Municipality, Transport Operators Launch Monthly Bus Rank Clean-Up Initiative
In a strategic initiative aimed at fostering behavioural change, curbing littering, and promoting a cleaner urban environment, the Municipal Council of Manzini, in partnership with local public transport operators, last week officially launched a monthly clean-up campaign targeting the Manzini Main Bus Rank. Following a series of engagements with the various public transport associations, it was mutually agreed that operations at the bus rank will pause for 30 minutes on the third Friday of every month to allow for a co-ordinated litter-picking exercise. All users of the bus rank, including transport operators, informal traders and interested commuters, will participate in this effort to maintain cleanliness in the Eswatini’s busiest public transport hub. This initiative, which has been embraced by the leadership of the public transport associations, aligns with their long-standing desire to actively contribute to maintaining a clean and orderly public transport terminal. The campaign was launched in the presence of His Worship, the Mayor of Manzini, Councillor Wesley Dlamini, and City Centre (Ward 12) Councillor Busisiwe Shongwe-Mtsetfwa.
During the event, operators were encouraged to ensure that each public transport vehicle is equipped with refuse bags for commuter use. The Eswatini Environment Authority, which was also in attendance at the launching ceremony, pledged to supply the initial batch of refuse bags, after which operators will be responsible for ongoing provision in their vehicles. Additionally, the Authority will train selected bus rank marshals to serve as Bus Rank Litter Wardens. The wardens will monitor compliance with littering and sanitation regulations, particularly the Litter Regulations, 2011, and issue fines for other environmental violations such as public urination. They will also educate the public on responsible waste disposal and report issues such as overflowing bins or the need for additional waste infrastructure. As the country’s largest public transport terminal, serving thousands of commuters daily, the Manzini Bus Rank is envisioned to become a model of cleanliness and sustainability.
…JOIN THE MAYOR IN THE 2025 BORDER-TO-BORDER CYCLE TOUR
The Municipal Council of Manzini is once again a proud partner of the annual Border-to-Border Cycle Tour, which will take place on the 14th June 2025. The cycle tour, which is titled “2025 Border2Border Cycle Tour”, will commence at Ngwenya Border Post and end at Lavumisa Border Post. The initiative aligns with the Municipality’s tourism activation programme which is aimed at marketing the city locally and internationally and enhance business opportunities for the private sector and local citizens. The cycle tour also contributes immensely in promoting wellness through physical activity and cycling in the city. Drawing motivation from Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No.13 of combating climate change and its impacts, the Municipality is committed to reducing carbon emissions through making Manzini a walking and cycling city. The programme for the day will commence at 7am wherein the City Mayor, His Worship Wesley Dlamini, honourable Councillors, management and staff of the Municipal Council of Manzini will welcome cyclists participating in the 2025 Border2Border Cycle Tour at Mhlaleni, a few kilometres outside the city. The Mayor and some of the Municipal delegation will thereafter join the cyclists and ride into the city, the destination being King Somhlolo Park where there will be a brief programme. The cyclists will thereafter be escorted by the municipal delegation out of the city where they will continue with the ride to Lavumisa Border Post. Residents of Manzini City who have a bicycle are encouraged to join the municipal delegation at Mhlaleni and participate in the ride into the city. Residents who may be interested in participating in the event can register online through the link: https://www.b2bcycletour.com/register or call 7808 2333/7908 2333. Please remember: “No Helmet, No Ride!”.
…PLEASE HELP PREVENT WILDFIRES THIS WINTER
…Over 150 grassfire incidents recorded in Manzini City last year
As the dry and windy winter season begins, the risk of uncontrolled wildfires increases significantly. The City of Manzini urges all residents to play an active role in preventing wildfires, thereby protecting lives, property, and the natural environment. According to Mandla Dlamini, Communications Officer for the Eswatini National Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, 1,233 grassland fires were reported nationally last year. Of these, 150 incidents occurred within the City of Manzini, with one resulting in a fatality and others causing considerable damage to property. According to Dlamini, a major contributing factor to these fires is the use of open flames to manage overgrown vegetation, which is an illegal practice under Section VII of the Urban Government Regulations, 1969, which prohibits starting fires in a manner that endangers persons, buildings or property. Residents are reminded to avoid this practice and utilise approved methods of vegetation control. The Eswatini National Fire Rescue and Emergency Services advises residents to take note of the following fire prevention tips;
- Proper Ash Disposal: Always use an ash pit. Improper disposal can easily spark fires.
- Cigarette Safety: Refrain from throwing lit cigarette butts out of vehicles.
- Cooking Precautions: Informal traders who are in the business of roasting maize along the streets should ensure safe ash disposal.
- Safe Fireplace Use: Do not overload stoves or fireplaces. Please extinguish fires before sleeping.
- Heater Safety: Never leave heaters unattended or use them to dry clothing.
Citizens of the city and the general members of the public are encouraged to report any incidents of open burning by calling the Eswatini National Fire Rescue and Emergency Services toll-free line (933) or the Municipality’s 24/7 Call Centre (800 2004/2505 7000). As part of national efforts to improve fire readiness, the Eswatini National Fire Rescue and Emergency Services has initiated the establishment of local fire response teams to enhance coordination and improve communication and community-level preparedness. Working together, let us safeguard the City of Manzini from the devastating effects of wildfires.
…MUNICIPALITY SIGNS MOU WITH RAAG
The Municipal Council of Manzini has formalised a strategic partnership with the Road Accident Action Group (RAAG), a non-governmental organisation that is committed to enhancing road safety and reducing traffic-related incidents. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed last Thursday at the Council Chambers, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to promote safer roads for all users including motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. The partnership will focus on key initiatives such as reducing road accidents and fatalities in the City of Manzini and surrounding areas, raising public awareness on road safety, conducting educational campaigns on responsible road use and supporting improvements in road infrastructure. Additionally, the MoU emphasises the importance of data-driven approaches to identify high-risk areas and promote engagement with critical stakeholders, including the Road Safety Council, law enforcement agencies, schools and community groups.
…HAVE YOUR SAY: MUNICIPALITY LAUNCHES 2024/2025 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY
As part of her commitment to continuous municipal service delivery improvement, the Municipal Council of Manzini has launched a 2024/2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey. This initiative seeks to collect valuable feedback from residents and stakeholders on the quality and efficiency of municipal services.
Manzini citizens and all other stakeholders are encouraged to share their views by completing a printed questionnaire, available at the Civic Office reception desk and the Rates Hall. Alternatively, the survey can be completed online through the following link:
Customer Satisfaction Survey – 2024/2025. The Municipality places great value on public input and believes that active community participation is essential in shaping municipal services and initiatives that are responsive to the needs of the community.
