Manzini – The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Municipal Council of Manzini, Lungile Dlamini, says despite a difficult financial year marked by economic and environmental pressures, the city has remained focused on development and service delivery.
Speaking at the council’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at The George Hotel this morning, Dlamini said the 2024/2025 financial year tested the municipality’s resilience, but the team managed to push forward with several key initiatives.
“It has not been an easy year. We faced socio-economic and fiscal challenges, but we continued to deliver on our mandate of developing the city and serving our residents,” said Dlamini
One of the year’s biggest milestones, according to Dlamini, was the completion of the 2024–2030 Integrated Development Plan. She said the plan was developed after wide consultations with stakeholders and will guide the city’s growth over the next five years. The strategy places emphasis on digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and improved service delivery.
“Our 2030 plan is built on collaboration and partnership. We believe progress comes when the municipality, ratepayers, and partners work together,” she said.
Dlamini highlighted that while many projects were still in preparatory stages, some had been completed. These include the second phase of the Autism Centre, which will accommodate more clients needing therapeutic services, and the relocation of the city’s pound facility to a more suitable area following residents’ complaints.
She also announced that preparations for the upgrading of the Manzini Bus Rank and the Manzini Mall were completed, with implementation expected in the coming financial years.
However, Dlamini expressed concern about the rise in illegal dumping and littering, saying it posed a serious challenge to maintaining a clean and healthy environment. She appealed to residents to play an active role in keeping Manzini clean.
“We urge residents to be environmental ambassadors. Protecting our city’s cleanliness and sustainability is everyone’s responsibility,” she said.
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