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World Water Day 2024: Preserving The City’s Rivers, Combating Pollution

The Municipal Council of Manzini, in partnership with the ministries of Natural Resources and Energy, Tourism and Environmental Affairs as well as Housing and Urban Development, today hosts the 2024 World Water Day under the theme “Leveraging Water for Peace”. United Nations World Water Day is celebrated globally on the 22nd March of each year as a way of raising awareness of the global water crisis as well as people without access to safe water. However, due to unforeseen reasons, a decision was made to celebrate the day today. As the city celebrates World Water Day it is crucial to address the pressing issue of waste pollution in the rivers that traverse our city, namely the Mzimnene and Mgubudla rivers. Routine water inspection on the two rivers conducted by the Municipality through its laboratory services has revealed alarming levels of contamination with various waste material, particularly used diapers, posing a significant threat. A closer inspection points to the neighbouring upstream areas outside the city as the primary source of river pollution. Traces of such contaminants are also evident in some portions of the rivers even within the city. It is, therefore, evident that there is a need for awareness creation about the effects of this critical challenge.

It is also important to encourage landlords in upstream areas to implement effective waste management mechanisms for their tenants. The Municipality can assist with technical advice. Rivers play a crucial role in the functioning of eco-systems and communities. They are vital sources of fresh water and they are habitats for various plants and animals. When waste such as plastic, diapers, construction waste and other pollutants is disposed into rivers it causes significant negative impacts on the environment and human health. Pollution degrades the quality of river water; making it unsuitable for human consumption. The Municipality, together with partner Government ministries and other organisations, implores residents in and around the city to think twice before disposing of waste on rivers and streams. By so doing, we can protect and restore the health of rivers; ensuring their sustainability for future generations. The Municipality is pleased to mention that, as part of 2024 World Water Day celebrations, the community of Old Zakhele, which was grappling with access to fresh running water, will be provided with the precious resource as a product of the partnership between the various Government ministries, Municipality and other relevant organisations and companies.

…EMBRACING WASTE SEGREGATION AT SOURCE: THANK YOU TO NGWANE PARK, OTHER TOWNSHIPS

In a world that is grappling with escalating environmental concerns, it is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of communities in our city that have wholeheartedly embraced positive change. Ngwane Park, Coates Valley, Wilmer Park, Madonsa and Trelawney Park, which are townships where waste segregation at source has been introduced, deserve special recognition for their outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability. These communities’ dedication to the waste segregation at source project, and by so doing creating a cleaner and greener future for the city, is truly commendable. The townships have set an example for others to follow. The Municipality plans to introduce the initiative in all other townships in the next financial year; which begins in April 2024. Waste segregation at source minimises the amount of waste that is disposed of at the municipal controlled dumpsite; thereby extending its useful life. It also minimises the production of greenhouse gases such as methane; which are harmful to the ozone layer and thus contributing to climate change. Separating waste at source also enables the recovery and recycling of valuable materials such as paper, plastic, glass and metal. By diverting these materials from the controlled dumpsite, the city promotes a circular economy. It is anticipated that in the near future the Municipality will not be the one collecting the recyclable waste. In that way costs associated with collection of the waste as incurred by the Municipality will be diverted to other service delivery and community development initiatives.

…SECURE YOUR RESIDENCE WHILST AWAY THESE EASTER HOLIDAYS

As the Easter holidays approach, the Municipality would like to remind residents who will be away from their homes to take the necessary safety precautions to protect their properties whilst away. They are encouraged to ensure their residences are well secure in order to prevent any untoward incidents such as burglaries. Ensure garden tools are well secured and not easily accessible to thieves. According to the Royal Eswatini Police Service’s Crime Prevention Department, evidence shows that often times such tools are the ones utilised to conduct burglaries. It is also important that, before leaving, you inform your trusted neighbours, including community police and even the Royal Eswatini Police Service, about your intended absence. Provide them with your contact information so that they are able to contact you in the event an incident occurs in your property. If you are in a position to do so, consider installing a reliable home security system with surveillance cameras, motion sensors and alarm systems. It is also important to avoid announcing your travel plans on social media platforms. Publicising your absence can alert potential burglars that your home may be unoccupied. If you can, ensure that you have someone present to guard your property whilst you are away. The Municipality undertakes to ensure that high mast lights and streetlights are well functioning in the city. The Municipality’s 24/7 Call Centre (800 2004/2505 7000) will also be operational throughout the long weekend for reports against noise and other incidents. The following are useful contact details of neighbourhood watch coordinators in various wards, municipal security and Royal Eswatini Police Service;