KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: About 250 kilometres of untarred roads across Eswatini’s four regions are expected to be surfaced through a Probase road construction project estimated at E1.6 billion.
The assurance was given to His Majesty King Mswati III during a courtesy meeting with representatives of Probase Manufacturing and Exim Bank in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Wednesday afternoon.
The proposed work will add to the 211 kilometres of roads already surfaced by Probase in Eswatini. 
Probase Manufacturing Managing Director Seow Chen Soon led the company’s delegation, while Exim Bank was represented by its Chief Business Officer, Fazah Mustapa.
The company has established a product manufacturing factory at Sidvokodvo, where about 40 emaSwati are employed.
Soon told the King that a further 60 emaSwati had been hired to maintain the completed roads over an agreed 15 year period.
About 2,000 emaSwati are also expected to benefit from temporary employment opportunities during construction.
The road programme is expected to improve transport links in communities across Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Lubombo.
During the meeting, King Mswati expressed appreciation to Probase Manufacturing for the impact of its projects on communities throughout the country.
The King said improved roads had changed lives by making it easier for people to reach hospitals, clinics, schools, markets and other essential services.
He noted that some communities had previously struggled to access medical facilities and other services, particularly during the rainy season when poor roads became difficult to use.
King Mswati also thanked Exim Bank for supporting the project and encouraged the financial institution to consider funding other developments in Eswatini.
He proposed that Exim Bank explore opportunities to finance industrial parks in the four regions, saying such projects could help create businesses and reduce unemployment.
