BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – The Municipal Council of Mbabane has reassured residents that all damaged road infrastructure will be repaired once current wet weather conditions improve, emphasising its commitment to public safety and long-term infrastructure quality.
In a statement issued through the Municipality’s Information and Public Relations Officer, Lucky Tsabedze, the Council said the ongoing rainfall makes immediate repairs impractical, as waterlogged conditions compromise the durability and safety of road works.
“The Municipality will attend to damaged roads and potholes once the wet conditions have improved to allow for safe and durable repairs,” the statement read.
The Council explained that persistent rainfall often leads to road damage such as potholes, surface deterioration and weakened road edges. As a precautionary measure, motorists and residents have been urged to exercise heightened caution while travelling, particularly during the night and in poor weather conditions.
Road users are advised to reduce speed, remain alert and take extra care in areas prone to flooding or surface damage. The Municipality expressed appreciation for the public’s patience and cooperation as it prioritises safety during the challenging weather period.
“We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to make the public safe,” the statement added.
Beyond addressing immediate concerns, the Municipal Council has reiterated its broader vision to modernise Mbabane into a fully-fledged smart city, using technology to enhance service delivery, safety and residents’ quality of life.
These ambitions were reaffirmed late last year by Chief Executive Officer Gciniwe Fakudze during the Council’s Annual General Meeting held at Mountain View. Fakudze emphasised that innovation and technology would play a central role in the city’s future development.
“A smart city is one that works smarter, not harder,” Fakudze said. “We want Mbabane to be a place where technology makes life easier, safer and more efficient for all.”
As part of this transformation, Mbabane has already deployed 57 real-time surveillance cameras at key intersections across the city. The system is designed to improve security, monitor traffic flow and support evidence-based planning.
The cameras operate on a 5G network backbone established in partnership with the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC). Data from the system is transmitted directly to the newly established Smart City Control Centre located at the municipal offices.
According to the Municipality, the initiative goes beyond crime p
