Manzini Main Market Rehabilitation Begins
…As from next week Monday, Market traders will temporarily be trading at the Satellite Bus Rank. Customers are encouraged to continue supporting them
Following an outcry from Manzini Market traders regarding the dilapidated state of the Manzini Main Market, the Municipal Council of Manzini will this month embark on the facility’s rehabilitation project. The project also forms part of the Municipality’s 2019-2024 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) which, amongst others, seeks to ensure provision of conducive informal trading infrastructure in the City of Manzini. Having been established way back in 1983, the facility which presently provides trading space to over 400 traders, has in recent times been exhibiting visible signs of dilapidation; in particular its roofing infrastructure. Amongst other challenges, traders had expressed to the Municipality that the roof was porous; which situation negatively affected trading during rainy weather. A private contractor has been awarded the job and rehabilitation works, including repainting of the facility, are set to commence next week and run for a period not exceeding four months. A series of engagements have already been conducted with the traders regarding the project and they expressed excitement about the new development. During the engagements the traders were also informed that they will have to vacate the facility for purposes of smooth-flow of the project and to protect them from exposure to accidents.
Therefore, as from next week Monday, all Manzini Main Market traders will temporarily relocate to the Satellite Bus Rank wherein they will be conducting their trade for the duration of the rehabilitation period. The Manzini Trade Hub will also be utilized by some of the traders except for Wednesdays and Thursdays. Others, in particular those who require workshop space to conduct their businesses, will operate from home for the period of the rehabilitation works. Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting the market traders even at the temporal site. Same with those that will be operating from home. The traders will relocate back to the Manzini Main Market as soon as the rehabilitation works are complete. The Municipality will closely monitor the contractor and see to it that it adheres to the agreed project timelines. The Municipality’s goal is to ensure that the traders conduct their business comfortably in a conducive environment and that their customers enjoy a shopping experience in a Market facility that exhibits an improved character and atmosphere.
…PROCUREMENT PROCESS TOWARDS MEINTJIES STREET REHABILITATION ONGOING
The Municipal Council of Manzini has also prioritized rehabilitation of Meintjies street (road from Manzini Main Bus Rank to Woodmasters) as part of the 2019-2024 Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The procurement process has commenced and is presently ongoing as per the timelines given in earlier communication. All things constant, project commencement can be expected in May 2022. In the interim, the Municipality will continue closely monitoring the state of the road, which stands as the busiest public transport route into and out of the city’s Central Business District. Interim riding quality measures will include weekly pothole patching or at least every after heavy rains. Patching will be done using stabilized gravel material pending commencement of the rehabilitation project. The Municipality appeals for continued patience from users of the road and the general members of the public. On another note, the ongoing capital projects including construction of the Bosco Bridge, rehabilitation of Southern Distributor road, rehabilitation of Mimosa road and rehabilitation of Tikhuba road will resume next week following a short festive break by the contractor, AG Thomas. Motorists are reminded to observe the road signage and always reduce speed within the project site. Residents are also urged to keep children away from the project site.
…TORRENTIAL RAINS CAUSE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO CITY ROADS
…Municipality rolls up sleeves, attends to damaged roads
The ongoing torrential rains that are being experienced by the City of Manzini and almost the entire country have caused extreme damage to the City of Manzini’s road infrastructure; both surfaced and gravel roads. On Monday the Municipality conducted a citywide inspection and discovered that most of the surfaced roads, particularly those that have outlived their design life, had developed gaping potholes. On the same token, many gravel roads in different parts of the city have been left extremely damaged; to an extent that some became impassable. Notwithstanding the fact that it becomes difficult to attend to the damaged roads whilst the incessant downpour is ongoing, the Municipality on Monday began attending to some of the roads; beginning with the worst affected. On Monday alone, the road maintenance team was seen busy on approximately 10 city roads. Others were attended to yesterday whilst the rest will be attended to as the week progresses; weather permitting. The maintenance works will include road grading, re-gravelling, silt removal, pothole patching as well as storm water drain cleaning. The Municipality pleads for patience from citizens whilst it attends to the damaged roads.
Furthermore, motorists are requested to drive with caution in order to protect their vehicles from damage. Where possible, alternative routes may be utilized. The Municipality has drawn a comprehensive action plan to remedy the situation. In the event that the torrential downpour subsides, the city roads should be back to normal state (or even better) in the next two weeks or so. Residents who experience difficulty accessing their residences are urged to report such challenges through the Municipality’s 24/7 Call Centre (800 2004/2505 7000) or WhatsApp (7808 2333) or the Municipality’s Facebook page (Manzini News).
