Mbabane – The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has warned of dangerous conditions on the country’s road network following persistent and abnormally heavy rainfall experienced since before the Christmas holidays. The statement was issued by Principal Secretary Thulani Mkhaliphi on 29 December 2025.
According to the Roads Department, the prolonged rainfall has had a widespread impact on both rural and paved roads across the Kingdom, creating unsafe driving conditions for motorists and limiting access to some communities.
Rural and gravel roads have been severely affected, with several sections heavily saturated and extremely slippery. These conditions have made travel difficult, particularly for standard and light vehicles. In a number of rural areas, low level crossings have either been washed away or are currently submerged, leaving some communities temporarily inaccessible.
The department also reported growing damage on paved or bitumen roads. Continuous rainfall has accelerated the deterioration of road surfaces, resulting in the rapid formation of deep potholes along major routes. Standing water on road surfaces has increased the risk of hydroplaning, while excessive vegetation growth along road reserves has reduced visibility at curves, intersections and junctions.
Maintenance efforts have been constrained by the ongoing weather conditions. The Roads Department said elevated soil moisture levels and continued rainfall have made it unsafe and ineffective to deploy heavy machinery at this stage, posing potential risks to personnel.
Once conditions improve, the department plans a full deployment of maintenance teams to restore access to affected and cut off areas. Priority work will include the reconstruction of washed away low level crossings, repairs to critical potholes and the implementation of a nationwide roadside vegetation clearing programme aimed at improving visibility and overall road safety.
The Roads Department has urged road users to avoid flooded bridges and low level crossings, warning that water currents can be deceptively strong. Motorists have been advised to reduce speed, especially on gravel roads and in areas where water is pooling, and to expect delays as some routes will remain inaccessible until rainfall subsides. Members of the public have also been encouraged to report major wash aways or life threatening road failures to local authorities or the nearest Roads Maintenance Depot.
The ministry appealed for patience and cooperation from the public as efforts continue to safeguard the country’s road infrastructure during the ongoing adverse weather conditions.
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