Manzini Municipality Doing Its Best in Environmental Protection
…Waste segregation at source pilot project successful in 4 townships, now extended to Ngwane Park, Extension 7 and Trelawney Park
The Municipal Council of Manzini is stepping up efforts towards implementation of initiatives that are aimed at combating climate change and reducing environmental degradation in the City of Manzini. The introduction of a waste disposal programme that encourages residents to separate recyclable from non-recyclable waste at source (that is, at home) is a significant step towards promoting responsible waste management and it is a demonstration of the Municipality’s commitment to sustainable practices as advocated by the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The emphasis on waste segregation not only helps in prolonging the useful life of the Municipal Controlled Dumpsite through reducing the volume of waste that goes into it but also addresses environmental concerns related to the production of greenhouse gases. The reduction of methane and carbon emissions through proper waste disposal contributes to mitigating climate change and ozone depletion.
The Municipality has successfully piloted waste segregation at source in Coates Valley, Mkhosi, Madonsa and Sterkstroom townships with a high participation rate of around 90 percent households. In fact, during follow-up engagements, most residents have expressed that the programme is long overdue. This is a positive indication of residents’ willingness to embrace environmentally friendly practices. The Municipality is grateful to residents for embracing the programme and encourages those that have not yet started practicing waste segregation at source to do so. The Municipality has taken a decision to extend the programme to other townships, namely; Ngwane Park, Extension 7 and Trelawney Park. The goal is to roll it out citywide by end of the year 2024. Residents in those townships are encouraged to cooperate with the Municipality and embrace the waste segregation at source concept. By so doing, they are not only helping the Municipality but also themselves as the effects of climate change can be devastating to every citizen. The Municipality’s goal is to foster a sustainable and healthier future for generations to come. The success of this initiative relies on continued collaboration between the Municipality and residents, making it a collective effort to preserve the planet for the wellbeing of all citizens.
…HOW TO SEPARATE WASTE AT HOME
- Deposit all recyclable waste (for example; paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, tins and bottles) either in a transparent or green refuse bag.
- Deposit all other domestic waste (for example; used tea bags, eggshells, fruit and vegetable peels and leftover food) in a black plastic bag.
- On the scheduled day for refuse collection in your township, place both forms of garbage on the usual spot for collection by the Municipality.
- If you have the means to take the recyclable waste to the Municipal Buy Back Centre (located opposite SEDCO Estate) you are permitted to do so. The Buy Back Centre receives, weighs the waste and pays instantly.
…MUNICIPALITY INTRODUCES, IMPLEMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARD
As part of her commitment to environmental stewardship, the Municipality has introduced and is already implementing a comprehensive Environmental Management Standard (ISO 14001:2015). The initiative is aimed at fostering sustainable development and environmental preservation. This move does not only reflect responsible governance and environmental stewardship on the part of the Municipality but also positions the city at the forefront of regional efforts to address pressing environmental concerns. It is a positive step towards creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable city. To monitor and enforce the implementation of the standard, the Municipality has dedicated specific resources and conducts regular environmental assessments and inspections. By regularly evaluating progress and ensuring compliance, the Municipality is able to continually improve the impact of implementation of the Environmental Management Standard in our city.
…MUNICIPALITY TO AWARD CLEANEST PREMISES
In a quest to promote cleanliness and hygiene of business and non-business premises within the city, the Municipal Council of Manzini has launched a concept known as Cleanest Premises Awards. The initiative is aimed at recognizing and celebrating residential properties and business establishments that go above and beyond in maintaining the highest standard of cleanliness and sanitation in their premises. With cleanliness being a crucial aspect of overall wellbeing, the Municipality is determined to foster a culture of cleanliness among residents and create an environment that is conducive to health and prosperity. Residents are encouraged to always practise good hygiene practices and maintain a clean environment within their premises. Moreover, the Municipality has adopted a participatory approach in determining the winners of the Cleanest Premises Award competition. Whilst the Municipality will conduct inspections and monitor the premises, as she usually does, citizens (be it residents or non-residents) are requested to nominate premises that, in their view, are the cleanest in the city. Proper validation will be conducted before the ultimate winners are announced.
Nomination forms for the Cleanest Premises Awards are accessible through clicking the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6rsignAeTLV8BSTHj6QwEOOTXavqKL-td8HyYG1Y_G4mD2A/viewform?usp=pp_url or sending the name of the premises being nominated to the Municipality’s official WhatsApp line (7808 2333/7908 2333). The competition closes on the 16th February 2024.