1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 ON BEHALF OF HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT AND ON MY
OWN BEHALF, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY
TO WISH THE NATION AND OUR VISITORS A HEALTHY AND
PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR; MAY 2008 BE AN EVENTFUL YEAR
FOR ALL OF US.
1.2 AS 2007 DRAWS TO AN END, I WOULD LIKE TO REFLECT ON
THE ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE PAST YEAR AND ALSO BRIEFLY
HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT LIE AHEAD OF
US AS A COUNTRY.
1.3 FROM A NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE, THE YEAR 2007 HAS BEEN
A YEAR OF SOME MOMENTOUS ACHIEVEMENTS; WE HAD A
SUCCESSFUL NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SUMMIT, GREAT
STRIDES HAVE BEEN MADE ON THE GOOD GOVERNANCE
FRONT. TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES IN THE HEALTH SECTOR,
THE HEALTH POLICY HAS BEEN LAUNCHED. WE HAVE
FORGED AHEAD WITH THE FIGHT AGAINST THE HIV/AIDS
PANDEMIC AND THE ABUSE OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION REMAINS A
PRIORITY.
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1.4 ON THE OTHER HAND, WE CANNOT OVERLOOK THE FACT
THAT 2007 CAME WITH GREAT CHALLENGES BOTH FOR HIS
MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT AND THE COUNTRY IN GENERAL.
SOME OF THE CHALLENGES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING;
DROUGHT, WILD FIRES, ISSUES OF ORPHANS AND
VULNERABLE CHILDREN, DRUG SHORTAGES, SLOW GROWTH
OF OUR ECONOMY AND POVERTY TO MENTION BUT A FEW.
1.5 AS WE ENTER 2008 I AM AWARE THAT WE HAVE A HUGE
TASK AHEAD OF US, WHICH IS THE NATIONAL ELECTIONS
FOR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT EXPECTED TO BE HELD SOME
TIME IN THE NEW YEAR. AS THE ELECTORATE WE ALL NEED
TO EXERCISE OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO VOTE FOR
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT.
1.6 IN THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS, I HAVE BRIEFLY
PRESENTED A SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS
AND CHALLENGES FACED BOTH BY GOVERNMENT AND THE
NATION AS A WHOLE. I WILL BRIEFLY HIGHLIGHT THE
ACHIEVEMENTS AND FUTURE CHALLENGES.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 2007
2 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
2.1 ECONOMIC GROWTH REBOUNDED TO 2.8% IN 2006 FROM
2.3% IN 2005 WITH AN AVERAGE OF 2% IN THE PAST 5
YEARS. HOWEVER, THE REAL GDP PER CAPITA STILL
REMAINS THE LOWEST AMONG THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN
CUSTOMS UNION (SACU) COUNTRIES.
2.2 AGRICULTURE DID NOT PERFORM AS EXPECTED DUE TO
SHORTAGE OF RAINS AND OTHER NATURAL FACTORS AND AS
A RESULT IT SHRUNK BY 2.4% WITH A GREAT SHARE OF THE
DECLINE ATTRIBUTED TO CROPS ON SWAZI NATION LAND
(SNL) AND INDIVIDUAL TENURE FARMS (ITF). THE LIVESTOCK
WAS ALSO SUBDUED. THE COUNTRY'S EXPORTS HAS BEEN
NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY THE STRENGTH OF THE
EXCHANGE RATE BETWEEN THE LILANGENI AND THE US
DOLLAR BUT THE STRONG DEMAND FOR SOME MAJOR
DOMESTIC COMMODITIES MINIMISED THE IMPACT ON
OVERALL EXPORT RECEIPTS.
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2.3 THE LABOUR MARKET CONTINUES TO FACE CHALLENGES
WITH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE STANDING AT 29%. THE
YOUTH IS THE MOST AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM, THE
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AMONGST THIS GROUP IS AROUND
40%.
3. EFFORTS AT EMPLOYMENT CREATION
3.1 INVESTMENT PROMOTION CONTINUES TO BE A MAJOR
FOCUS IN THE COUNTRY. GOVERNMENT IS WORKING WITH
THE SWAZILAND INVESTMENT PROMOTION AUTHORITY
(SIPA) AND HAS BEEN ENGAGED IN A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES
TO PROMOTE INVESTMENT.
3.2 INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT REMAINS KEY IN THE CREATION
OF EMPLOYMENT. THE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AT
NGWENYA INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WHICH MEASURES ABOUT
200 HECTARES IS ALMOST COMPLETE. GOVERNMENT HAS
ALSO ACQUIRED LAND FOR THE EXPANSION OF MATSAPHA
INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND IS CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF
ACQUIRING SITES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIAL
ESTATES IN MANKAYANE AND SIDVOKODVO.
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3.3 IN TERMS OF POLICY REFORM, GOVERNMENT, WITH THE
ASSISTANCE OF THE UNITED NATIONS INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION (UNIDO), IS DEVELOPING AN
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND STRATEGY, THIS
WILL WORK WELL TOGETHER WITH THE INDUSTRIAL
MASTER PLAN WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED.
3.4 GOVERNMENT STRONGLY BELIEVES THAT THE SMALL AND
MEDIUM ENTERPRISE (SME) DEVELOPMENT IS THE
BACKBONE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR ANY COUNTRY
BECAUSE IT FILTERS QUITE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE GRASS
ROOT LEVEL. THE SME UNIT IS ENGAGED IN NUMEROUS
ACTIVITIES, WHICH WILL ENSURE THE DEVELOPMENT OF
THE SECTOR.
