MCM EASES CONGESTION WITH E56M BRIDGE

MANZINI – The Municipal Council of Manzini (MCM) has given its stakeholders less headache this festive season with the opening of a E56 million bridge which will mitigate traffic congestion in the city.

This was announced by Manzini Mayor Mxolisi ‘Waxola’ Mabuza during the unveiling of the about E56 million Bosco Bridge and its three associated roads; Tikhuba, Mimosa and Southern Distributor by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Prince Simelane. The minister officially opened the project, which is part of Phase II of the municipality’s capital projects of constructing and rehabilitating selected roads and bridges in the city. The mayor informed the minister that he was confident that he was speaking on behalf of the local authority in saying  this was the best Christmas gift for the people of Manzini. He said this was because the completion and official opening of the bridge would provide a much needed relief for citizens as they would have multiple options to access and exit the city centre.

Nightmare

Again, he said as a council, they trusted that the opening of the bridge marked an end to the heavy peak-hour traffic congestion that had been a constant nightmare to citizens of the city, particularly those living or conducting business in its south-eastern part. Mabuza said they were committed to playing their role towards the improvement of the quality of life of the citizens, whom they served. He said they believed that if they continued working hand-in-hand with their stakeholders, a better Manzini city was possible. He then commended the previous council for the great work they had done in developing the city over the past five years. He said the achievement which they were celebrating (Bosco Bridge) was a result of the previous council’s efforts.

On top of that, the mayor commended their stakeholders for their keen interest in the affairs of the city and participation in decision-making. He said the construction of the bridge and many other infrastructure developments that they were currently witnessing in the city, formed part of the city’s 2019-2024 Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which was a product of citywide stakeholder consultations that took place back in 2018.

Stakeholders

In that regard, he said he trusted that their stakeholders were equally excited to witness the fruits of their participation. “This vibrant city is for all citizens and we need to develop it together, thus as a council we are still conceptualising other innovative funding models for the delivery of the remaining city’s capital investment programmes and other IDP deliverables,” the mayor said. He added that they had just completed their organisational turnaround strategy and now it was time for stakeholders to experience the fruits thereof. He said as they did so, they remained inspired by the 2030 global goals; particularly goal number 11. The goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is about making cities safe and sustainable, which means ensuring access to safe and affordable housing and upgrading slum settlements. It also involves investment in public transport, creating green public spaces, and improving urban planning and management in a way that is both participatory and inclusive. Moreover, the mayor recognised and appreciated the immense support that they continued to receive from government, through their line ministry. He said it was because of such support that the city continued to experience rapid development.

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