May 2022 Be A Better Year: Please Observe Rules Of The City
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. Like with all other cities globally, there are retributive measures against any violation of city rules. Whenever action is taken against violation of city rules it does not mean the Municipality is being unnecessarily heavy handed against citizens but it is meant to ensure order continues to prevail in the city. A city that lacks enforcement of city rules and regulations becomes less attractive to investors and tourists. As we start a new year, the Municipality deems it appropriate to remind citizens of the rules of Manzini city so that 2022 can be a better year for everyone in terms of quality of life in the Hub of Eswatini.
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.
LITTERING
No person shall deposit any litter or refuse anywhere except at areas designated by the Municipality. A person caught dumping litter at any other place other than a receptacle (garbage bin) shall be forced to clean the area by removing all the refuse found on site, whether or not the litter has been accumulated by him/her. The person shall also face legal prosecution. The fine against littering and illegal dumping is E50 and E5,000; respectively. A litter-free city becomes attractive to tourists and investors. It also creates a good image about the city’s citizens as people who are conscious of the health risks associated with living in an unclean environment.
KEEPING OF ANIMALS
No person shall keep an animal which is a nuisance or annoyance to other residents within the neighbourhood. If an animal becomes a nuisance to other residents and members of the public its owner should voluntarily remove it from their property or else the Municipality finds itself with no option but to remove it. This may include dogs, cats and other domestic animals. Animals are not to be allowed to roam the streets. Residences that have animals must be properly fenced so as not to allow them to roam the streets. Moreover, the gate must always be closed to prevent the animal from straying into the streets. Failure to do so may result in the animal being removed from the streets by the Municipality. Furthermore, no person is permitted to cause any livestock to graze within the urban boundary.
KEEPING OF POULTRY
No person shall keep more than a flock of 12 live poultry without the Municipality’s permission. Any person keeping poultry must do so in a properly built poultry house which must be atleast eight (8) metres away from the nearest dwelling building. The structure should be constructed according to the requirements of the Municipality. The Municipality is always available to give guidance in this regard. Keeping of roosters is not permitted in the city. This is because they cause noise and disturb the peace in the neighbourhood.
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.
VEGETATION OVERGROWTH ON PROPERTIES
It is the responsibility of property owners to ensure their properties, be it developed or undeveloped, are always well maintained. Property owners are urged to always ensure non-existence of vegetation overgrowth in their properties. The Municipality only clears overgrowth on road reserves and public open spaces such recreational parks.
OPEN BURNING
Open burning of any material anywhere within the urban boundary is prohibited. Garden waste and other material which are not collectable by the municipal refuse trucks are to be deposited in a skip bin. Council avails skip bins to citizens on request and at a fee of E100-00 per load.
PARKING VEHICLE ON WALKWAYS (SIDEWALKS)
Walkways (commonly referred to as pavements or sidewalks) were not designed to carry weight beyond that of a human being. That is why they easily break/collapse when vehicles park on them. Illegal parking in the city results in the vehicle being clamped and release fines are required to have the vehicle unclamped.
BUILDING WITHOUT MUNICIPALITY’S PERMISSION
Before conducting any development or structural alteration on one’s property, it is a requirement a building plan be submitted for approval by the Municipality. The Municipality conducts routine citywide inspections and anyone found to be violating this regulation is served with a notice, instructing them to forthwith stop construction and demolish whatever had already been constructed.