3.5 THE HANDICRAFT SECTOR HAS GREAT POTENTIAL AND
GOVERNMENT IS DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO SUPPORT
THE PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THIS SECTOR. TO ENHANCE
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN THIS SECTOR, GOVERNMENT HAS
ALSO EMBARKED ON THE SKILLS OUTREACH PROGRAMME
WHICH SEEKS TO PROVIDE SKILLS TO THE YOUTH IN THE
RURAL AREAS. THE PROGRAMME CONSISTS OF THE SERVICES
PROVIDED IN THE NATIONAL HANDICRAFT TRAINING CENTER
(NHTC) WHICH IS ASSISTED BY THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON
TAIWAN.
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3.6 MAY I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CONGRATULATE THE
WORKERS AND THE EMPLOYERS FOR THE HARMONIOUS
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS CLIMATE IN THE COUNTRY. I
STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT IF WE CONTINUE TO USE THE
EXISTING STRUCTURES AND THE TRIPARTITE FORUM TO
RESOLVE OUR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ISSUES, WE WILL
IMPROVE OUR OPPORTUNITIES TO ATTRACT INVESTMENT.
3.7 I ALSO WISH TO THANK AND APPRECIATE THE EFFORTS OF
CIVIL SERVANTS IN IMPLEMENTING GOVERNMENT POLICIES
AND PROGRAMMES AND IN ENSURING THE DELIVERY OF
SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE. I NOTE HOWEVER THAT MORE
NEEDS TO BE DONE AND I WOULD THEREFORE ENCOURAGE
ALL CIVIL SERVANTS TO WORK HARDER IN THE COMING
YEAR AND FUTURE YEARS.
4. TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
4.1 TOURISM REMAINS A KEY GROWTH SECTOR. IN ORDER TO
PROMOTE TOURISM, A NUMBER OF INITIATIVES HAVE BEEN
TAKEN, WHICH INCLUDE, THE DRAFTING OF ENABLING
LEGISLATION TO REGULATE THE GAMING INDUSTRY, AND
THE DEVELOPMENT OF REGULATIONS ON TOURISM
ACCOMMODATION,
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AND ESTABLISHMENTS. WE HAVE ALSO HOSTED A NUMBER
OF JOURNALISTS AND TOUR OPERATORS TO SHOW CASE
OUR TOURISM ATTRACTIONS.
4.2 TO EXPAND THE SECTOR AND ALSO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
THE OPPORTUNITIES FROM THE FIFA 2010, SOCCER WORLD
CUP, GOVERNMENT IS DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO
EXTEND THE OPENING HOURS OF THE BORDERS BETWEEN
THE REPUBLICS OF SOUTH AFRICA AND MOZAMBIQUE AND
HOPEFULLY THIS WILL BE ON TIME FOR THE FIFA 2010
SOCCER WORLD CUP. THE COMPUTERIZATION OF
IMMIGRATION FORMALITIES AT OUR BORDER POSTS WILL
ALSO GREATLY ENHANCE THE SPEED WITH WHICH WE ARE
ABLE TO ATTEND TO OUR TOURISTS, BUSINESS PEOPLE AND
OTHER VISITORS.
4.3 CABINET HAS ALSO SET UP A CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE TO
WORK ON THE ISSUES OF THE FIFA 2010 SOCCER WORLD
CUP AND THEY ARE WORKING WITH A TECHNICAL
COMMITTEE IN ORDER TO SEE THAT AS A COUNTRY WE
BENEFIT FROM THIS GLOBAL EVENT. THE FIFA 2010 SOCCER
WORLD CUP TECHNICAL TEAM IS COLLABORATING WITH
REPUBLICS OF SOUTH AFRICA AND MOZAMBIQUE ON HOW
BEST WE CAN BENEFIT,
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AS NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES IN TERMS OF HOSTING TEAMS
THAT WILL BE COMING FOR THE WORLD CUP IN SOUTH
AFRICA.
5. ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS (EPAS)
5.1 THE KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND TOGETHER WITH SOME SADC
COUNTRIES IS NEGOTIATING ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
AGREEMENT (EPAS) WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION.
5.2 THE PARTIES HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO NEGOTIATE AND
CONCLUDE THE NEGOTIATIONS BEFORE DECEMBER 2007
AND THEY HAVE AGREED TO HAVE AN INTERIM EPA
AGREEMENT (IEPAA) IN PLACE.
5.3 SWAZILAND TOGETHER WITH OTHER WILLING AFRICAN,
CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC (ACP) MEMBER STATES INITIALLED
THE IEPAA PENDING CONCLUSION OF A FULL EPA IN 2008.
THIS IS A VERY ESSENTIAL UNDERTAKING FOR THE COUNTRY
THAT WOULD PREVENT DISRUPTION OF EXPORTS TO THE
EUROPEAN UNION FROM 2008 SINCE THE CURRENT
COTONOU AGREEMENT THAT GOVERNS PREFERENTIAL
MARKET ACCESS WILL NO LONGER BE IN PLACE.
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6. REVENUE COLLECTION
6.1 OUR COUNTRY CONTINUES TO DERIVE OVER 50 % OF OUR
REVENUE FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN CUSTOMS UNION
(SACU). WE RECOGNISE THAT SACU IS AN IMPORTANT
PARTNER OF GROWTH IN THE ECONOMIES OF THE
SOUTHERN AFRICA REGION.
6.2 HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT REMAINS COMMITTED TO
REFORM THE ADMINISTRATION AND COLLECTION OF
DOMESTIC REVENUES. THE SWAZILAND REVENUE
AUTHORITY BILL, 2007 HAS BEEN PASSED BY BOTH HOUSES
OF PARLIAMENT. WE ARE GARTEFUL TO THE AUGUST HOUSE
FOR PASSING THE BILL.
