By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MBABANE – In the aftermath of heavy rains that triggered flash floods and caused significant property damage in Mbabane, the Municipal Council of Mbabane has unveiled plans to dredge the Mbabane River as part of its flood mitigation strategy.
The flooding, which struck on January 2, 2025, severely impacted businesses in the industrial site and other low-lying areas of the city, prompting an urgent response from the council.
Lucky Tsabedze, the council’s Information and Public Officer, confirmed that officials had conducted inspections of the affected areas and were working on strategies to prevent similar disasters in the future. He emphasized that dredging would be the council’s immediate priority, explaining that years of accumulated silt, debris, and vegetation had diminished the river’s capacity to handle high water volumes.
“The last time we undertook a dredging project, it cost the municipality around E1 million,” Tsabedze noted, acknowledging that dredging alone would not be a permanent solution but was a necessary starting point.
Tsabedze also outlined ongoing improvements to the city’s drainage systems, citing recent upgrades near key commercial areas, including the drainage systems near Pick n Pay and Superspar supermarkets. He stressed that while the council is considering long-term solutions, the timeline for starting the dredging process remains uncertain due to ongoing planning and consultations.
During site visits to flood-affected businesses, Tsabedze engaged with property owners, assessing damages and discussing collaborative approaches to flood prevention. He highlighted the importance of maintaining river integrity to minimize future risks, acknowledging that dredging is a temporary measure that must be paired with other flood management strategies for sustainable impact.
Broader Context of Flooding in Eswatini
The recent flooding in Mbabane reflects a pattern of extreme weather events that have battered Eswatini in recent months. In December 2024, Tropical Cyclone Eloise caused widespread devastation, with torrential rains leading to floods, landslides, and extensive infrastructure damage across the country. Major roads were submerged, bridges were destroyed, and businesses in areas like Swazi Plaza and the Mall suffered significant losses. The cyclone also claimed lives, particularly in the Lubombo Region.
Eswatini Meteorological Services had initially forecasted minimal impact from Cyclone Eloise, but the scale of the disaster far exceeded expectations. Following the cyclone, authorities issued warnings about damaged infrastructure, urging motorists to exercise caution.
Amid the ongoing rains, the government has encouraged farmers to capitalize on the moisture for planting, despite the delayed start to the rainy season. Forecasts for above-normal rainfall through March 2025 have raised concerns about further flooding and related challenges.
Dredging: A Temporary Solution
Dredging and desilting involve removing silt, debris, and other materials from riverbeds to improve water flow and manage flood risks. While desilting focuses on recent sediment deposits, dredging entails deeper excavation that can alter the river’s channel. These methods have been employed worldwide, including in the UK, for flood control, navigation, and drainage. However, experts caution that these techniques are not always sustainable, as silt tends to reaccumulate quickly in many rivers.
Moreover, excessive dredging can sometimes exacerbate flooding downstream or harm ecosystems. As such, experts recommend integrating dredging with broader, long-term flood management strategies. These include improving drainage infrastructure, maintaining natural river processes, and adopting environmentally sustainable practices.
Hope for a Long-Term Solution
As the Mbabane Municipal Council prepares to implement its flood mitigation measures, including the planned dredging of the Mbabane River, residents and business owners remain optimistic for a lasting resolution to the city’s recurring flood challenges. The council’s actions will be closely watched as Mbabane strives to balance immediate recovery efforts with sustainable, long-term solutions.