Manzini Strives To Be One Of Africa’s Green, Cleanest Cities
…500 trees to be planted in strategic areas beginning this month
Goal Number 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals calls for cities and human settlements to be made inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. In essence, this global call for action advocates for intelligent urban planning that provides universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible as well as green public spaces. All of this, according to the United Nations, is to be achieved by the year 2030. Trees, grass and other green vegetation prevent soil erosion, absorb air pollutants and mitigate global warming. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), trees do not only produce oxygen but they also filter out harmful air pollution. “Importantly, green public spaces can also enhance mental health. Analysis suggests that physical activity in a natural environment can help remedy mild depression and reduce physiological stress indicators”, says the WHO. The City of Manzini is rapidly developing and, in the process, green vegetation gets removed to give way to development.
The Municipal Council of Manzini is taking giant steps towards responding to the global call for green cities. The Municipality will, with effect from this month, embark on a massive tree planting exercise which will see 500 trees being planted in strategic areas of the city this year. The project targets all 12 municipal wards, particularly public places such as churches, hospitals, schools, social centres and recreational parks. The first batch of 155 indigenous trees has already arrived and planting will begin soon. The Municipality is grateful to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment for supporting the exercise by way of donation of indigenous trees. The tree planting exercise is also in line with this year’s World Environment Day theme; which is “Ecosystem Restoration”. Keeping cities green and clean forms part of the many forms of ecosystem restoration. The Municipal Council of Manzini encourages property developers to incorporate greening of properties in their plans so that the city can achieve the goal of being one of Africa’s green and cleanest cities.
…MUNICIPALITY ALSO ROLLS OUT CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 11 also calls for the urban natural environment to be kept clean. Therefore, for the health of the environment, the Municipality calls on Manzini citizens to desist from littering; be it on the streets or in other public spaces. All waste must be disposed of properly in refuse bins and other waste receptacles. Illegal dumping on undeveloped plots and public open spaces is also discouraged. Garbage that is thrown on the ground does not simply disappear but it eventually contaminates the soil and water. Healthy soil and water are needed for food and clean drinking water. Tourists and investors are also attracted to clean and healthy cities. Tourist and business attraction is important to the community as they result in the creation of more employment opportunities. Manzini citizens are, therefore, urged to keep their neighbourhoods clean and healthy for the wellbeing of their communities.
The Municipal Council of Manzini is in the process of rolling out a citywide clean-up campaign. The clean-up exercise is being conducted piece-meal and will run until March next year. During the exercise citizens will also be sensitised about the importance of changing their behaviour and practising proper waste disposal. The exercise has already been conducted in Mangwaneni Informal Settlement and Old Zakhele. Other areas will be covered going forward.
…A BIG THANK YOU TO STEFANUTTI STOCKS FOR TOUCHING LIVES IN MANGWANENI
The Municipal Council of Manzini expresses its appreciation to Stefanutti Stocks Construction for making a difference in Mangwaneni Informal Settlement, an area that is close to its project site. Stefanutti Stocks Construction is presently engaged in construction of a multi-million Manzini Traffic Interchange in the eastern entry/exit point to the City of Manzini. Last week the company donated hand sanitisers and face masks to approximately 300 children of Mangwaneni Informal Settlement ahead of the re-opening of schools. Face masks have become an essential requirement in schools following the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus and not everyone affords to buy them. One of the company directors, Thandiwe Hlatshwayo, said the company cares about the communities in which they happen to do business. She stated that the company was not only about making profit but making a difference in the communities in which they work was equally essential. Hlatshwayo thanked the Municipal Council of Manzini for a good working relationship ever since commencement of the project. Meanwhile, Manzini Mayor Quinton Els, who received the donation on behalf of the community thanked the company for displaying good corporate citizenship by ploughing back to the community. He also noted that it was not the first time the company supporting the Mangwaneni community. The Mayor implored parents of the children to ensure that the face masks and sanitisers were taken care of.