6.3 THE BILL WILL FACILITATE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE
SWAZILAND REVENUE AUTHORITY, WHICH WILL UNIFY THE
TWO REVENUE COLLECTION DEPARTMENTS AND BRING
ABOUT SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
ADMINISTRATION OF REVENUE COLLECTION IN THE
COUNTRY.
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7 IMPROVING FISCAL DISCIPLINE
7.1 GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO GIVE PRIORITY TO FISCAL
DISCIPLINE, BY ENSURING THAT LIMITED RESOURCES ARE
ALLOCATED EFFICIENTLY TO KEY SECTORS AND MONITORED.
7.2 AS PART OF ITS EXPENDITURE CONTROL STRATEGY,
GOVERNMENT HAS ENGAGED CROWN AGENTS OF LONDON
TO ASSIST WITH STREAMLINING THE GOVERNMENT'S
PROCUREMENT SYSTEM. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A
MORE ROBUST AND VIGILANT GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT
SYSTEM.
7.3 OTHER MEASURES AIMED AT EXPENDITURE CONTROL,
INCLUDE THE INTRODUCTION OF A COMPUTERIZED
COMMITMENT/ORDER AND TOUR ADVANCE SYSTEMS. A
COMPUTERIZED FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IS ALSO BEING
PILOT-TESTED IN THE POLICE SERVICE.
7.4 GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PUT IN PLACE POLICIES
THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE NATIONAL BUDGET
ADDRESSES SOME OF THE KEY SOCIAL SECTORS SUCH AS
HEALTH AND EDUCATION WHILST TAKING COGNIZANCE OF
THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION
PROGRAMMES.
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8 AGRICULTURE
8.1 THE AGRICULTURAL SUMMIT WHICH WAS BLESSED BY THE
PRESENCE OF HIS MAJESTY THE KING AND HER MAJESTY THE
INDLOVUKAZI IN JULY THIS YEAR WAS A MAJOR MILESTONE
FOR GOVERNMENT.
8.2 THE SUMMIT PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR
CONSOLIDATING THE VIEWS OF AMONGST OTHERS: THE
FARMER, INPUT SUPPLIERS, MARKETING BODIES,
GOVERNMENT AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS. IT ALSO
PROVIDED A SOLID CORNERSTONE FOR MOVING THE
NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL AGENDA FORWARD.
8.3 GOVERNMENT FULLY RECOGNISES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED
THROUGH THE SUMMIT PROCESS AS THOSE OF THE NATION.
THE CONSULTATIONS WERE EXTENSVE INVOLVING ALL
LEVELS STARTING AT CHIEFDOM LEVEL, TO THE
TINKHUNDLA, REGIONAL AND FINALLY NATIONAL LEVEL.
MOREOVER, THE CONSULTATIONS INVOLVED ALL FARMER
GROUPS WHICH ARE THE SUBSISTENCE, SMALLHOLDER AND
LARGE SCALE FARMERS.
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8.4 GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY PREPARED A REPORT AND
PROGRAMME OF ACTION BASED ON THE VIEWS EMANATING
FROM THE SUMMIT. THE PROGRAMME OF ACTION OUTLINES
THE PROGRAMMES, PROJECTS AND INTERVENTIONS THAT
NEED TO BE ACCELERATED IN ORDER TO TRANSFORM THE
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN THE COUNTRY. THE SAME
REPORT WILL BE USED FOR ENGAGING OUR DEVELOPMENT
PARTNERS LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY TO SOLICIT
SUPPORT FOR OUR VISION.
9 FOOD SECURITY
9.1 GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY ESTABLISHED A STRONG BASE
FOR ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY THROUGH FORMULATING
KEY POLICIES TO GUIDE SELECTION AND IMPLEMENTATION
OF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS. THESE
INCLUDE THE COMPREHENSIVE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
POLICY AND THE NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY POLICY WHICH
HAVE ALREADY BEEN APPROVED BY CABINET.
9.2 A FEW YEARS AGO GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED THE CONCEPT
OF CROP COMPETITIONS AND I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT
THE PROGRAMME HAS RESULTED IN INCREASED
PRODUCTION OF CROPS SUCH AS MAIZE AND VEGETABLES.
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9.3 THERE HAS BEEN GREAT IMPROVEMENT IN THE AREA OF
WATER AND IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT AND THIS HAS BEEN
ACHIEVED THROUGH THE CONSTRUCTION OF EARTH DAMS.
GOVERNMENT HAS CONSTRUCTED 5 EARTH DAMS UNDER
THE SIPHOFANENI INKHUNDLA AND ONE DAM WAS
CONSTRUCTED AT PARADYS AS PART OF THE RESETTLEMENT
PROGRAMME. CURRENTLY EARTH DAMS ARE UNDER
CONSTRUCTION UNDER THE DVOKODVWENI AND THE
MAFUTSENI TINKHUNDLA. AT LIST 5 DAMS WILL BE
CONSTRUCTED IN EACH OF THE ABOVE TINKHUNDLA IN
ORDER TO HELP THE RESIDENTS.
9.4 GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO INTENSIFY THE PROGRAMME OF
CONSTRUCTION OF EARTH DAMS IN THE RURAL AREAS
BECAUSE THEY HELP BOTH THE PEOPLE, AND THEIR
LIVESTOCK. THIS PROGRAMME WILL CONTINUE DURING THE
FORTHCOMING YEAR IN OTHER TINKHUNDLA.
9.5 SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS WAS ALSO MADE IN THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENT'S LARGEST PROJECT,
THE LOWER USUTHU SMALLHOLDER IRRIGATION PROJECT
(LUSIP). THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE DAMS AND FEEDER
CANAL SYSTEM IS ALMOST COMPLETE.
