New Town Planning Scheme For City of Manzini
The City of Manzini has a new Town Planning Scheme which runs from 2024 to 2030. It is aimed at fostering sustainable urban growth, economic development and improved infrastructure. A Town Planning Scheme is a regulatory framework that guides development and management of land use in an urban area. It is designed to ensure that land is utilised efficiently and sustainably, balancing the needs of the community, the economy and the environment. The new scheme, which is a product of extensive stakeholder engagement and urban analysis, sets the foundation for the city’s spatial and economic transformation over the six-year period. The Municipality will soon be rolling out community sensitisation meetings on the new Town Planning Scheme. The desire is for city residents, property owners and all relevant stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the scheme and actively participate in its implementation. A schedule of the community sensitisations will be announced in due course. The following are key highlights of the new Town Planning Scheme;
- DEVELOPERS CAN NOW BUILD UP TO 20 STOREYS IN MANZINI
The revised Town Planning Scheme allows for the construction of up to 20 storeys within the city centre, which is an improvement from eight storeys. In some of the townships such as Ngwane Park, property owners can construct more structures, depending on the property size and current land use. This new development is aimed at addressing the challenge of availability of housing for low-income earners.
- NEW SCHEME PROMOTES URBAN AGRICULTURE
In an effort to bolster food security and sustainable agriculture, the scheme introduces a new Agricultural Use (AU) zone. This Town Planning Scheme feature, which encourages urban farming and agro-processing industries within the city, aligns with Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The new agricultural zone is primarily meant to retain and safeguard good quality agricultural land for agricultural purposes such as large-scale farming. Agricultural uses such as ploughing, horticulture, poultry farming, dairy farming, forestry, vegetable production, nurseries, orchards and any other activity commonly connected with farming is permitted on the zone. Conditional uses permitted by special consent include workshops, repair garages for farm equipment and vehicles, agricultural facilities and mills, breeding and keeping of livestock, processing plants, storage warehouses and abattoirs.
- ECONOMIC CLUSTER ZONES WITHIN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
The reviewed Town Planning Scheme facilitates for implementation of a functional social and economic cluster within residential areas that can accommodate low-scale commercial and public services that are commonly associated with such residential areas. This feature will cater for the day-to-day needs of communities in the various municipal wards. Amongst others it allows for development of pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, expansion of public transportation options and promotion of mixed-use developments with a variety of housing and retail options all within close proximity. The City of Manzini’s economic landscape will experience significant improvements with the identification of informal trade enterprise zones. These areas will provide structured spaces for small businesses and traders; fostering local entrepreneurship and job creation.
- INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS UPGRADING
The revised Town Planning Scheme includes a strategy for upgrading informal settlements, ensuring dignified living conditions for all residents. Additionally, specific zones have been allocated for high-density residential developments, catering for the city’s growing population.
- NEW ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY
The Town Planning Scheme outlines the identification and intensification of light and service industrial nodes along Mbhabha Street; supporting Eswatini’s broader economic development strategy. New zoning classifications, including the Heavy Noxious Industry (I-3) and Secondary Business District (C-2), will cater for expanding business needs.
- PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY NETWORKS
Pedestrian-friendly networks, rehabilitation of public facilities and construction of link roads form part of the city’s urban planning aspirations for a more connected and accessible urban space.
- INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION UPGRADE
The Town Planning Scheme prioritizes infrastructure improvements, including the revitalization of the main bus rank and construction of a new satellite bus rank. These initiatives will enhance public transport efficiency and accommodate growing commuter demands.
…A DECADE IN BLACK LEATHER. 2025 MANZINI CITY IMPISI RALLY THIS WEEKEND
The Municipal Council of Manzini, in collaboration with Hyena MCC, is proud to announce the 2025 edition of the Manzini City Impisi Rally which is themed “A Decade in Black Leather.” The event will run from the 2nd to the 5th May 2025 at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, marking ten years of biker culture, community support and city celebration.
The rally will support underprivileged children through a charitable handover during the weekend. Bikers will donate food parcels and essential items to vulnerable residents, especially those connected to the city’s social centres (popularly referred to as soup kitchens). The event will provide trading and exhibition opportunities for 10 young entrepreneurs offering made-in-Eswatini food, crafts and Manzini city souvenirs. Additionally, six youth artists from the city will perform on the main stage, promoting local talent. Youth involved in waste separation for recycling purposes will be mobilised to collect waste during the rally, reinforcing environmental responsibility.
With over 1,500 bikers attending in previous years, the 2025 rally aims to exceed these numbers and position the City of Manzini as a leading tourism and investment destination. The Municipality will work with local hospitality partners to ensure a welcoming experience for visitors. The Manzini City Impisi Rally continues to elevate the city as a vibrant hub of culture, creativity and inclusive development; inviting the region to ride with purpose and pride.
…CLEANEST PREMISES AWARDS VOTING ENDS TODAY
Public voting for the City of Manzini’s Cleanest Premises Awards ends today. The Municipal Council of Manzini encourages residents and all other stakeholders to make use of the remaining opportunity to cast their votes. This exciting initiative aims to promote a cleaner, healthier city by recognising outstanding efforts in maintaining hygiene and cleanliness across various sectors. There are 10 voting categories, including the Cleanest Neighbourhood/Community, Outstanding Premises Hygiene, Cleanest Market Stall and Best School Cleanliness Initiative, among others. Helemisi FEA School tops under the Best School Cleanliness Initiative category with 1,644 votes. To vote, please dial *440# using an MTN mobile number, select Option 4 for Manzini Cleanest Premises Awards, choose the voting option, enter the nominee’s unique voting code, and the number of votes (each vote costs E2.00). After confirming the transaction via MTN MoMo, your vote will be counted.
…PLEASE REMEMBER TO PAY YOUR RATES
Owners of property within the Manzini urban area are reminded that new rates bills for the 2025/2026 financial year have been issued. Direct communication to this effect has already been made to ratepayers through various communication platforms including Short Message Service (SMS), email and the post office. The Municipality is grateful to property owners who have started to pay. All property owners are encouraged to pay on or before the 31st May 2025 in order to avoid penalties. Those who may have, for some reason, not received their rates bills are encouraged to contact the Municipality through her official communication channels including WhatsApp (7808 2333/7908 2333), 24/7 Call Centre (800 2004/2505 7000) or by email (info@manzinicity.co.sz) and they will be assisted. Ratepayers are reminded that not receiving the rates bill does not prevent accumulation of interest on the rates account. Property owners are also advised to update their contact information with the Municipality’s Finance Department for ease of communication.
