Ministry says E1m requested from council is a loan

MBABANE – The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development says the E1 million requested from Mbabane Municipal Council for the Eswatini Urban Forum is a short-term loan that will be repaid.

The ministry issued a statement following an online report alleging that the council’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and her alleged boyfriend were plotting to steal about E1 million in ratepayers’ money and channel it to the forum.

The ministry dismissed the allegations of theft and misappropriation, describing the transaction as a standard administrative arrangement between Government and the municipality.

According to the ministry, it formally requested the money in writing to meet immediate logistical costs associated with hosting the Eswatini Urban Forum at the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre.

The ministry said the funds would be fully reimbursed to the municipality in accordance with the written request.

It further stated that the transaction was documented through official correspondence and that the funds were released after the council received the written request.

“There was never any phone call between the Hon. Minister and the Mbabane Municipal Council CEO,” the statement reads.

The ministry maintained that the arrangement followed due process and assured Mbabane residents and ratepayers that the money would be repaid as agreed.

It also rejected the online report’s characterisation of the transaction as a criminal act, saying it remained committed to transparency, accountability and the prudent use of public funds.

The statement was issued by the ministry’s Principal Secretary, Dr Simon Zwane.

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