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WE EXPECT IMPOUNDMENT OF WATER TO COMMENCE IN
APRIL 2008 WITH THE PLANTING OF THE FIRST 500
HECTARES SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 2008.
9.6 I WISH TO COMMEND SWADE FOR THEIR HARD WORK IN
ADVANCING THE PROJECT ACCORDING TO PLANNED
SCHEDULES. MAY I ALSO THANK THE CHIEFS UNDER THE
PROJECT FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION. WE
LOOK FORWARD TO EVEN STRONGER COLLABORATION IN
THE CHALLENGING PROCESS OF LAND ALLOCATION TO
ENSURE THAT A LARGE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE BENEFIT
FROM THE SCHEME.
9.7 WHILE WE MOVE FORWARD WITH LUSIP WE ARE
ENCOURAGED TO SEE THAT THE KOMATI DOWNSTREAM
DEVELOPMENT, WHICH IS SUPPORTED BY MAGUGA DAM,
CONTINUES TO MAKE GREAT STRIDES. THIS YEAR THE
FARMERS HAVE COLLECTIVELY GENERATED ABOUT E80
MILLION. THE FIRST FARMER GROUP UNDER THE SCHEME
PAID OFF ITS LOAN AND WILL NOW BE READY TO REAP THE
FRUIT OF THE LABOUR. WE EXPECT TO SEE MORE FARMER
ASSOCIATIONS GRADUATE THE SAME WAY IN THE COMING
YEARS.
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10 EU BEEF MARKETS
10.1 GOVERNMENT WISHES TO ENCOURAGE FARMERS TO TAKE
ADVANTAGE OF THE ACCESS OF OUR BEEF TO THE
EUROPEAN UNION BEEF MARKETS. WE NEED TO DIVERSIFY
OUR FARMING AND MAKE SURE THAT WE MEET THE QUOTA
THAT HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO US.
11. POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY AND ACTION
PROGRAMME
11.1 HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO DEAL
SQUARELY WITH THE ISSUE OF POVERTY. THERE ARE
CURRENTLY THREE INTERVENTIONS THAT ADDRESS
POVERTY AND EFFECTS OF HIV & AIDS. THESE INCLUDE THE
RECENTLY APPROVED POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY AND
ACTION PROGRAMME (PRSAP), THE DECENTRALIZATION
POLICY AND THE NATIONAL MULTI-SECTORAL HIV/AIDS
POLICY, STRATEGIC PLAN AND ACTION PLAN.
11.2 HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT OVERALL GOAL IS TO REDUCE
THE PREVALENCE OF POVERTY FROM 69% TO 30% BY 2015,
WHICH IS IN LINE WITH THE MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT
GOALS (MDG'S) TARGETS,
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AND ERADICATE IT COMPLETELY BY 2022 IN LINE WITH THE
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (NDS).
11.3 THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRSAP WILL INTRODUCE
REFORMS THAT WILL MAKE PLANNING AND BUDGETING PROPOOR
AND PRO-GROWTH. GOVERNMENT IS CURRENTLY
DEVELOPING AN IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY FOR THE
PRSAP.
12 HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE
12.1 IN AUGUST, THIS YEAR HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT
LAUNCHED THE NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY WHICH SIGNALED
A NEW ERA IN THE QUEST TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO
RELEVANT QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE HEALTH SERVICES.
12.2 TO OPERATIONALISE THE POLICY, GOVERNMENT HAS
EMBARKED ON A PROCESS TO DEVELOP AND FINALIZE THE
NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN. IT PROVIDES A ROADMAP FOR
THE HEALTH SECTOR AND ALSO IMPROVE COORDINATION
AND COLLABORATION AMONGST STAKEHOLDERS WITH A
VIEW TO MAXIMIZE AVAILABLE RESOURCES, AND
CONSEQUENTLY ACHIEVE A GREATER IMPACT ON HEALTH
SERVICES.
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12.3 DURING THIS FINACIAL YEAR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT WAS
PURCHASED AND INSTALLED IN VARIOUS HEALTH
FACILITIES. THE INSTITUTIONS THAT BENEFITED INCLUDE
MBABANE GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL, PIGGS PEAK
GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL, DVOKOLWAKO HEALTH CENTRE
AND EMKHUZWENI HEALTH CENTRE.
12.4 GOVERNMENT ALSO EMBARKED ON A PROCESS TO IMPROVE
THE DRUG TRACKING AND PATIENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
AS WELL AS TO INTEGRATE THE TWO SYSTEMS. THIS
ENDEAVOR WILL SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTE TO THE
MONITORING OF THE ANTE RETROVIRAL TREATMENT (ART)
RESPONSE IN THE COUNTRY BY WAY OF PRODUCING
ENHANCED DATA QUALITY AND REPORTS.
12.5 THE PROCESS OF DISBURSING GRANTS TO THE ELDERLY
WAS FURTHER REVIEWED AND IMPROVED IN ORDER TO
MINIMIZE THE PROBLEMS THAT ARE ENCOUNTERED BY THE
ELDERLY WHEN THEY ACCESS THEIR GRANTS. IT IS
ESTIMATED THAT THE NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES HAS
INCREASED FROM 33 000 TO 47 252 SINCE THE
DISBURSEMENT PROCESS BEGAN.
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13 HIV&AIDS
13.1 THE RECENT 2006/7 DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEY
WHICH INCLUDED HIV TESTING AT NATIONAL LEVEL
REVEALED THAT AT LEAST 26% OF MEN AND WOMEN
BETWEEN THE AGES OF 15-49 ARE INFECTED BY HIV.
