Mbabane – A new chapter in sustainable urban development has begun in the capital city as the government launched the Inter-Ministerial Pocket Park and Riverine Ecosystem Restoration Project, signalling Mbabane’s transition into a greener, more resilient city centre.
The project was unveiled during the commemoration of World Habitat Day, which was held under the theme “Urban Crisis Response.” The initiative aims to restore degraded riverbanks, reduce flooding, and create a safe, accessible public park within the Government Offices precinct in Mbabane.
Covering an area of approximately 2.13 hectares, the site stretches from below the His Majesty’s Correctional Services Headquarters, adjacent to the Inter-Ministerial Complex, towards the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel. The development seeks to transform underutilised land into an environmentally friendly and community-oriented public space.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development Apollo Maphalala described the project as a milestone in sustainable city planning, noting that it represents collaboration between government, private partners, and civil society.
“This is not just a park, it is a living classroom, an environmental shield, and a social space where families, youth, and future generations will connect with nature at the heart of our city,” he said. “It also demonstrates how integrated urban planning and public-private partnerships can address multiple challenges at once.”
The project brings together several ministries, including those responsible for Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Natural Resources and Energy, Public Works and Transport, and Commerce, Industry and Trade. Private partners such as Hilton Garden Inn, Super Spar, Build It, Pick n Pay, the Public Service Pensions Fund, the Eswatini Housing Board, and the Municipal Council of Mbabane are also part of the initiative.
Minister Maphalala said the government remains committed to advancing safe open spaces, strengthening climate adaptation, and ensuring community participation in urban projects. He further stated that Eswatini’s urban vision aligns with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the New Urban Agenda, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The launch of the pocket park comes at a time when the country faces mounting urban challenges, including inadequate housing, environmental degradation, and the effects of climate change. The project is therefore seen as a model of how Eswatini can turn these challenges into opportunities for renewal and sustainability.
“As cities grow, we must ensure that they remain safe, resilient, and inclusive,” said the minister. “The government cannot do this alone. We need all stakeholders from the private sector to citizens to take part in shaping our shared urban future.”
The initiative also forms part of “Urban October,” a month dedicated to promoting awareness and participation in projects that address urban issues. The campaign will culminate with the commemoration of World Cities Day on October 31, 2025
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