The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Eswatini has launched its Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, aiming to reshape urban spaces with a focus on sustainable growth, affordable housing, and climate resilience. The plan is designed to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and ensure inclusive, well-planned cities that cater to all income groups.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Appolo Maphalala, stated that urbanization demands cities that promote economic stability, public health, and social well-being. He emphasized that housing is the foundation of these factors, with the plan seeking to provide affordable, dignified living spaces while safeguarding the environment and strengthening urban governance.
The strategic plan targets several key areas:
- Affordable Housing for All – Aiming to increase housing stock by 20%, upgrade informal settlements, and regulate the rental market for fairness.
- Sustainable Urban Development – Enforcing green building standards, expanding transportation networks, and improving water, sanitation, and waste management services.
- Stronger Municipalities – Investing in urban governance, capacity building, and financial sustainability to improve service delivery.
- Climate Resilience & Emergency Preparedness – Enhancing fire and disaster response services, integrating climate risk assessments into urban planning, and launching public education campaigns.
- Smart Land & Housing Policies – Implementing the Sectional Titles Act and digitizing land management systems for better efficiency and transparency.
Maphalala described the plan as an action-driven framework with clear milestones, backed by a robust Monitoring & Evaluation system to ensure accountability.
