BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– Manzini residents have called for urgent road repairs, improved street lighting and better public amenities as the Municipal Council of Manzini consults stakeholders on its projected E125.1 million budget for the 2027/2028 financial year.
The concerns were raised during the Council’s 2026 Stakeholder Budget Consultation Meeting held at the Council Chambers, where residents urged the municipality to prioritise service delivery and ensure that budget allocations respond to the needs of the communities it serves.
Virginia Maziya, a resident of Ngwane Park South, expressed concern about the condition of roads in her area, saying the poor state of the roads and persistent dust were affecting residents.
“The roads are a disaster. There is dust everywhere, and it is frustrating the residents,” she said, calling for urgent intervention to improve road conditions.
Residents also highlighted the need for better street lighting, improved parks and public spaces, and easier access to municipal services. They stressed that the budget should translate into visible improvements in communities rather than remain a financial plan with limited impact on residents’ daily lives.
Dumsani Gwebu, a resident of Manzini Ward 2, called for greater public participation in municipal decision-making, proposing that consultation meetings be held directly in the wards to allow more residents to contribute.
“The city belongs to the ratepayers,” Gwebu said, emphasising the importance of involving residents in discussions about municipal priorities and spending.
He indicated that taking meetings closer to communities would provide residents with a more accessible platform to raise concerns and make recommendations on issues affecting their neighbourhoods.
Residents further called for the municipality to make better use of tourism attractions and other opportunities within the city to support development and improve Manzini’s appeal.
Responding to the concerns, Acting Municipal Council Chief Executive Officer Bonginkosi Simelane said the municipality welcomed the issues raised and would look into them.
“The municipality welcomes all the grievances raised by residents, and we will look into them,” Simelane said.
Presenting the budget figures, Director of Finance Nombuso Dlamini outlined projected income of E125 116 956.81 for the 2027/2028 financial year, representing a slight decrease from the current budget estimates.
The proposed funding structure indicates that 90 per cent of the municipality’s income is expected to come from property rates, while 10 per cent will come from service charges.
The consultation also provided an overview of the municipality’s financial performance over the past five years. Revenue increased from E89 496 846 in the 2021/2022 financial year to E117 864 753 in 2025/2026, reflecting growth of approximately 32 per cent over the period.
Property rates have historically remained the municipality’s main revenue source, accounting for about 83 per cent of income, while user fees contributed approximately 17 per cent. Grants and subventions have not been received since the 2023/2024 financial year.
The consultation gave residents an opportunity to raise concerns and make recommendations as the municipality prepares its next financial plan. Their submissions placed emphasis on practical improvements to roads, public spaces and municipal services, as well as stronger engagement between the Council and the communities it serves.
The proposed budget is expected to guide municipal operations and service delivery during the 2027/2028 financial year, with residents calling for their priorities to be reflected in spending decisions.
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