The Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan has approved the release of funds amounting to US$360,000 (E3 708 000) for the initial payment of supervision services of Lot 2 of the Bio-Technology Park development. Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan, His Excellency Thomas Chen, handed over the cheque to the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Information Communications and Technology (ICT), Sikelela Dlamini on December 9, 2013 at the Embassy of the Republic of China on Taiwan in Mbabane. On behalf of the Honorable Minister for ICT, Dumisani Ndlangamandla, the PS commended CECI Engineering Consultants, a company from the Republic of China on Taiwan and BICON Engineering Consultants for the job they had done so far on the supervision of the development of the Bio-Technology Park. “This is the first project of its kind in this country to be on budget and on schedule. I am pleased that our contract with them has been extended to cover the development of Lot 2,” he said. PS Dlamini expressed the Swaziland Government’s gratitude to the people of the Republic of China on Taiwan and noted that their assistance had been consistent since the inception of the project.   

 (L-R) PS Sikelela Dlamini, Police Commissioner Isaac Magagula, Minister of Economic Planning Prince Hlangusemphi, Ambassador Thomas Chen, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Princess Tsandzile and Minister of Natural Resources Jabulile Mashwama

On the same occasion, the Ambassador presented financial assistance for three other projects which are the Rural Electrification Project under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy; Rehabilitation of the Reception Area and Guest Room at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation as well as the Migration from Analogue to Digital Printing for the Royal Swaziland Police. The total amount for the four projects is approximately E23 Million. “Both our governments realize the importance of improving infrastructure in order to further our development needs, which is why the bulk of our financial support today is aimed at infrastructure development,” Ambassador Chen said.

The Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Prince Hlangusemphi, applauded the Republic of China on Taiwan’s continued support even during the financial crisis that hit many countries from 2008-2012. “We are of the view that all the implementing Ministries and Departments will commit themselves to the realization of the goals attached to any official development assistance in order to remain credible to the donor community,” he said.  Present at the ceremony was the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Jabulile Mashwama, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs  Princess Tsandzile, Police  Commissioner Isaac Magagula,senior government officials and the media.