What You Can Expect in 2020: Manzini Mayor’s New Year Message
“I would like to start by thanking God for ushering us to the year 2020. The good behavior that
was exhibited by citizens during the festive season and the crossover is appreciated. I trust that
we all crossed over safely and are ready for the new year. As the Municipal Council of Manzini,
we would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment towards the National
Government’s development objectives. Looking back, we take comfort in the numerous
milestones that we have achieved where it concerns service delivery. We would like to once
again express our most sincere appreciation for the support that we have received (and
continue to receive) from our stakeholders including His Majesty’s Government, her
development partners and the entire citizenry of Manzini. Without your support we would not
have been able to move this far. On behalf of Council and employees, we are looking forward to
continued guidance from the National Government and service delivery feedback from the
citizens. We are looking forward to going back to our communities and stakeholders to share
the 2019 -2024 Integrated Development Plan. I would like to present a highlight of some of the
service delivery activities that we have planned for our city in the current year. These are based
on the Integrated Development Plan, which is a product of extensive stakeholder consultations,
and the organisational strategy which sets the city’s vision. I thank you”, Councillor Jabu Shiba,
Her Lordship the Mayor of the City of Manzini.
REVIEW OF MANZINI TOWN PLANNING SCHEME
The 10-year lifespan of the present Manzini Town Planning Scheme is now coming to an end
hence the requirement for its review. The process will entail a citywide stakeholder
consultation; the objective being to ensure that the new Town Planning Scheme is relevant to
the land use needs of the citizens of Manzini. You are encouraged to participate fully as soon as
the consultation process is rolled out as this is a very important exercise. The procurement
processes for professional consultants who will guide the project are underway and almost
complete.
OPERATIONALIZATION OF ABATTOIR FACILITY
Council is making an effort towards operationalization of the municipal abattoir, albeit in the
form of a Public Private Partnership. The process towards soliciting partners towards
operationalization and management of the facility is underway.
DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONALIZATION OF BUY BACK CENTRE
In an effort to encourage waste separation from source as well as a reduction of the waste
volume that finds its way into the municipal controlled dumpsite, Council is making frantic
effort towards establishment of a Buy Back Centre. This will not only help increase the
controlled dumpsite’s useful life but will also ensure that residents generate revenue from the
waste that they produce. Citizens are encouraged to make use of this facility as soon as it is
commissioned.
IMPLEMENTATION OF YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME
Council is in the process of implementing a Sukuma youth entrepreneurship project whose
objective is to provide youth-driven business enterprises with a revolving seed capital and
business entrepreneurship capacity building. We will soon be rolling out business training
sessions for the youth after which they will be given an opportunity to apply for the seed
capital. Council has also planned a recycling youth project which is aimed at generating income
for young people living in the city. A total of 12 youths have been selected and trained.
NEW VACUUM TANKER AND SKIP TRUCK ON THE CARDS
In view of the fact that not all properties have been connected to the main sewer line, coupled
with a demand for honey sucker services, Manzini residents can expect procurement of a new
vacuum tanker this year. Residents will be informed as soon as the service is available. In an
effort to improve efficiency in waste collection, residents can also expect a new skip truck and
refuse truck. Road marking will soon also be carried out using machinery. These are some of the
ways through which Council is trying to improve her service efficiency.
DEVELOPMENT OF FAIRVIEW MIXED USED COMMERCIAL CENTRE
Council is pursuing a Public Private Partnership concept to facilitate development within the
city. One of the projects is development of a mixed use commercial centre in Fairview
Township. This project is aimed at stimulating economic growth through the involvement of
private sector developers as well as creation of employment opportunities for the local people;
whilst at the same time providing community amenities. The Municipality has already engaged
a private developer and the implementation plan indicates that construction works will be
commencing this year.
REHABILITATION OF PLEASING PROSPECT ROAD AND VILLIERS STREET EXTENSION
Residents can also expect the rehabilitation of Pleasing Prospect road (the road stretch from
just above KaMthunyelelwa near the Metropolitan Church up to Fairview North). The project
will include drain construction, pothole patching, concreting and road re-sealing. This will also
cover fixing of the drainage challenge that exists on the foot of Donegal road (also in Fairview).
Villiers street is also set for extension. Again, the procurement process towards this project has
commenced and is almost complete.
RECONSTRUCTION OF SAMUEL STREET BRIDGE
Council has set out to reconstruct Samuel Bridge in Ngwane Park. The process of procuring a
contractor is in progress.