Times Of Swaziland: FLOODS DELAY BUSINESS AT SWAZI PLAZA, THE MALL

FLOODS DELAY BUSINESS AT SWAZI PLAZA, THE MALL
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BY PHUMELELE MKHONTAO on 26/01/2021 00:51:00


MBABANE – Some retail outlets’ normal working hours were delayed by about
three hours in the Mbabane Central Business District following floods that hit
the country on Sunday.
This was particularly at the Swazi Plaza and The Mall where shops were still
being cleaned after 10am after being hit by floods which caused havoc
nationwide.
Among the retail outlets that were hit are Edgars, Legit, Sterns, Power Factory
and others. Most of these shops normally open at 8:30am, but they were far from
opening during that time as employees were wiping out water that was filled in
during the night.
Swazi Plaza Properties Marketing and Promotions Officer Siphiwe Nxumalo said
they were in the process of improving the drainage system of the Swazi Plaza.
“Shops that were mainly affected were Edgars, Legit and Sterns,” said
Nxumalo.
When asked how they had prepared for the floods, Nxumalo said the drainage
system had been improved to make it bigger and deeper.
“Drain pipes were cleared of debris. Barrier sand bags were distributed at
strategic areas within the centre to be used to re-direct any flash floods away
from the centre.
“There is also a team on standby to help monitor the situation and where
possible reinforce prevention measures,” said Nxumalo.
When asked what plans they would implement to limit damage in their property in
future, she said they would review the entire drainage system within the Plaza,
which was a process that was still ongoing.
“The aim is to further improve the system to be able to withstand all flash
floods,” she said.