A Reminder on Acceptable Behaviour in The City
Municipalities the world over have a responsibility to regulate urban life through the application of relevant legislation, regulations, policies and by-laws. This form of municipal control is meant to impede undesirable behavior or lifestyle. In fact, public spaces are fundamental links of urban life hence regulation on their use is crucial for purposes of ensuring that all citizens enjoy an acceptable quality of urban life. The month of April marks the beginning of a new financial year (2021/2022) for the Municipality and today’s article seeks to educate or remind citizens and visitors about the acceptable behavior that is expected in the city. Please read on…
PUBLIC ORDER
No person shall, in any street or place of public resort or within site or hearing distance of the persons therein, disturb the peace by causing excessive noise by either him or any instrument or machine, shouting, quarrelling, fighting or challenging to fight, or otherwise creating disturbance, fighting or challenging to fight, striking with or brandishing or using in a threatening manner any stick or weapon using any abusive, threatening or obscene language or gesture, singing or reciting any scurrilous words or songs whether or not any person is particularly addressed therein. Any other violent, riotous, unbecoming disorderly behavior is prohibited.
NUISANCE IN PUBLIC PLACES
No person shall place anything or an object on the street, parking bay, pavement or any other place where it is likely to cause inconvenience, danger, discomfort, obstruction to the passage of any person for a longer time than may be necessary for loading or downloading. The police or any authorized Council official may remove the object. No person may sit, lie, walk, stand, loiter, congregate or otherwise act in such manner that obstructs the free flow of human or vehicular traffic along the streets or to jostle or otherwise annoy the public. No person may deposit scrap metal or car or anything in any premises – be it his own or that of the public. Such material may be disposed with the help of Council.
PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PARADES
Public meetings, rallies, street parades or demonstrations are not allowed to take place in the city unless a special permit to hold such has been obtained from Council.
INDECENCY AND IMMORALITY
No person shall, in any street or public place or resort or in any place within sight or hearing distance of the persons therein, commit any indecent or immoral gesture/act or willfully and obscenely expose his person or exhibit or sell any indecent books or pictures or promote any indecent or immoral gestures, or gamble with cards, dice or coins. No person is allowed to urinate, spit or blow his/her nose in a public place.
STREET COLLECTIONS
Any person or organization (including welfare or charitable organisations) may not conduct street collection of alms/money without Council’s permit.
LOUD ADVERTISEMENT
No person shall, for the purpose of advertising or promoting his wares or services, use the aid of loud speakers, megaphones, gongs or any noisy instrument unless permitted by Council.
LITTERING
No person shall deposit any litter/refuse anywhere except at areas designated by Council. A person caught dumping litter at any other place other than a receptacle (dust bin, dumpster) shall be forced to clean the area of all the refuse found there whether or not the litter has been accumulated by him. The person shall also face legal prosecution.
USE OF RECREATIONAL PARKS
Any person using the park shall obey all instructions given to them by any person employed by Council for the purposes of preserving order and regularity therein. No person shall annoy, disturb, obstruct or interfere with any person using the park. Any person caught damaging, destroying, interfering with the vegetation (lawn), equipment or property of the park shall be prosecuted. Anyone who litters or leaves uncollected or does not deposit litter in a litter bin placed within the park or nearby shall be guilty of an offence.
STREET VENDING
Regulated street vending is allowed within the urban area but it is strictly restricted to the designated areas. A vendor must have a valid trading permit obtainable from Council and should only conduct trade at the place permitted to conduct business. Trading outside the allocated area is a violation of Council’s regulations. The vendor must only sell the goods/wares specified when applying for the permit. The vendor is not allowed to relocate from one vending site to another without Council’s permission.
…MARKET TRADERS SENSITIZED ABOUT HYGIENE
The Municipal Council of Manzini recently hosted a workshop for traders who prepare and sell food to members of the public at the Manzini market. The purpose of the workshop was to sensitise the food handlers about the importance of personal and general hygiene whilst preparing the food as well as expected public safety measures in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. The food traders were taught to avoid bad habits such as nose-picking, smoking, spitting, nose- blowing and speaking without wearing a face mask whilst serving food to customers. The workshop, which was held at their workstation within the market facility, was attended by 27 food handlers who participated actively during discussions. The following photos were taken during the workshop…
