Rates Bills for 2024/2025 Financial Year Now Available
The Municipal Council of Manzini would like to announce that rates bills for the 2024/2025 financial year are now available for ratepayers. The new financial year commenced this month and ratepayers are encouraged to check their post offices and emails as soon as possible for their bills. To ensure effective communication, the Municipality has taken the initiative to send the payable amounts to individual ratepayers through bulk SMS. This method aims to ensure that ratepayers are timely made aware of the rates amounts they are expected to pay. In order to ensure that provision of municipal services is maintained, it is critical that ratepayers start paying as early as possible. By ensuring timely payments, ratepayers contribute to the smooth functioning of the Municipality. In an effort to facilitate a convenient payment process, the Municipality has introduced a USSD Code (*440#) which allows ratepayers to check their rates balances and make payments through the same platform. This user-friendly system aims to streamline the payment process and increase payment convenience for ratepayers. Ratepayers who prefer to receive their rates bills via email are urged to indicate their preference by contacting the Municipality directly on 7912 1196 or 7916 3832 or 7916 3802. Alternatively, they may send an email to finance@manzinicity.co.sz. The municipality is committed to ensuring all ratepayers receive the assistance they require. The Municipality also accommodates ratepayers who prefer to pay their due rates in installments. Ratepayers who wish to manage their payments through monthly installments are advised to express their preference by promptly contacting the Collector of Rates on finance@manzinicity.co.sz. By doing so, ratepayers will avoid any undue inconveniences. It is important to note that all outstanding rates must be paid by the 31st May 2024, except for those who would have made monthly payment arrangements. Failure to settle rates by this deadline will result in a 15% annual interest charge; as stipulated by the Rating Act, 1995.
The Municipality encourages ratepayers to prioritise rates payment. By fulfilling this statutory obligation, ratepayers contribute to the continued provision of essential services and the overall development of the city.
…RATES PAYMENT METHODS
To facilitate a convenient rates payment experience, the Municipality offers multiple payment methods to accommodate the diverse preferences of ratepayers. These include;
- USSD Code *440# (allows one not only to pay but also view their rates balances)
- Electronic Funds Transfer (Municipality has accounts with all the banks in Eswatini)
- Debit Order arrangement
- Eswatini MTN Mobile Money
- Eswatini Mobile e-Mali
- Debit/credit card swiping at the Rates Hall
…RATES PAYMENT BANKING DETAILS
NEDBANK | FIRST NATIONAL BANK | SWAZILAND BUILDING SOCIETY | STANDARD BANK | ESWATINI BANK |
Branch: Manzini | Branch: Manzini | Manzini | Branch: Manzini | Branch: Manzini |
Account No.: 040000001308 | Account No.: 62770574434 | Account no: 52000222820 | Account No.: 9110001190655 | Account No. 77402086885 |
Branch code: 360264 | Branch code: 282064 | Branch Code:
Manzini |
Branch code: 660564 | Branch code: 77002 |
Reference: Plot Number\account no. | Reference: Plot Number\account no. | Reference: Plot Number\account no. | Reference: Plot Number\account no. | Reference: Plot Number\account no. |
…RATEPAYERS URGED TO UPDATE CONTACT INFORMATION
The Municipality encourages ratepayers to ensure their contact information (Know Your Customer) is up-to-date. This includes phone numbers (landline and cellphone), email addresses, postal addresses, next of kin information and any changes in residency. Accurate Know Your Customer (KYC) information is essential for effective communication, billing accuracy and efficient service delivery. Ratepayers are encouraged to confirm their contact information and property ownership status in order to ensure accuracy and completeness. The Rating Act, 1995 directs that new owners of property are required to submit proof of property ownership (title deed) to the Municipality within 14 days of acquisition of the property so that the necessary changes in terms of contact information for that particular property can be made.
…MUNICIPALITY RESUMES STRAY DOG REMOVAL PROGRAMME
The Municipal Council of Manzini would like to inform residents that it is resuming its programme of removing stray dogs from the city streets. This initiative aims to promote public safety and enhance the overall well-being of the city. The Municipality urges all dog owners who still cherish their pets to take responsibility for their animals by ensuring they are kept securely within their residences at all times. It is crucial that dogs are not allowed to wander freely on the streets as this poses various risks to both the animals and residents. When opening the gate to their residences, residents are requested to exercise caution and diligence; and prevent their dogs from escaping. They are requested to always check and ensure their dogs remain safely within their residences before driving off. In the event that a dog is found loitering outside the residence, it will be removed by the Municipality. The Urban Government Act, 1969 and the Public Health Act, 1969 permit the Municipality to do so. The presence of stray dogs in the city can give rise to several hazards including disease transmission, aggressive behavior and potential attacks on pedestrians, cyclists, joggers or even other domestic animals. Stray dogs also rummage through refuse bins in search of food, resulting in unsightly and untidy surroundings.