13.2 HOWEVER THERE IS HOPE THAT THE PREVALENCE RATE WILL
DECREASE IN THE COMING FEW YEARS. IN LINE WITH THE
THEME FOR THIS YEAR'S WORLD AIDS DAY, I URGE ALL OF
US TO TAKE INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LEADERSHIP
TO ENSURE THAT NEW HIV INFECTIONS DO NOT OCCUR.
13.3 THE GLOBAL FUND HAS APPROVED OUR ROUND 7 PROPOSAL
OF ABOUT E500 MILLION OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS. THE
MONEY WILL BE USED TO STRENGTHEN EFFORTS TO REDUCE
THE INCIDENCE OF HIV IN SWAZILAND. THE COUNTRY IS
INDEBTED TO GLOBAL FUND FOR APPROVING OUR REQUEST.
MAY I ALSO THANK OTHER DONORS AND OUR DEVELOPMENT
PARTNERS WHO CONTINUE TO HELP US IN THE FIGHT
AGAINST THE HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC. I ALSO WISH TO PLEDGE
GOVERNMENT'S CONTINUING SUPPORT TO THE RESPONSE.
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13.4 EFFORTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE TO ENHANCE THE
DECENTRALIZATION AND EXPANDING HIV PREVENTION,
TREATMENT, CARE AND SUPPORT SERVICES TO IMPROVE
ACCESS.
14 EDUCATION
14.1 ONE OF THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF THE HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC
ON THE SOCIAL LANDSCAPE IS THE INCREASE IN THE
NUMBER OF ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN.
GOVERNMENT HAS CONTINUED TO PROVIDE BURSARIES TO
ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN. CONSULTATION
WITH COMMUNITIES LED TO IMPROVED CO-OPERATION IN
THE IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION OF ORPHANS AND
VULNERABLE CHILDREN.
14.2 THIS INITIATIVE BY GOVERNMENT IS FURTHER SUPPORTED
BY TWO OTHER PROGRAMMES. THESE ARE: THE PLAN OF
ACTION FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL CHILDREN'S COORDINATION
UNIT, UNDER THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER,
TO ENSURE THE CO-ORDINATION OF ALL PROGRAMMES
AIMED AT CHILDREN.
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14.3 GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING QUALITY
EDUCATION. A NUMBER OF INITIATIVES ARE CURRENTLY
UNDERWAY, WHICH INCLUDE POLICY REFORM, IN EARLY
CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND SPECIAL EDUCATION
NEEDS, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION.
FURTHERMORE, HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT, IN
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE WORLD BANK, IS ENGAGED IN A
SECTOR STUDY TO LOOK INTO ALL LEVELS OF EDUCATION
WITH A VIEW TO DEVELOPING AN EDUCATION SECTOR
STRATEGIC PLAN THAT WILL INFORM POLICY DEVELOPMENT
TO LEAD THE COUNTRY TO VISION 2022. I WISH TO THANK
THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE WORLD BANK FOR THEIR
SUPPORT.
14.4 GOVERNMENT IS ALSO FOCUSING ON IMPROVING THE
MANAGEMENT OF EDUCATION. IN SUPPORT OF THIS
OBJECTIVE, THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEVERAL PIECES OF
LEGISLATION IS ON-GOING. THESE INCLUDE AN ACT TO
ESTABLISH THE EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL OF SWAZILAND
FOR REGULARIZATION OF ALL CERTIFICATION AWARDED IN
THE COUNTRY; THE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT TO NORMALIZE
THE OPERATIONS OF THE COUNTRY'S INSTITUTIONS OF
HIGHER LEARNING AND PUT IN PLACE MACHINERY FOR THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF PRIVATE COLLEGES;
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AND AMENDMENT AND UPDATING OF THE EDUCATION ACT
AND TEACHING SERVICE ACT.
15 GENDER
15.1 HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO ADDRESS
THE ISSUE OF GENDER EQUITY IN THE COUNTRY. WE HOPE
TO ACHIEVE THIS THROUGH A MULTI-SECTORAL AND
INTEGRATED APPROACH.
15.2 I AM ALSO PLEASED TO SAY THAT THE EUROPEAN UNION
HAS ASSISTED US WITH FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF ONE
MILLION EUROS ( ABOUT 8.5 MILLION EMALANGENI) IN
ORDER TO FACILITATE THE DOMESTICATION AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE
ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST
WOMEN (CEDAW). THE UNDP HAS ALSO ASSISTED US WITH
$400, 000, 00 ( ABOUT 2.4 MILLION EMALANGENI)
MILLIONFOR THE SAME PROGRAMME AND I AM CONFIDENT
THAT THE RESOURCES WILL BE PUT INTO GOOD USE.
15.3 LIKE ALL OTHER COUNTRIES THAT HOLD WOMEN IN HIGH
ESTEEM, GOVERNMENT, WORKING HAND IN HAND WITH THE
UN GENDER THEME GROUP, CONDUCTED FOUR REGIONAL
DIALOGUES ON GENDER BASED VIOLENCE.
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THE REGIONAL DIALOGUES WERE LED BY MEN AND THE
THEME WAS "ENDING IMPUNITY FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST
WOMEN".
16 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONSTITUTION AND
EFFORTS AT IMPROVING GOVERNANCE
16.1 DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, GOVERNMENT HAS
PUSHED RELENTLESSLY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
CONSTITUTION. IN THIS REGARD, A CABINET SUBCOMMITTEE
WAS ESTABLISHED TO ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONSTITUTION. THE NATION IS
AWARE THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE BOARDS AND
COMMISSIONS, SET OUT IN THE CONSTITUTION HAVE BEEN
ESTABLISHED.
