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Wednesday, 9 August 2017

SWAZI GOVERNMENT FUEL BILLS GO UNPAID

The Swaziland Government faces a fuel crisis as it has not paid its bills to suppliers. As much as E32 million (US$2.4 million) might be outstanding.

The news follows revelations of widespread corruption and misuse of fuel.

Minister of Public Works and Transport Lindiwe Dlamini told the House of Assembly there was now a shortage of fuel, the Times of Swaziland reported on Thursday (3 August 2017). It said the ministry owes its two suppliers, Engen and Galp, about E16 million each. This is the cap on the credit that both fuel companies extended to government. Dlamini said Cabinet had been asked to release the money.

The Swazi Observer newspaper reported Mtfongwaneni MP Mjuluko Dlamini said there was a problem in all ministries as they did not to have enough fuel to keep their vehicles moving. 

In May 2017 it was revealed in a report to the Swazi parliament that as single government vehicle used 608 litres of diesel in one day and another 743 the day after. The Isuzu Double cab 4x4 was said to have been filled up with at least 500 litres a day on many other occasions. About 50 vehicles are said to have been filled up in the same way, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which investigates how government ministries spend state funds, heard. 

The committee was also told that the Ministry of National Defence and Security had spent E143 million (US$10.6 million) on fuel during the 2015/2016 financial year when it was budgeted for E58 million.

See also

SWAZILAND ‘RIDDLED WITH CORRUPTION’
MINISTER LIFTS LID ON CURRUPTION
http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2011/10/minister-lifts-lid-on-corruption.html

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