Government says it is focused on building a clean, healthy, productive and resilient environment in Zambia.
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Gift Sialubalo says the government is committed to ensure that surroundings are kept clean, especially in communities.
The media reports that Mr Sialubalo has since challenged Lusaka residents to inculcate a spirit of cleanliness, by throwing garbage at designated places.
The Minister said this when he handed over 10 tractors to the Lusaka Integrated Solid Waste Management Company (LISWMC) for the purposes of collecting garbage in Lusaka city.
Mr Sialubalo further challenged LISWMC against delaying the process of collecting garbage as doing so frustrates government efforts of cleaning the city
The tractor procured at a cost of K14.8 million by his ministry will be distributed to all the seven constituencies of Lusaka in line with government’s agenda and intervention of contributing to improved service delivery and environmental protection.
Mr Sialubalo is confident that the tractors will strengthen local authorities such as the Lusaka City Council, create jobs and improve the living conditions of communities.
“The deployment of these tractors must result in measurable reduction in delayed solid waste collection across all constituencies in Lusaka.
Communities must experience safety and public health outcomes, environmental safety and public health outcomes aimed at improving the quality of life to its citizens. The transport being handed over today is not merely an asset but a practical instrument for delivering development at local level,” he said.
The Minister reminded everyone of the President’s call for accountability and discipline in the use of public resources.
And Mr Sialubalo has disclosed that his ministry has sourced funds for upgrading the Kafue and Kabwe roundabouts, to revive the Keep Zambia clean, greener and healthy environment.
The Minister noted that designs for the modernization of the roundabouts arrived in the country last week from China.
He said the works will be complete in March, this year.
“The Kafue and Kabwe roundabouts will have a facelift and look modern. Designs came last week from China,” he said.
And speaking earlier, Lusaka Mayor Chilando Chitangala expressed gratitude that the Central Business District (CBDs) will be garbage free with the provision of tractors.
The Mayor called for mind-set-change among the residents as well as traders, especially where solid waste management is concerned.
She reacted sharply at the residents and vendors that are in the habit of littering indiscriminately, while expecting the Lusaka City Council to address the matter of garbage collection and disposal.
In a vote of thanks, LISWMC Chief Executive Officer Imuwana Mwanamwalye assured that the tractors will be used for the intended purpose of waste and garbage collection.
He commended the government for also providing a grader at Chunga dump-site.
