Dry Season Upon Us: Citizens Urged to Avoid Uncontrolled Wild Fires
The dry and windy season has commenced and it is becoming a common occurrence to come across sporadic wildfires in different parts of the city and country. Uncontrolled wild fires are discouraged due to the risk that they pose to property, life and the natural environment. Urban areas, according to information obtained from the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Services, are at a higher risk of exposure to danger than non-urban areas due to the urban sprawl. Citizens are, therefore, urged to practice preventative measures in order to protect the environment, life and property.
- PLEASE AVOID BURNING VEGETATION OVERGROWTH ON PLOTS
Citizens are urged to desist from using fire for purposes of removing vegetation overgrowth. It has been noted that some citizens whose neighbouring properties have overgrown vegetation take advantage of the dry season and burn the vegetation. According to the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Services, most uncontrolled wildfires in urban areas are caused by such practices. Citizens are encouraged to contact the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Services (toll-free line 933) in the event they come across open burning so that the fire can be put out before causing damage. The Municipality further reminds citizens that open burning of any magnitude anywhere within the urban area (including burning of waste) is a prosecutable offence. Improper disposal of ash is, according to the National Fire and Emergency Services, another cause of a breakout of uncontrolled wildfire. Citizens are implored to always dispose ash in an ash pit.
- DO NOT THROW CIGARETTE STUBS OUT OF MOVING VEHICLES
Citizens are urged to desist from throwing cigarette stubs out the window of moving vehicles. Vehicles are equipped with ash trays and those who use cigarettes are urged to make use of them for disposal of stubs. They are also urged to ensure stubs are completely extinguished before disposal in the ash tray. According to information from the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Services, during dry and windy conditions wildfire can start by carelessly flicking a cigarette stub on the ground. On another note, citizens are implored not to overfill their fireplace or wood stove. Overloading the fireplace with too much wood can cause fire to burn out of control. It is also important to ensure that you put out the fire before retiring to bed.
…Town Planning Scheme meeting for Coates Valley, Wilmer Park, Moneni residents this Saturday
Residents of Coates Valley (Ward 10), Wilmer Park/Extension 7 (Ward 11) and Inyoni Park, Moneni and Masekweni (Ward 9) are invited to a Town Planning Scheme (TPS) meeting which will be held at Sydney Williams School this Saturday, starting at 2pm. A Town Planning Scheme is a legal document that, amongst others, guides land use in a city or town. The Municipal Council of Manzini, through a professional consultant, will be presenting a draft review of the TPS and also collecting input from residents on how best to make the legal document user-friendly and relevant to their needs. Residents are encouraged to attend the important meeting so that they voice out their thoughts and influence the final document. The meeting will run not more than 2 hours.
…PROGRESS IN CITY’S ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
A number of road rehabilitation projects are ongoing in the City of Manzini in line with the 2019-2024 Integrated Development Plan. These include construction of the Bosco bridge (which is meant to provide an additional entry/exit point into the city centre and thereby alleviate traffic congestion), rehabilitation of Southern Distributor road within Extension 7, Mimosa road within Coates Valley, Tikhuba road (from the main traffic circle, past Manzini Club into Coates Valley), Stanley street in Ngwane Park Extension past Ludwala shopping complex as well as Meintjies street (from the main bus rank to Woodmasters Township) and other city centre roads. The Municipal Council of Manzini implores citizens to continue exercising patience as often times they are made to utilize detours to get to their destinations. The following photos show the status of the ongoing projects…
