GEARING UP FOR CYCLONE

MBABANE – Stakeholders are gearing up for possible effects of the tropical Cyclone Eloise that hit Madagascar on Tuesday night.

According to Eswatini Meteorological Service, there is reasonable possibility that the country will be affected by the cyclone, with the worst case scenario being strong winds accompanied by heavy rainfall countrywide between Sunday and Tuesday, depending on the track. Another possible scenario would be for Eloise to move in a way that will not impact the country.

The Municipal Council of Mbabane Public Information Officer, Lucky Tsabedze, said they had intensified drainage cleaning to avoid flooding in the central business district (CBD). Tsabedze said since Monday, drainage cleaning had been focused mainly along Mhlambanyatsi Road, Dr Sishayi Road, The Mall and Swazi Plaza because they realised that this part of the CBD was prone to flooding. He said to address the flooding, council needed about E30 million. “So under the current economic situation, council is doing all it can to make residents and businesses safe,” he said.

Trees

Tsabedze said since the beginning of the week, they had been identifying trees that may pose a threat to residents and property. He said currently, they had a team that was doing the inspection of trees within the urban boundary. Further, he called upon property owners to get tree felling services for trees that were within private property and could pose a danger.
On the issue of informal settlements, Tsabedze said in view of the forecasted storm, they had already, through national radio alerted residents to approach their offices for permits to strengthen the structures ahead of the cyclone. Affected areas include Malagwane, Mangwaneni, Mvakwelitje, Nkwalini, Zone III, Manzana, Sitibeni, Fonteyn, Gobholo, Mncitsini, Mantsholo and Mdzangwini.

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