Maphalala tells councils to end infighting

EZULWINI – Housing Minister Apollo Maphalala has urged municipal leaders to stop internal disputes and focus on long-term plans to prepare Eswatini’s towns for the needs of 2050.

Speaking at the second Eswatini Urban Forum, Maphalala challenged chief executive officers, mayors and councillors to prioritise strategic planning over political and administrative conflicts.

He said meaningful urban development required local authorities to work together towards a shared vision.

Maphalala called for what he described as “disruptive leadership” to challenge conventional approaches and replace outdated systems with solutions that would benefit the country.

Using the forum venue as an example, he said major national infrastructure achievements were often the result of visionary leaders willing to challenge established practices.

(L-R) Chief Fire Officer Luke Lushaba with Manzini RA Chief Gija following the proceedings of the event.

He urged local government stakeholders to move beyond disputes over funding allocations and political relationships and work together to address major challenges facing municipalities.

These include the provision of bulk infrastructure, social housing policies and sustainable urban expansion.

Maphalala said councils needed a common, forward-looking approach to ensure towns were prepared for future growth.

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