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Citizens Encouraged to Utilise City’s Recreational Facilities

…some are accessible free of charge whilst a nominal fee is payable for others

One of the indicators of a well-planned city is the availability of recreational facilities that are accessible to citizens of all ages. According to Goal Number 11 (Sustainable Cities and Settlements) of the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), urban governments (municipalities) are expected to provide universal access to safe, inclusive, accessible public open spaces for use by citizens. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation states that having easily accessible public recreational facilities in cities enhances citizens’ quality of life.  The WHO says participating in recreational activities helps enrich citizens’ lives in many ways including an improvement in physical wellbeing, emotional health and cognitive functioning. It also offers citizens an opportunity to socialize with fellow community members. Participation in recreational activities also helps divert the mind from unhealthy and unproductive thought processes. The Municipal Council of Manzini subscribes to the above-mentioned principles. As a result, in the 2019-2024 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) the Municipality has set a deliberate strategic objective to guide the city’s development towards making it a more liveable city.

Furthermore, as part of the Municipality’s strategic objective of improving the city’s social cohesion and health status through increased sporting and social activities, the City of Manzini offers a number of recreational facilities for use by citizens. Some are located in the city centre whilst others are in the neighbourhoods. Some are accessible free of charge whilst others charge a nominal gazetted user fee and their use is regulated. Citizens are encouraged to utilize these facilities. The Municipality also wishes to clarify that recreational facilities are not for the exclusive use of residents of the communities in which they are located but are open to all citizens regardless of where they live. Public recreational facilities whose access is regulated by the Municipality are the Zakhele sports ground and multi-purpose courts, Zakhele Community Hall (however, it is currently out of bounds as it is being utilised as a Covid-19 kiosk), the main traffic circle (which is largely used for photo-shoot purposes), King Somhlolo Park and the Millennium Park.  Access to these facilities is strictly through bookings on a first come first served arrangement. Citizens are encouraged to observe booking procedures whenever they wish to access the above-mentioned recreational facilities.

A booking form is available at the Reception Desk within the Municipal Council main offices. Alternatively, the booking form may be accessed from the security personnel that are available in the various facilities. However, the booking form must be submitted to the Municipality after being filled out. The Municipality’s Property Leasing Office may be contacted during office hours on 2508 5052/2508 5000 for assistance with bookings.

…PAYABLE USER FEES FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

…FILLING STATIONS SENSITISED ON HEALTH, SAFETY

The Municipal Council of Manzini last week held a sensitization workshop for filling station operators. The workshop’s objective, which was attended by representatives from various filling stations within the City of Manzini, was to sensitize them about environmental health and safety, food safety and waste management. They were reminded of the importance of observing all health and safety precautions such as no use of cellphones as it may contribute to fire breakout at the filling station. They were also urged to periodically check the expiry date of food items in the convenience stores; ensuring that no expired food items were sold to customers. The operators were also sensitised about issues of waste management including proper disposal of hazardous waste and oil spills. They were urged not to hesitate to contact the Municipality in the event they were not sure how to handle issues of health, safety and waste disposal. The operators thanked the Municipality for the training session, further committing to full compliance going forward. The following photos were taken during the workshop…