Mbabane – Hon. Neal Rijkenberg spoke to Emaswati about the National Budget, rising electricity tariffs, fuel prices, and steps households can take to manage costs. His remarks were delivered in a video message this week as part of the Ministry of Finance’s “Finance in Focus” update.
“The budget has now finalized, His Majesty has signed the appropriation bill and supplementary budget into law, and we are starting this year’s budget within IFMS,” the minister said. He explained that the Integrated Financial Management System, or IFMS, will now go live, bringing improved financial management across government departments.
Rijkenberg also addressed ongoing budget support discussions with international partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the OPEC Fund. “We’ll be speaking to all of our different concessional funders to see what they can do to support us as a country and raise budget support funding,” he noted.
On household expenses, the minister described the simultaneous increases in electricity and fuel prices as a major challenge for Emaswati. He explained government efforts to cushion the impact, including using a loan guarantee scheme within parastatals to support the Electricity Company of Eswatini, and maintaining the fuel stabilization fund, which has grown to nearly one billion Emalangeni.
“The fund is still paid by fuel users, but it provides a cushion for a period of time. We hope the global situation will ease soon,” Rijkenberg said. He also mentioned plans to build a 60-day strategic oil reserve to prevent future shortages.
The minister offered practical advice for households to reduce energy and fuel use. “Look at what globes you are using, boil water once and use a flask, drive less, travel with friends or family if possible. Try to avoid going into more debt and focus on savings instead,” he said.
Rijkenberg concluded by wishing Emaswati a happy Easter and promising another update after the holiday.
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