The redevelopment of the Manzini Bus Rank is moving forward steadily, with government ministers and municipal officials confirming that preparations for the relocation of public transport operators and vendors are at an advanced stage.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development together with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade yesterday toured construction projects under the Manzini Municipality,
including proposed temporary relocation sites for transport operators and vendors ahead of the next phase of the development. 
The Manzini Municipality has identified temporary facilities for cross-border transport vehicles, buses and minibuses, as well as designated vendor sites to ensure that construction work proceeds without disruption.
During the tour, stakeholders discussed a tentative timeline of around the 20th of this month as a possible date for the relocation of vehicles and traders currently operating from the existing bus rank.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development Apollo Maphalala commended the Manzini Municipality for its coordination of a large-scale development project involving multiple stakeholders and serving a significant number of commuters and businesses.
He noted that the new bus rank will be approximately double the size of the current facility, allowing it to better accommodate growing transport demand while improving efficiency and service delivery.
Maphalala also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, for participating in the tour, saying it reflected strong government unity in delivering development projects.
Minister Manqoba Khumalo emphasised the importance of regular engagement between the two ministries, noting that the complexity of the project requires continuous coordination and monitoring.
He added that as the first phase nears completion, preparations for the next phase which includes the construction of a shopping mall are already underway, and confirmed that a contractor has been identified.
The Manzini Bus Rank redevelopment is expected to significantly transform urban transport infrastructure in the city while creating new opportunities for vendors, SMEs, and investors.
