Siphofaneni – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has visited the Strategic Oil Reserve Facility under construction at Phuzamoya in Siphofaneni, describing the project as a landmark national investment that will strengthen the country’s energy security and support sustainable economic growth.
The facility forms part of the Nkwe Programme of Action and the Grand Plan for National Transformation. Once completed, it will bolster Eswatini’s capacity to maintain strategic fuel reserves, shielding the country against potential supply disruptions.
“The importance of having an in country Strategic Oil Reserve Facility cannot be overstated. The ability for the Kingdom to maintain strategic fuel stocks will significantly enhance our preparedness against potential disruptions in the fuel supply chain,” Dlamini said during the site visit.
The Prime Minister commended the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, the Eswatini National Petroleum Company, contractor OEE, project management team CECI and all stakeholders for the progress achieved so far. He urged them to maintain momentum and ensure the project is delivered within the agreed timelines, budget and quality standards.
Dlamini said the project must go beyond energy security and deliver real socio-economic benefits for emaSwati through local participation, employment creation, skills development and opportunities for local businesses.
“Large-scale infrastructure projects must serve as catalysts for local economic participation through opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, service providers, and employment creation,” he said.
The Prime Minister expressed Government’s confidence in the successful delivery of the project, describing the facility as a national priority that will advance economic transformation and improve the livelihoods of emaSwati.
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