40c per litre to go to roads maintenance

 

From midnight April 4, Eswatini will introduce fuel levy to support critical road infrastructure projects.

A 40 cents per litre Roads Authority Levy will be introduced on fuel prices. This announcement was made by the Ministry of Finance during the recent budget speech, aligning with the provisions of the Roads Authority Act of 2023. 

The levy is designed to generate funds for essential road infrastructure projects aimed at improving safety and connectivity for all road users across the country.

Despite concerns about potential fuel price hikes, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy has assured the public that the levy will not result in an increase in fuel prices. Instead, it will be allocated specifically to addressing the deteriorating state of Eswatini’s road network.

While Eswatini has seen an increase in the coverage of tarred roads over the years, many roads remain in poor condition, plagued by potholes and general neglect. This has posed significant challenges for motorists, leading to higher vehicle maintenance costs and safety risks. The introduction of the levy is expected to provide a sustainable funding mechanism for road repairs, maintenance, and expansion projects.

The initiative has sparked mixed reactions among citizens. Some welcome the move, hoping it will lead to tangible improvements in the country’s infrastructure. Others, however, remain skeptical about whether the funds will be effectively managed and whether road users will see meaningful improvements in the near future.