Municipality Discourages Abandonment of Houses in The City
…ongoing inspection discovers over 35 abandoned houses/structures in various townships
Over 35 houses and dilapidated structures have been identified in various townships within the City of Manzini. This follows a citywide inspection that has been initiated by the Municipal Council of Manzini following an observation that the number of abandoned structures was on the rise. The exercise is still ongoing and the intention is to cover the entire city. Abandonment of buildings/houses is cause for concern to the Municipality, moreso because the existence of such structures contribute to urban decay and criminal activities in the city. People, including the youth, end up using such structures to conduct immoral activities whilst criminals utilize them for hideout purposes.
The existence of derelict houses also makes the neigbourhoods look dreary and run-down. By the end of June this year nine abandoned structures had been found in Ngwane Park Township alone. Three were found at Zakhele Township, another three in Fairview North, two are in Fairview South, two are at Wilmer Park whilst Ntunja Township and Extension 6 have one abandoned structure each. The cause of the abandonment is not known to the Municipality. The Municipality strongly discourages the abandonment of houses. Property owners are implored to ensure there is someone occupying their houses. Alternatively, they are urged to ensure that there is 24/7 security provided.
…SECURITY IS KEY: ADDITIONAL HIGH MAST LIGHT FOR TWO STICKS
Improvement of public order, safety and security forms part of the Municipal Council of Manzini’s strategic objectives in the 2019-2024 Integrated Development Plan (IDP). One of the ways through which the Municipality contributes to the reduction of crime in the city is by ensuring it is well lit during night time. The Municipal Council of Manzini has invested in high mast security lights for almost all its neighbourhoods. High mast lights provide greater illumination compared to streetlights; covering a larger area of up to 300 metres whilst the latter only provides illumination on the street. Streetlights are also high maintenance and easy to vandalise.
The Municipality recently installed an additional LED high mast light at Two Sticks Township under Ward 2 of the City of Manzini; replacing a set of streetlights that existed along Mabasa street. LED lights are energy savers hence they help reduce the cost of electricity for the Municipality.
…MANZINI MAYOR PLANTS FIRST SET OF TREES
…this marks the beginning of 500 trees planting campaign
Manzini Mayor Quinton Els last Friday planted the first set of trees in various public spaces of the city; setting the tone for the massive tree planting exercise which forms part of the Municipal Council of Manzini’s city greening project. Keeping the city green helps reduce depletion of the ozone layer and, by extension, climate change. It is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 11 which calls for sustainable cities and communities. The Mayor planted a number of indigenous trees at Mjingo High School and Sydney Williams Primary School.
Other trees were planted within The George Hotel premises, Family Life Association of Swaziland premises, Dups Mall parking lot, LaMvelase Clinic and the Millennium Park. Property developers are encouraged to support the city greening campaign by ensuring that whenever a tree is put down to give way to development, more replacement trees are planted. Citizens are also urged to desist from putting down trees unnecessarily. The following photos were taken during the tree planting exercise…
