.org/en/independent-review-mechanism/