16.2 GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO EMBARKED IN A PROCESS TO
UPDATE AND REALIGN THE EXISTING PIECES OF
LEGISLATION WITH THE CONSTITUTION. TO SUCCESSFULLY
UNDERTAKE THIS EXERCISE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE HAS
BEEN SOUGHT AND OBTAINED FROM SOME OF OUR COOPERATING
PARTNERS; THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT,
UNDP AND EUROPEAN UNION.
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16.3 THE COMMONWEALTH HAS SECONDED TO THE ATTORNEY
GENERAL'S CHAMBERS TWO LEGAL DRAFTSPERSONS TO
STRENGTHEN THE LEGAL DRAFTING SECTION OF THE
CHAMBERS. WE WISH TO THANK OUR CO-OPERATING
PARTNERS FOR THIS INVALUABLE SUPPORT.
16.4 THE OTHER FOCUS OF HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT HAS
BEEN THE REFORM AND STRENGTHENING OF THE JUDICIARY
WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON MEETING THE CHALLENGES
IMPOSED BY THE CONSTITUTION. IN THIS REGARD WE PAY
HOMAGE TO HIS MAJESTY, THE KING FOR APPOINTING THE
CHIEF JUSTICE, WHO IS TASKED WITH THE FUNCTION OF
ENSURING THAT THE JUDICIARY FUNCTIONS EFFECTIVELY.
17 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
17.1 THE COUNTRY'S NATIONAL CONSTITUTION PROVIDES FOR
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SINGLE COUNTRY-WIDE SYSTEM
OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, BASED ON THE TINKHUNDLA
SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNANCE. GOVERNMENT
THEREFORE ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE
DECENTRALIZATION POLICY AND PROGRAMMES. A NUMBER
OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES HAVE ALREADY BEEN
DECENTRALISED. CURRENTLY ON-GOING IS THE DRAFTING
OF ENABLING LEGISLATION.
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17.2 GOVERNMENT IS ALSO COMMITTED TO EMPOWER THE
PEOPLE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. RECENTLY SUCCESSFUL LOCAL
GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS WERE HELD AND IT IS
GOVERNMENT'S HOPE THAT THE NEWLY ELECTED
COUNCILORS WILL CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE
ELECTORATE IN DEVELOPING THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS.
17.3 I AM GLAD TO REPORT THAT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (UDP) FOR MBABANE AND
MANZINI WHICH COMMENCED IN THE 1990S IS NOW AT
COMPLETION STAGE.
17.4 FOLLOWING ON FROM THE UDP, THE MBABANE CITY
COUNCIL IS CURRENTLY PREPARING A PROJECT WITH THE
ASSISTANCE OF CITIES ALLIANCE TO UPGRADE THE
REMAINING INFORMALLY SETTLED AREAS, TO ACHIEVE A
CITY WITHOUT SLUMS BY 2015.
18 DISASTER MANAGMENT
18.1 THE YEAR 2007 HAS NOT BEEN A GOOD YEAR FOR OUR
COUNTRY WHEN IT COMES TO DISASTERS. WE EXPERINECED
A DEVASTATING DROUGHT, HAIL STORMS AND WILD FIRES,
WHICH CAUSED MASSIVE DEVASTATION.
25
FOLLOWING THESE PHENOMENON, HIS MAJESTY'S
GOVERNMENT DECLARED A NATIONAL DISASTER.
18.2 AS THE NATION IS AWARE THAT HIS MAJESTY'S
GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ABLE TO RESPOND TO THE NEEDS
OF THOSE MOST OF THE AFFECTED BY THESE CALAMITIES.
GOVERNMENT PURCHASED FOOD FOR DISTRIBUTION TO
THOSE AFFECTED BY THE DROUGHT. WATER WAS ALSO
PROVIDED TO A NUMBER OF THE SEVERELY AFFECTED
COMMUNITIES, THROUGH DIRECT SUPPLY OF WATER USING
WATER TANKERS AND DRILLING BOREHOLES AND
INSTALLATION OF HAND PUMPS.
18.3 FOR FAMILIES THAT HAD THEIR HOMES COMPLETELY
DESTROYED BY THE FIRE, TWO-ROOMED HOUSES WERE
CONSTRUCTED. FOOD PACKAGES AND SURVIVAL KITS WERE
ALSO SUPPLIED TO THOSE WHO WERE LEFT WITHOUT FOOD,
CLOTHING AND HOUSEHOLD UTENSILS.
18.5 WE WISH TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PASS OUR
SINCERE APPRECIATION TO OUR DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
WHO SUPPORTED US DURING THIS TIME OF NEED.
26
18.6 FURTHERMORE, OUR APPRECIATION GOES TO THE
COMPANIES, WHICH ALTHOUGH AFFECTED BY THE FOREST
FIRES; ALSO EXTENDED A HAND OF SUPPORT TO SOME OF
THE FIRE VICTIMS TO REBUILD THEIR HOMES.
18.7 MAY I ALSO THANK THE NGO COMMUNITY, THE PRIVATE
SECTOR AND MEMBERS OF THE UMBUTFO SWAZILAND
DEFENCE FORCE FOR THEIR HELP.
18.8 IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT IN FUTURE WE WILL BE ABLE TO
MORE EFFECTIVELY RESPOND TO DISASTERS, GOVERNMENT
HAS ESTABLISHED A FULLY FLEDGED DISASTER
MANAGEMENT AGENCY WHICH WILL BECOME FULLY
OPERATIONAL IN 2008.
19. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
19.1 GOVERNMENT IS AGGRESSIVELY FOLLOWING A PROGRAMME
OF IMPROVING ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE WITH PAVED ROADS
INCREASING BY 20% SINCE 2000 CREATING 1, 171 KM OF
IMPROVED ROAD NETWORK.
