Mbabane: The Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg has slightly reduced the budget for the national security for the current financial year 2021/2022.
The national security comprises of Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and His Majesty’s Correctional Service (HMCS). All this three (3) security arms will be allocated E 2 725 760 000 which indicates a decline from the previous year’s budget which was E 2 753 534 000.
This is according to the government’s estimates for the years from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2024. This estimates comes came after the Finance Minister delivered his Budget Speech for the financial year 2021/2022. The Minister delivered his speech on Friday, February 26, 2021.
When delivering his speech, the Minister said Government will continue to strengthen support to our security institutions in the pursuit of economic stability and growth in the country.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service is the entity broadly responsible for the maintenance of law and order as well as upholding safety and security, including State Security, through operational interventions.
This includes operations such as; preventing and detecting crime, preventing road accidents, as well as strengthening State Security frameworks.
Specialized Investigative Task Forces have also been established to tackle high profile crimes that have severe negative impacts on the safety of the nation, such as violent murders and gender-based violence.
The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) will tighten the border security and maintain peace countrywide.
“With the pandemic and consequent border closures, we applaud the efforts and perseverance of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force in securing our national borders, in particular the informal crossings,” said the Minister.
The Correctional Services will continue to rehabilitate and re-integrate offenders to society for improved public safety and stability. The rehabilitation aims to foster productive citizens in order to break the cycle of crime, repeat offences and animosity in the communities. Thus, bringing harmony and a new start to previously convicted offenders.
The country’s overall budget for the year 2021 is estimated at E 24.04 billion which indicates a slight decline compared to last year’s E23.49 billion.
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