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Municipality Warns Against Unauthorised Outdoor Advertising Posters

The Municipal Council of Manzini has noted with concern a continuing illegal practice wherein event organisers, schools and businesses place unauthorised advertising posters on any surface along the streets including walls of buildings, electricity poles, power kiosks, streetlights and traffic light poles as well as trees.  Such actions contribute to an unsightly and cluttered environment, thereby spoiling the city’s aesthetics. Citizens are reminded that approval from the Municipality is mandatory for any form of outdoor advertising in the city. Anyone who erects a poster, banner or billboard without the Municipality’s consent commits an offence. The appropriate process to be followed entails submitting an application to the Municipality, paying the necessary fees (E350 for 10 posters per week, E75 per week for each additional set of 10 posters, and E220 per banner per week), getting the advertising material stamped by the Municipality; and then displaying it. It is also crucial to note that the advertiser is not allowed to place advertising materials anywhere they feel like but the location must be approved by the Municipality.

From now on, anyone who puts up any type of outdoor advertising in public spaces without Municipality authorization will face consequences, including a violation fine of E1,000. The Municipality also reminds those who have received permission to display posters or banners in the city that they are responsible for removing them promptly after the authorized period ends. When removing posters, please ensure no traces are left behind, as remnants also make the city look untidy. The Municipality urges all citizens to cooperate towards keeping the city clean and attractive. By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to a better urban environment for all.

…MUNICIPALITY CONCERNED ABOUT INCREASE IN UNAUTHORISED BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS

The Municipal Council of Manzini reminds property owners that it remains mandatory to submit building applications for any construction work within the urban area. The Municipality has observed an increase in the construction of unauthorized buildings. According to the Building Act of 1968, all construction activities within urban areas, including informal settlements, require the Municipality’s approval. The legislation does not only apply to full construction projects such as building a house from scratch but also building of boundary walls and making internal alterations such as demolishing parts of a house and adding new rooms. However, it does not cover minor fittings like installing kitchen units or laying of tiles. Section 10(1) of the Act stipulates: “No person shall conduct operations for the construction or demolition or change the use of a building unless there has been obtained from the local authority a permit for the construction, demolition or change in use, as the case may be”.

Property owners who have been granted a building permit from the Municipality but have not commenced construction within 12 months of receipt of such permission are reminded that they are required to apply for permit renewal before continuing with construction. According to Section 10(2) of the Act, “If construction work has not started within 12 calendar months of the date of issue of the permit to build or building operations are abandoned for 12 months, then the permit lapses.” The Municipality urges property owners to comply with the legislation. The turnaround time for processing of building applications has been improved to approximately two weeks and efforts are being made to shorten it further.

BUILDING APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS…

When submitting a building application, the following documents are required;

1. Building application form

• Available at the Municipal offices

2. Proof of ownership

• Documentation proving ownership of the property

3. Building plans

• Three copies of the building plan
• One of the copies must be in full colour

4. Payment of scrutiny fee

• Receipt or proof of payment of the scrutiny fee

…INNER CITY FLEA MARKET SATURDAY 1^ST JUNE

The Municipal Council of Manzini will host the next inner city flea market on Saturday 1^st June 2024 at the usual venue on Louw Street, between Bhunu Mall and Eswatini Bank. Any citizen is invited to participate as a trader. The flea market provides a perfect opportunity to dispose of items one no longer utilises whilst also making some extra money. Stall registration is now open until end of business this Friday. Individual stalls cost E100 whilst institutional stalls cost E350. Hosting events like the flea market provides citizens with a platform to generate income and contribute to the economy. Members of the public are encouraged to visit the flea market site and support the traders on the day of the flea market. Motorists are notified that a portion of Louw Street, between Nkoseluhlaza and Ngwane streets, will be temporarily closed during the flea market. They are kindly requested to plan alternative routes to reach their destinations. The flea market will start at 7am and run until 5pm.

…MUNICIPALITY EXTENDS GRATITUDE FOR RATES PAYMENT

The Municipal Council of Manzini extends gratitude to ratepayers who have already paid their rates. Their timely payments contribute significantly to the smooth functioning of the Municipality and enable it to continue providing essential municipal services to the city. The Municipality encourages those who have not yet paid to do so promptly to avoid incurring additional charges. The two-month grace period for rates payment will be coming to an end at the end of this month. After that, the legal 15% interest per annum will take effect on any outstanding balances. Ratepayers can conveniently check their outstanding balances and make payments using the USSD Code *440#. Additionally, electronic funds transfer (the Municipality has accounts with all banks in Eswatini), Eswatini MTN Mobile Money, and Eswatini Mobile e-Mali are acceptable payment methods.