Lomahasha – The Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, S’khumbuzo Dlamini, has officially handed over the Lomahasha Chiefdom Development Plan (CDP) to Prince Amos Mahlalela, marking a key milestone in community-led development initiatives.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Lomahasha umphakatsi, Dlamini described the CDP as a framework designed to transform the collective aspirations of emaSwati in the Lomahasha Chiefdom into sustainable livelihood projects. He said the plan embodies the spirit of participatory development, where communities take ownership of their progress.
“This Chiefdom Development Plan is a framework meant to transform the collective aspirations of emaSwati in Lomahasha into concrete, sustainable livelihood projects. It is also testament to the power of community-led and participative development,” the minister said.
He further noted that the plan was developed through a partnership between his ministry and the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, implemented by the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) under the Mbuluzi Ecosystems Restoration Project. Lomahasha becomes the second of five chiefdoms along the Mbuluzi River to launch its development plan.
Dlamini highlighted that the CDP programme has been instrumental in empowering communities to plan and develop sustainably, aligning with the ministry’s values of sustainability, equity, and economic efficiency.
“The launch of this plan marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to turning the aspirations outlined into reality,” he said. “We will continue working closely with the leadership and people of Lomahasha, providing technical support and guidance throughout implementation.”
He added that government funding, including the Regional Development Fund, will be made available to support projects identified through the CDP. The Minister commended the Lomahasha leadership and the Inkhundla Council for their dedication to sustainable growth, urging them to address challenges swiftly and draw on traditional structures to resolve conflicts.
Accepting the plan, Umntfwanenkhosi lomkhulu Amos Mahlalela expressed gratitude to the Ministry, community members, and all stakeholders involved in formulating the CDP.
“We consider ourselves lucky and fully committed to implementing this development plan,” he said.
Chairperson of the Chiefdom Development Committee (CDC), Justice Thobela, said the CDP serves as a roadmap toward an environmentally safe, economically vibrant, and socially empowered community.
“Our long-term vision is to be an environmentally safe, economically vibrant and socially empowered community. This CDP provides guidance on conserving our natural environment, implementing development strategies and driving economic growth that benefits every resident,” Thobela said.
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