Mbabane needs E60m to extend landfill

MBABANE – The Municipal Council of Mbabane needs E60 million to extend the lifespan of its landfill, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gcinile Fakudze has revealed.

Fakudze revealed this during the council’s annual general meeting (AGM) held at Emafini Country Lodge in Mbabane, where she delivered a report on the municipal council’s performance.

Ratepayers and other stakeholders attended the meeting, which provided an overview of the council’s operations and service delivery during the 2025/2026 financial year.

The CEO said the E60 million was required to extend the use of the landfill as the city continues to manage waste generated within its jurisdiction.

The landfill forms part of the council’s solid waste management operations, with landfill management identified as one of its key environmental and public health priorities.

According to the council’s annual performance presentation, a total of 14 486 tonnes of waste was received at the landfill during the 2025/2026 financial year.

The council reported a 39 per cent diversion rate, with 5 590 tonnes diverted from landfill disposal.

The presentation stated that the city had recorded a reduction in landfill waste compared to the previous financial year, when 18 604 tonnes were recorded.

The council further reported that 8 896 tonnes of waste was landfilled during the financial year.

Under its waste diversion and recycling initiatives, the council said 2 989 tonnes of city dry waste was recycled across all four fiscal quarters.

It also reported that 36 schools participated in eco-club activities, with 7 638 kilogrammes of dry waste recycled through the council’s Environmental Health and Social Services Section.

The council’s approach is aimed at reducing the amount of waste ending up at the landfill through separation, recycling and diversion.

The presentation highlighted several environmental benefits associated with its waste management infrastructure.

It stated that the system provides community protection by preventing windblown waste from scattering into nearby households and yards.

It also highlighted environmental safety measures aimed at stopping waste from spilling into riverine areas and drainage channels.

According to the presentation, pollution control measures help reduce water contamination and blockages in the city’s drainage system.

The council said waste received at the facility is separated and diverted, with paper, plastic, metals, glass and cartons among the dry waste streams identified for recovery.

Fakudze’s disclosure of the E60 million requirement comes as the council continues to deal with the demands of managing waste generated in the capital city.

The funding requirement is, therefore, linked to the council’s efforts to extend the period during which the existing landfill can continue serving the city.

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