Waste Segregation Initiative Expands to Fairview, Helemisi
The Municipal Council of Manzini has extended the waste segregation at source initiative to Ward 3, which comprises Fairview North, Fairview South and Helemisi. This follows the successful implementation of the same programme in various other townships within the City of Manzini such as Coates Valley, Mkhosi, Madonsa, Ngwane Park, Zakhele, Extension 7 and Sterkstroom. The waste segregation initiative encourages residents to separate recyclable materials from non-recyclable waste at home, promoting a culture of responsible waste management throughout the city. The primary goal of the programme is to reduce the volume of waste that goes to the Municipal Controlled Dumpsite, thereby extending its operational lifespan. In addition, the initiative contributes to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, which are a significant factor in climate change, and supports the principles of a circular economy. As part of the initiative, the Municipality has appointed “change agents,” identifiable by name tags bearing the Municipality’s logo and the phrase “Waste Segregation at Source.” The agents visit properties to educate residents about the programme and encourage its adoption. In line with the programme, residents are requested to store recyclable materials such as cans, bottles, cardboard, PET plastic bottles and paper in a transparent refuse bag, which can be obtained from local retail shops.
Non-recyclable waste should continue to be placed in the standard black refuse bag. Additionally, food waste should be separated and placed in a transparent refuse bag for easier collection. Waste collection occurs on the same day as scheduled general waste collection; with the Municipality’s refuse trucks collecting non-recyclable waste whilst a private company collects recyclables. Residents who prefer to stockpile their recyclable waste in their properties and transport it periodically to the Municipality’s buy-back centre, located near the municipal abattoir and opposite the Manzini SEDCO estate, are welcome to do so. The buy-back centre weighs the recyclables and provide payment for the materials brought in. With the successful participation of up to 90 percent of residents in other townships, the Municipality is confident that Fairview and Helemisi will also embrace the initiative, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable city. The Municipality also plans to expand this waste management programme to more townships in the near future. Through these proactive measures, the Municipality continues to lead by example in environmental stewardship, reaffirming her commitment to a greener, healthier city for future generations.
…HOW TO SEPARATE WASTE AT HOME
- Deposit all recyclable waste (for example, paper, cardboard, plastics and glass) into a transparent refuse bag.
- Deposit all other domestic waste (for example; eggshells, fruit and vegetable peels) in a black refuse bag.
- On the scheduled day for refuse collection in your township, place both forms of garbage on the usual spot for collection by the Municipality.
- If you have any means to take the recyclable waste to the Municipal Buy Back Centre (located opposite SEDCO Estate) you are permitted to do so. The Buy Back Centre receives, weighs the waste and pays instantly.
…MUNICIPALITY SENSITISES PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS ON CLEANLINESS
The Municipal Council of Manzini recently engaged Manzini city’s public transport associations, sensitising them against prohibited waste disposal practices at the Main Bus Rank. The Municipality emphasised the importance of keeping the Manzini bus rank clean. She also urged public transport operators to provide refuse bags in their vehicles so that commuters are not tempted to dispose litter out vehicle windows. They were also urged to desist from littering at the bus rank when cleaning their vehicles. The public transport operators were also sensitised against washing their vehicles in undesignated areas such as rivers and streams within the city.
The message was well received by the public transport operators and they committed to collaborate with the Municipality towards making the facility a model of bus rank cleanliness in the country. They also committed to taking the lead and fully participating in monthly clean-up initiatives within the bus rank as well as establishment of bus rank litter wardens that will ‘police’ the facility against littering. The Municipality will develop a programme of action for discussion and adoption by the public transport operators. Thereafter, it will be implemented.
…MUNICIPALITY STRENGTHENS DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
The Municipal Council of Manzini, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), continues to implement her Disaster Risk Management Plan through quarterly Disaster Risk Management (DRM) engagements. One of the engagements, whose focus was on fire disaster preparedness, was hosted by the Municipality yesterday; bringing together local and regional stakeholders. The engagement included representatives from Tinkhundla, Government ministries, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the business sector, ratepayers and other municipalities within the Manzini region. The initiative provided an essential platform for stakeholders to exchange critical information, share best practices and enhance networking opportunities to strengthen disaster management strategies. The primary goal is to foster greater cooperation and coordination amongst stakeholders for purposes of improving safety of Manzini residents during disasters and emergency situations. The workshop emphasised disaster risk reduction, mitigation strategies, emergency response, resilience building and recovery measures. The engagement proved to be an eye-opener for stakeholders as it highlighted existing gaps in disaster response readiness, particularly in terms of facilities and equipment availability. Additionally, it provided an opportunity for the review and improvement of fire operation procedures, ensuring a more efficient and effective response to fire-related disasters. By continuously hosting these quarterly engagements, the Municipality reaffirms her commitment to building a safer and more resilient City of Manzini through strategic partnerships and proactive disaster management initiatives.