19.2 THE MLIBA-MADLANGEMPISI-TSHANENI (MR5) ROAD, AND
THE MADLANGEMPISI - MSAHWENI ROAD (MR 6) ARE NOW
COMPLETE AND OPEN TO TRAFFIC.
27
THE REHABILITATION OF THE SALEM-MAHAMBA AND
LAVUMISA TO BIG-BEND ROADS ARE ALSO COMPLETE AND
OPEN TO TRAFFIC.
19.3 THE ON-GOING CONSTRUCTION OF THE NGWENYA TO
MANZINI ROAD, WILL INCREASE THE PAVED/TARRED ROAD
NETWORK TO 1396 KM IN TOTAL BY SEPTEMBER 2008.
19.4 THROUGH THE RURAL ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAMME, THE
ELECTIRICY INFRSTRUCTURE HAS BEEN IMPROVED. ACCESS
TO ELECTRICITY IN RURAL AREAS HAS INCREASED,
COVERING A NUMBER OF CLINICS, SCHOOLS AND
COMMUNITEIS. THIS PROGRAMME CONTRIBUTES IMMENSELY
TO GOVERNMENT'S EFFORTS AT POVERTY ALLEVIATION.
FUNDING FOR THIS INITIATIVE HAS COME FROM THE
REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN AND THE REGIONAL
DEVELOPMENT FUND. WE WISH TO THANK THE
GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN FOR
THE SUPPORT GIVEN AND WE HOPE THAT THEY WILL
CONTINUE TO SUPPORT US.
19.5 IT IS HOPED THAT THE INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) POLICY THAT WAS
APPROVED BY GOVERNMENT, WILL FACILITATE THE
UPDGRADING OF OUR ICT INFRASTRUCTURE.
28
THIS EFFORT WILL BE FURTHER BOLSTERED BY THE FULL
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INFORMATION AND MEDIA
POLICY.
20 WATER AND SANITATION
20.1 THE PREVAILING DROUGHT SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY
HAS SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED OUR MAIN SOURCES OF
WATER SUPPLY. DAM WATER LEVELS HAVE GONE DOWN. IT
IS FOR THIS REASON THAT I URGE ALL OF US TO USE WATER
SPARINGLY AND TO EMPLOY WATER CONSERVATION
TECHNOLOGIES. WE THANK THE LORD THE ALMIGHTY FOR
THE RAINS THE COUNTRY HAS RECEIVED AND WE REQUEST
THE NATION TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE BLESSINGS.
20.2 GOVERNMENT AIMS TO PROVIDE POTABLE WATER TO ALL
CITIZENS OF THE COUNTRY. A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY
BASED SCHEMES SUCH AS THOSE AT MBHIKWAKHE,
KUPHELENI AND SIWENI HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE E 120 MILLION LOMAHASHA -
SITEKI WATER SUPPLY PROJECT IS ON-GOING.
29
20.3 I AM ALSO PLEASED TO SAY THAT, GOVERNMENT IS ABOUT
TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT WITH THE REPUBLIC OF
MOZAMBIQUE IN ORDER TO GET TREATED WATER FROM
MOZAMBIQUE TO THE LOMAHASHA AREA. CONSULTATIONS
ARE ALSO ON-GOING WITH THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
FOR A FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT THAT WILL FACILITATE
CROSS-ACCES TO WATER IN THESE TWO COUNTRIES.
21 LIBERALISATION OF KEY SECTORS
21.1 THERE HAVE BEEN MAJOR REFORMS OF THE INSURANCE
INDUSTRY. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF THE
REGISTRAR OF INSURANCES AND RETIREMENTS HAS BEEN A
GREAT ACHIEVEMENT FOR THE COUNTRY. THE NEW
INSTITUTION WILL PROVIDE REGULATION IN THE
INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
21.2 THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE ALSO MARKED THE END
OF THE MONOPOLY, WHICH WAS ENJOYED BY THE ROYAL
SWAZILAND INSURANCE IN THE COUNTRY.
21.3 THE RETIREMENT FUND ACT WHICH WILL BE ADMINISTERED
BY THE REGISTRAR ALLOWS CITIZENS TO USE THEIR
RETIREMENT FUNDS POLICIES AS COLLATERAL WHEN
ACQUIRING LOANS FOR BUILDING ON SWAZI NATION LAND.
30
GOVERNMENT IS EXCITED WITH THIS VENTURE AS IT SEEKS
TO IMPROVE THE LIVING STANDARDS OF THE NATION AS IT
WILL ENCOURAGE THE SWAZIS TO DEVELOP THEIR
PROPERTIES ON SWAZI NATIONAL LAND.
21.4 THE ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY SECTOR HAS ALSO BEEN
LIBERALISED, WITH THE CONVERSION OF THE SWAZILAND
ELECTRICITY BOARD FROM BEING A BOARD TO A COMPANY.
22 SAFETY AND SECURITY
22.1 HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE IMPROVING
AND MAINTAINING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT IN THE COUNTRY.
GOVERNMENT ACKNOWLEDGES AND DEEPLY APPRECIATE
THE ROLE PLAYED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN
ASSISTING THE ROYAL SWAZILAND POLICE SERVICE AND
OTHER SECURITY FORCES AND ORGANS IN FIGHTING CRIME
IN THE COUNTRY.
22.2 I WISH TO APPEAL TO EVERYONE IN THE COUNTRY TO
CONTINUE GIVING THEIR SUPPORT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
MAY I SPECIFICALLY THANK THE GOOD WORK WHICH IS
DONE BY THE COMMUNITY POLICE.
