Citizens Urged To Stop Illegal Dumping. E25,000 Fines Paid Every Month
One of the major environmental challenges that the City of Manzini experiences is that of illegal dumping. Illegal dumping is the disposal of waste, be it domestic or commercially generated, in areas that are not designated as waste disposal sites. Undeveloped plots, ravines, river banks and streets that are close to the city’s boundary line are some of the common illegal dumping hotspots in the city. The Municipal Council of Manzini is concerned about such illegal practices taking place in the city; moreso because they cause harm to the environment. Illegal dumping negatively impacts the city as it causes pollution (land, air and water pollution); thereby endangering public health as it has the potential to cause an outbreak of diseases. Illegal dumping also results in destruction of the natural eco-system and also contributes to the adverse effect of climate change. Part of the mandate of the Municipality is to ensure protection of the environment; guarding against illegal dumping and littering. For many years, the Municipality has been educating citizens against illegal dumping and littering. In some instances, “No Dumping” signage has been erected in problem areas but in some hotspots the illegal practice persisted. As a means to curb further occurrence of the illegal practice, the Municipality has started imposing fines against illegal dumping and littering. The Environmental Management Act of 2002 and the Litter Regulations of 2011 provide the legal framework for such purposes. According to the Litter Regulations of 2011, anyone found dumping waste using a vehicle or any substantive quantity at a place not designated as a waste disposal site should be fined up to E5000.
The Regulations also impose fines of E50 against dropping of any litter in a public space and throwing litter out the window of a moving vehicle. A number of offenders have been caught and made to pay the applicable fines in the past few months. So far the Municipality collects an average of over E25,000 in fines for illegal dumping on a monthly basis. The Municipality advises citizens to make use of the controlled dumpsite which is located near the Golf Course cemetery instead of dumping in undesignated areas. The controlled dumpsite is open to anyone who wishes to dispose of waste and waste disposal is free of charge. The controlled dumpsite is accessible to members of the public on Mondays to Fridays, between 7am and 4:30pm. Alternatively, residents can make use of the Municipality’s skip service which is accessible for only E100 per load. Through this service, the Municipality brings the skip bin to one’s property, allows them time to load the waste and thereafter collects it for disposal of the waste at the controlled dumpsite. Another option is to separate recyclable waste and sell it to the Manzini Buy Back Centre; which is located opposite Manzini SEDCO estate and below the municipal abattoir. The Municipality implores citizens to help prevent environmental pollution by desisting from practices such as illegal dumping and littering. Instead of littering, citizens are urged to make use of the litter bins that are available in strategic areas around the city. Keeping the city clean also has economic spin-offs as it makes it attractive to investors and tourists.
…PAYABLE FINES AGAINST LITTERING, ILLEGAL DUMPING
OFFENCE | PAYABLE FINE |
1. Throwing any litter through a window of a moving vehicle | E50 |
2. Dropping any litter at any public place | E50 |
3. Dumping waste using a vehicle or any substantive quantity at a place not designated as a waste disposal site | E5000 |
4. Failure to display litter receptacle (bin) within public vicinity | E5000 |
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: MUNICIPALITY APPRECIATES ALL WOMEN WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE CITY
As part of the celebration of 2022 International Women’s Day, which is themed #BreakTheBias, the Municipal Council of Manzini takes this opportunity to appreciate the women who continue to make a difference in the City of Manzini in many different ways. Some of these women are making a significant contribution to the economy through the formal business space whilst others do so through the informal business sector. Others are making a difference in the social aspect of citizen health through the many services they provide as part of the non-governmental organisations that they work for. Others contribute to citizen fitness and health through their contribution in a number of sporting activities. Others contribute to citizens’ spiritual wellbeing as part of the churches that they lead. Others are making a difference in the area of citizens education and empowerment. Others ensure improved citizen wellbeing through their diligence in the political space. The Municipality acknowledges all of them equally and wishes them success as they continue making the city a better place to stay, work and do business. Special appreciation also goes to the women employees who work for the Municipal Council of Manzini, at all levels of the hierarchy, for their continued dedication and contribution towards the Municipality achieving its service delivery mandate. The Municipality promotes equal opportunities in areas of employee recruitment, promotion and professional development