• beneficiaries were expected to pay a commitment fee of E400.00 within 90 days of allocation but 10 years later plots have not been fully paid

MBABANE – Beneficiaries of the Urban Development project must settle outstanding balances.

The UDP covers areas such as Nkwalini Zone 2, Nkwalini Zone 4, Mahwalala Zone 5, Mahwalala Zone 6 and Msunduza Township Extension No.4. The government of Eswatini embarked on upgrading of these townships through the subdivision of the farms into plots, as well as the development and provision of infrastructure.

After the said development, plots were then provisionally allocated to bona-fide residents of the areas who were supposed to contribute to the development through paying purchase prices for the plots.

Plot beneficiaries were expected to pay a commitment fee of E400.00 within 90 days of allocation, and then settle the full purchase price within a period of 60 months, which is 5 years. It can be noted that a multitude of people have finished paying for the plots, while at the same time, some have not finished paying for the plots.

It is on that premise that plot beneficiaries and their relatives, are reminded on the crucial issue of settling the purchase prices for the plots. This is because a full claim to ownership can be only after a plot has been fully paid.

Residents should take note that the allocation letter does not mean plot ownership, but was a provisional offer, which lapses after the stated period, thus the plot remain registered to government until full payment.

It goes without saying that the slow rate of payment is a cause for concern to the Municipal Council of Mbabane as this affect other proposed developments in the city. The non-payment of the plots impedes on other upgrading projects being undertaken by Council on behalf of Government, as the payments are aimed at recovering a loan which was intended to be used as a revolving fund. The cause for concern is that, more than ten years later, some beneficiaries have still not taken action towards paying for their plots, despite numerous reminders through the press, aimed to encourage beneficiaries to pay for their plots.

Accumulation of Interest

In addition to the fact that unpaid plot could be withdrawn, other conditions of the allocations also have an effect once there is a delay in settling the purchase price in time. Thus, the Municipal Council would like to remind plot beneficiaries to also revisit and take note on some conditions of the provisional offer of allocation. This is more especially in relation to accumulating interest on the plot price. In relation to interest, the condition specifically states that;’

“If after 60 months you have not completed the plot price, an annual interest rate of 2% to the original plot price will be incurred until you complete payment of the plot.”

This therefore means that all allocated, but not fully paid plots beyond the payment period are already accumulating interest, which is unfortunately increasing the outstanding debts.

In addition, one other crucial condition of the provisional allocation states that “if a beneficiary has not completed payment of the plot price after 60 months, a person will not be allowed to build, alter or make any additions to existing building until payment is complete. This condition becomes unfortunate especially in summer, when there is wet weather and some old houses are prone to fall. With a fully paid plot or a registered Deed of Lease, a plot beneficiary is completely independent to submit an application to build or renovate your house directly to Council at any given time.

Plot beneficiaries who were allocated plots in the upgrading areas are thus encouraged to pay up their plots in full so that they can enjoy the benefits of plot ownership. People should take note that the period of the provisional allocation has lapsed and the plots can be withdrawn and allocated to other beneficiaries in need. Furthermore, the Municipal Council will be publishing a notice in due course for those plot beneficiaries who have not paid for their plots. These beneficiaries, or their relatives in case of those who are deceased, are encouraged to promptly take action towards paying or visit offices to discuss payment arrangements. For more information and clarity on this issue, plot beneficiaries are invited to visit the Municipal Council’s Planning Section for assistance.

MCM, RATEPAYERS SIGN MOU

MBABANE – The Municipal Council of Mbabane has signed the memorandum of understanding with the Mbabane Ratepayers Association.

Mbabane Mayor, Councillor Zephaniah Nkambule (centre) reading his remarks during the signing of the MOU while CEO Gideon Mhlongo (right) and Mbabane Ratepayers Association’s Patrick Bhembe look on.

The signing of the MOU is a remarkable achievement for both Council and Mbabane property owners as it provides a framework through which the two will engage with each other for the benefit of all Mbabane ratepayers.

The MOU marks the restoration of a relationship that broke down over the years. The outgoing Mayor, Councillor Zephaniah Nkambule mentioned in his remarks that the MOU will guide the interplay between Council and the Mbabane Ratepayers Association and he also pointed out the importance of respecting all the conditions that are set out in the MOU.

Outgoing Mbabane Mayor Zephaniah Nkambule (right) shaking hands with Mbabane Ratepayers Association’s Patrick Bhembe.