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Manzini’s Innovative, Economic Empowerment Solution to Overgrowth on Vacant Plots

…Municipality calls on individual entrepreneurs who are into the grass-cutting business to register from the 9^th December 2022.

True to its vision of being a vibrant African city that innovatively provides quality service and economic opportunities to its stakeholders, the Municipal Council of Manzini has come up with yet another innovative way of ensuring that vegetation is well maintained in undeveloped plots in the City of Manzini.

This innovation will not only result in citizens enjoying the urban social benefit of living in an environment that is characterized by zero vegetation overgrowth on vacant plots; but it also brings in an element of economic empowerment for individual city citizens; particularly those who are into the grass cutting business.  The country is currently in a season wherein the Municipality usually gets inundated with complaints from citizens regarding high levels of vegetation overgrowth on vacant plots. Moreso because some of the overgrown plots end up being hideouts for criminals, rodents and even snakes; thereby causing discomfort to citizens. According to municipal regulations, it is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure vegetation is well maintained within their properties. The Municipality is responsible for vegetation overgrowth removal only on road reserves and public open spaces. Owing to the above-highlighted challenge in the city, the Municipality has taken a decision to engage individual entrepreneurs (also referred to as solo operator entrepreneurs) who are involved in the grass-cutting business for purposes of removal of vegetation overgrowth on vacant plots.

This is in line with the Municipality’s strategic resolve to stimulate the city’s socio-economic growth and increase employment opportunities by 2024. The opportunity is only available to citizens who live within the Manzini urban area. Residents (not businesses) of any of the townships within the Manzini urban area, both males and females, young and old, who own brush-cutters and/or other vegetation removal equipment; and who may be interested to render their services to the Municipality are encouraged to register their interest. They can do so by collecting an application form at the Municipal Council of Manzini offices (Reception Desk), filling it out and submitting it back to the Municipality on or before Wednesday, 21^st December 2022. Please note that all information provided in the form will be verified. The following is some of the key information that will be required;

• Applicants must own a fully functional brush-cutter
• Applicants must strictly reside within the Manzini urban area
• Certified copies of applicant’s National Identity Card (ID)
• Certified police clearance
• Applicant’s plot number
• Applicant’s contact details
• Name of township in which applicant resides

MUNICIPALITY ECONOMICALLY EMPOWERS WOMEN THROUGH A COMPOST PRODUCTION PROJECT

The Municipal Council of Manzini in partnership with Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) has forged an innovative way to enhance economic women empowerment in the city of Manzini. Gwacatela BoMake Manzini is a multi-purpose cooperative that focuses on producing organically made compost from bio-degradable waste. This type of compost is beneficial because it contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases and minimizes Manzini’s environmental impact. The project’s aim is to create job opportunities for women in the city of Manzini to encourage economic sustainability. Council would like to encourage the general public to support the cooperative as compost is now available at the Council abattoir next to the Buyback Centre, Opposite SEDCO. Aspirant supporters can also contact the Municipality on 78082333/79082333/ 8002004 for more information.

WORLD AIDS DAY COMMEMORATION A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS

Last Friday saw the Municipality together with Aids HealthCare Foundation magnificently commemorating World AIDS day at the Tums George hotel. The event was full of vibrant young people who were keenly listening to the strides the city has achieved over the years in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The theme for this year’s World AIDS day was Equalize; Eswatini Ending AIDS together. Here are some of the great highlights of the amazing event in pictures;

IT’S FESTIVE SEASON; CITIZENS ARE REMINDED TO ABIDE BY CITY RULES

Every city in the world has a set of rules and regulations that anyone residing, visiting or carrying out business is expected to adhere to. City rules are made for purposes of managing risks that may compromise citizens’ quality of life. The City of Manzini has, as expected, a set of rules that all citizens and visitors are always expected to respect, this festive season here are some of the city rules all citizens are expected to adhere to;

• Street Vending

Regulated street vending is allowed within the urban area but it is strictly restricted to the designated areas. A street vendor must have a valid trading permit obtainable from the Municipality and should only conduct trade at the place designated for such business. Trading outside the allocated area is a violation of Municipal regulations. The vendor must only sell the goods/wares specified when applying for the permit. The vendor is not allowed to relocate from one vending site to another without the Municipality’s permission. To apply for a street vending permit, one is required to submit an application letter to the Municipality. The Municipality’s security personnel is authorized to handle issues of unpermitted street vending albeit in a human and acceptable manner. Offenders are urged not to fight the enforcement teams but always cooperate.

• Noise

No person shall cause disturbance of peace to neighbours by means of shouting, quarrelling or loud music. Any such disturbance must be duly reported to the police or the Municipality and action will be taken against the offender. The Municipality has a round-the-clock team that is always on standby to take action against noise. Citizens are urged to report noise through the Municipality’s 24/7 Call Centre (800 2004/2505 7000, callcenter@mzcitycouncil.sz).  Furthermore, no person shall, in any street or place of public resort, disturb the peace by causing excessive noise through any instrument or machine. Fighting or challenging to fight as well as brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner is not acceptable. Any other violent, riotous and other form of unbecoming disorderly behavior is also prohibited.