Swazi downpours cause R50m road damage

MBABANE - Continuous rains not seen in Swaziland in 25 years have left a waterlogged road system and extensive infrastructure damage. Transportation and Public Works Minister Nthuthuko Dlamini told FTW that a week of persistent downpours had caused R50m in damages to roads and highways, and destroyed 19 bridges. The network of rural roads needed by farmers to bring their crops to market has been severely compromised, the minister said. "The assessment teams have so far reported that a number of road signs nationally have been damaged. Gravel and tarred roads, bridges and low level crossings have all been affected and will require urgent attention," Dlamini said. However, he said only R2 million was available for infrastructure repair. The minister said he would ask parliament for emergency funding. Side rails have collapsed along the newly opened highway from the Oshoek border post to Mbabane, prompting some observers to suggest that original construction may have been poor.