Manzini Citizens Urged to Recommit to COVID-19 Fight
With indications showing that the Kingdom of Eswatini, like other countries globally, is moving towards another wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Municipal Council of Manzini takes this opportunity to implore citizens of the city and surrounding areas to recommit to the fight against the virus. The Municipality implores citizens to continue wearing face masks whenever in public spaces in order to suppress transmission of the virus and save lives. It is a fact that the use of a face mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against Covid-19. Citizens are, therefore, urged to strive to keep safe by practicing all the other Covid-19 preventative measures including physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres from the next person, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, regularly cleaning their hands using soap and running water, rubbing their hands using a 70% hand sanitiser as well as coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow. Whenever there is no pressing need to travel, citizens are urged to stay home as much as possible. Shops and other business establishments are urged to always provide hand sanitisers or soap and running water for use by customers and their employees.
The Municipality continues to provide testing services to the business sector and general members of the public who wish to know the alcohol content of their hand sanitisers. On the other hand, consumers are urged to always cooperate with the business sector. They are urged to maintain a safe physical distance of at least 1.5 metres whilst queuing before entering a business establishment or any public space and whilst shopping. If a trolley or basket is used while shopping, the handle must be sanitised before and after use. It is also advisable that customers use contactless payment methods rather than cash/notes (where feasible). The national Government has permitted small gatherings of 50 people (for indoor events) and a maximum of 100 people for outdoor gatherings. According to the World Health Organisation, any decision to hold an event during the Covid-19 pandemic, no matter how large or small, should rely on a risk-based approach. Organisers of small gatherings or events are implored to make it a point that they frequently remind guests of Covid-19 safety precautions during the event. Outdoor venues are always preferable during this time. If indoors, organisers need to ensure the venue is well-ventilated. The World Health Organisation encourages staggering of arrivals and departures in order to minimise overcrowding. It is also important that organisers provide all necessary safety supplies such as hand sanitisers or soap and running water, tissues, closed-lid bins and face masks and ensure these are appropriately utilised.
…MUNICIPALITY RESUMES REMOVAL OF STRAY DOGS
The Municipal Council of Manzini has resumed its stray dog removal programme. This follows an observed rise in the number of stray dogs that roam the city streets. The Municipality, therefore, takes this opportunity to advise residents to ensure that their dogs are kept within secure premises and not allowed out of the residence. Those who keep dogs yet do not have secure perimeter fencing are urged to ensure they always keep them on the leash. Furthermore, residents are urged to sterilise their dogs in order to avoid unwanted breeding. Stray dogs do not only expose citizens to danger of infection with deadly diseases such as rabies but also cause discomfort to community members as they often attack them. Dog owners are urged to save their pets from being removed by ensuring they do not roam the streets. Section 7 of the Registration of Dogs Act, 1953, says a dog that is not under control and custody of any person and which is found trespassing on land may be destroyed forthwith.
…STATUTORY COUNCIL MEETING THIS THURSDAY
The Municipal Council of Manzini will tomorrow hold its statutory Council meeting. The meeting is held every last Thursday of the month at the Council Chamber, beginning at 6pm. The Council Chamber is located within the civic centre premises. Manzini residents, the general members of the public and the media are welcome to attend the meeting as observers.
…47 RATEPAYERS RECEIVE FUEL VOUCHERS FOR PAYING THEIR RATES WELL
A total of 47 ratepayers were last week presented with fuel vouchers ranging from E300 to E2,500. This follows a rates payment promotion that was run by the Municipal Council of Manzini a few months ago. The fuel voucher awarded was dependant on the amount of rates paid. This is one of many ways in which the Municipality seeks to excite its ratepayers whilst also showing appreciation for payment of rates. The Municipality encourages all ratepayers to pay their rates. Whenever there are challenges, the Collector of Rates is always willing to agree on favourable payment arrangements. The following are photos of some of the ratepayers receiving their fuel vouchers…