EZULWINI:Phil Mnisi,the Governor of the Central Bank of Eswatini(CBE) has confirmed that,the bank has purchased two(2) plots from the Royal Swazi SPA at Ezulwini to construct the new Headquarters for the State owned financial institution.
Responding to this Swaziland News on Saturday afternoon through a press statement,the Governor said,the purchasing was approved by the Board of Directors.
“The Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Eswatini have approved the acquisition of two plots in Ezulwini to construct a new Central Bank headquarters and complex.The Plots being acquired are, a remainder of portion 44 of Farm 50 and Portion 45 of Farm 50.The two plots include improvements that used to be Ezulwini Sun – which cuts across the two plots.These improvements will be customized going forward for the Bank’s purposes.The Central Bank had previously acquired a plot in Mbabane for the purpose of constructing its headquarters.The Board has since approved that this plot be sold and the proceeds to be used to contribute to the acquisition of the site in Ezulwini.The site measures approximately 21 hectares and Central Bank of Eswatini management is already working on plans to put together a 30-50 year development plan.The Bank currently has a large property portfolio including the current Head Office,” he said.
The Governor further mentioned that, the new property will allow the Bank to consolidate it’s property portfolio and will in due course,strategically dispose off some of the current properties.
“Some of the structures that would feature in the new complex include the following:A high-rise office park,A state-of-the-art Museum with a curio shop,an innovation hub,a data centre,a staff wellness centre including a health facility.A centre of excellence with conference facilities.A recreational and sporting complex that will allow the Central Bank of Eswatini to easily host inter-central bank games.The Central Bank remains committed to pursue its mandate and contribute to the development and growth of Eswatini’s economy,”said the Governor.
Mandla Luphondvo,the Central Bank Head of Strategy and Communications told this publication that,the amount of purchase will be disclosed in due course.
Central Bank Governor Phil Mnisi(pic:Central Bank).