Mbabane

Mbabane's administrative role is accompanied by an urban landscape in which rivers, wetlands and public open spaces remain important. Research on the municipality documents development along riverine areas, together with greenbelts designated through town planning. These spaces form part of the city's drainage and environmental management, rather than simply ornamental parkland.

Flood exposure has prompted improvements to stormwater infrastructure in the central business district and planning for vulnerable residential areas such as Thembelihle and Eveni. The municipality has also supported the upgrading of informal settlements that lack adequate infrastructure. Understanding Mbabane requires attention to this relationship between the built city, watercourses and the uneven provision of services across its neighbourhoods.