31
22.3 WHILST WE HAVE POSITIVE STATISTICS IN THE FIGHT
AGAINST CRIME, I AM AWARE THAT THERE ARE OTHER
AREAS WHERE WE STILL HAVE TO IMPROVE ESPECIALLY IN
HOMICIDE (MURDER) AND ARMED ROBBERY AND FRAUD
AMONGST OTHER CRIMES.
23. 40/40 ANNIVESARY CELEBRATIONS
23.1 MAY I ALSO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO INFORM THE
NATION THAT NEXT YEAR THE COUNTRY WILL BE
CELEBRATING ITS 40 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE AND 40TH
BIRTHDAY OF HIS MAJESTY, THE KING AND INGWENYMA.
INDEED THERE IS A MAMMOTH TASK BEFORE US IN ORDER
TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS BECOMES A GREAT SUCCESS.
23.2 AS A NATION WE HAVE COME FROM A LONG WAY, A LOT HAS
BEEN ACHIEVED. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT WE HAVE
REACHED A NUMBER OF MILESTONES SINCE WE ATTAINED
INDEPENDENCE HENCE WE HAVE ALL THE REASON TO
CELEBRATE. THOSE WHO WERE AROUND IN 1968 CAN
CONFIRM THAT SINCE WE TOOK THE BATON FROM 6TH
SEPTEMBER 1968 UP TO THE PRESENT TIME, WE HAVE RUN A
GOOD RACE. NONETHELESS, WHILST WE HAVE BEEN
VICTORIOUS IN OTHER FRONTS THERE ARE STILL
CHALLENGES THAT HAVE TO BE ADDRESSED.
32
24 FUTURE CHALLENGES
24.1 AS I CONCLUDE MY STATEMENT, I WISH TO SAY THAT AS
MUCH AS WE HAVE MADE SOME STRIDES IN A NUMBER OF
AREAS, WE STILL HAVE THE TASK OF ADDRESSING EXISTING
AND EMERGING CHALLENGES, WHICH INCLUDE, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
a) IMPROVING ACCESS TO HEALTH FACILITIES AND QUALITY
OF HEALTH AND AGGRESSIVE FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS.
b) REDUCING UNEMPLOYMENT BY CREATING INVESTMENT
PROMOTION FOR FOREIGN DIRECT AND DOMESTIC
INVESTMENT.
c) IMPLEMENTING POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES TO ALLEVIATE
POVERTY.
d) ENSURING THE CONTINUED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
CONSTITUTION.
e) ENHANCING THE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT
DECENTRALIZATION AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES.
33
f) IMPROVING AND ENHANCING THE PROCUREMENT SYSTEM
AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNAL CONTROL
SYSTEMS AND PAYMENT OF SUPPLIERS WITHIN REASONABLE
TIME.
g) EXPANDING THE REVENUE BASE TO GUARANTEE CERTAINTY
OF THE NATIONAL BUDGET.
h) IMPLEMENTING AN EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE REVENUE
COLLECTION SYSTEM TO IMPROVE OUR REVENUE
COLLECTION.
i) EXPANDING AND MAINTAINING OUR LOCAL, REGIONAL AND
INTERNATIONAL MARKETS.
j) STRENGTHENING EFFORTS TO FIGHT CRIME AND ENHANCE
SAFETY AND SECURITY IN THE COUNTRY.
k) IMPROVING FOOD SECURITY BY FULLY IMPLEMENTING THE
DIFFERENT POLICIES AND AGRICULTURAL AND IRRIGATION
PROGRAMMES.
l) ENSURING THAT RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND POTABLE
WATER PROGRAMMES ARE IMPLEMENTED.
34
m) ENSURING ACCESS TO EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN
INCLUDING ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN.
n) NEXT YEAR THE COUNTRY WILL BE CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
OF INDEPENDENCE AND HIS MAJESTY'S 40TH BIRTHDAY.
GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT ALL THE LOGISTICS FOR
THE 40/40 DOUBLE CELEBRATIONS ANNIVERSARY ARE IN
PLACE.
o) NEXT YEAR THE COUNTRY IS ALSO EXPECTED TO HOLD
NATIONAL GENERAL ELECTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF
PARLIAMENT. AS A NATION WE SHOULD EXERCISE OUR
RIGHT TO VOTE, HOWEVER WE NEED TO TAKE COGNIZANCE
OF GENDER EQUITY DURING THIS PROCESS.
25 CONCLUSION:
25.1 ON BEHALF OF HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT AND MY OWN
BEHALF I WISH THE NATION A YEAR FULL OF SUCCESS. I
PRAY THAT AS A NATION WE WILL EXPLORE AND EXPLOIT
ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT 2008 WILL BRING.
35
25.2 MAY I ALSO APPRECIATE THE CO-OPERATION, TEAM SPIRIT
AND SUPPORT THAT EXISTS IN CABINET. COLLECTIVELY WE
HAVE BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS SOME OF THE
KEY CHALLENGES THAT THE COUNTRY IS FACING. MY
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ALSO GOES TO THE
HONOURABLE MEMBERS OF BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
FOR THE HEALTHY AND CONSTRUCTIVE DEBATES THAT WE
HAVE HAD IN THE PAST YEAR, WHICH HAVE LED TO A
NUMBER OF BILLS GOING THROUGH THE AUGUST HOUSES
AND ENACTED INTO LAW.
25.3 IN CONCLUSION, I WISH TO PLEDGE MY PERSONAL
COMMITMENT AND THE SUPPORT OF MY COLLEGUES IN
CABINET TO ENSURE THAT THE COUNTRY CONTINUES TO
ENJOY PEACE, STABILITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH, WHILST
AT THE SAME TIME CREATING OPPORTUNITES FOR JOB
CREATION AND INVESTMENT.
MAY GOD BLESS THE NATION AND HAVE A PROSPEROUS 2008.
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE 30TH DECEMBER 2007