Mbabane Urban Upgrading and Projects

The Mbabane Urban Upgrading Programme is aimed at developing nine informal settlements within
the Mbabane Urban area which were left behind by the previous Urban Development Project. These
settlements are Malagwane, Mangwaneni, Mvakwelitje, Nkwalini Zone 3, Mahwalala Zone 6C,
Manzana, Sidwashini (includes old Makholokholo), Sitibeni and Fonteyn.

During the year Council formulated and approved the Student Accommodation Policy that
seeks to mitigate the numerous challenges that come with unregulated student housing within
neighbourhoods. Council also formulated and approved the Street Naming Policy, which also
establishes a Street Naming Committee. The Street Naming Committee commenced with the naming
of streets in Ward 1, 9 and 10. A number of suggestions for street names were received from the
public and the list is currently being reviewed by the committee. The street names will be published
for public review before being submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for
approval.

Systems Development and Support

The Council successfully transitioned to a 100% Windows 10 environment. Windows 10 is
Microsoft’s newest operating system which is faster, more secure and easier to manage than any of
its predecessors. Desktop Software standardisation has been achieved with approximately 90% of
desktops and laptops running Microsoft Office 2016. The roll out this product has also helped fast
track the licensing program for all Microsoft products.

Council employees were supported in terms of wellness through established staff support systems
(including sociopsychological, financial interventions support etc.) and different forms of sporting
activities which promote their wellbeing. Council employees together with Councillors participated
in sporting games hosted by the Eswatini Inter-Municipal Games Association (ESIGA) obtaining first
position in Pool and Volleyball games.
A team building program for all employees in the form of the End of the Year Function was held at
Sibebe Resort, this enhanced relations within the institution, especially amongst the employees
and management.

Wellness interventions were availed for all Council employees during the advent of the COVID-19
Pandemic towards the end of the financial year. These were mainly to support the avoidance of contracting the virus both at the work place and at home.