LOCAL Government and Rural Development Minister Gift Sialubalo has called on councils across the country to strengthen enforcement of littering laws, noting that poor waste disposal remains a major public health concern.
The minister, during a two-day working visit to Central Province, joined Kapiri Mposhi Town Council workers yesterday in cleaning parts of the Central Business District (CBD) under the Keep Zambia Clean, Green and Healthy campaign.
Sialubalo emphasized that maintaining clean surroundings should not be confined to periodic clean-up exercises but should form part of the councils’ daily responsibilities.
“We are a Christian nation and cleanliness is next to godliness. It shouldn’t stop with Kapiri. I urge all local authorities to do the same. Let’s enforce the law. Citizens need to follow the rules and regulations,” he said.
The minister added that councils must move beyond reacting to outbreaks such as cholera and instead prioritize routine sanitation.
“We shouldn’t only see you fire fighting. We should see you cleaning. Make sure there is no cholera in Kapiri. And if you are eating a banana or drinking water, please don’t litter once you are done. Kapiri is destined for greatness,” said the minister.
Kapiri Council Secretary Collins Ndilema said the programme would continue but stressed the need for residents to take responsibility for the waste generated in their communities.
“This is a continuous programme, but the community must also be part of this, because the waste we are collecting today comes from the community,” he said.
