Climate change and the heavy rains are obviously one of the main causes of the floods in Lusaka. However, many people fail to acknowledge the role that infrastructure play in driving and worsening the situation. Some areas of the city have developed informally and lack proper structures to drain excess water. And another major issue is the management of garbage that usually end up be thrown in undesignated places and block the drainage systems. The last cholera outbreak was mainly due to poor hygiene, limited access to sanitation, and inadequate water supply.
To manage on component of hygiene, the government established the Lusaka Integrated Solid Waste Management Company (LISWMC) which has outsourced waste collection to private contractors. For the dumpsite, new equipment was invested in which eliminated queues and improved efficiency. Additionally, they purchased new skip trucks and compactors to collect waste in public areas, markets, and bus stations. However, according to the 2023 Waste Survey, Lusaka generates 1,200 tons of solid waste daily but only 55% of this waste is collected and disposed of at the Chunga Landfill, while 45% remains uncollected due to non-subscription and indiscriminate disposal.
I want to talk about the 45% issue which mainly end up in indiscriminate waste dumping by individuals and agencies. The government cannot tackle this problem alone. In the early months of the UPND administration, the local government minister attempted to relocate vendors in Lusaka due to health risks. This move was met with resistance, citing concerns over human and economic rights.
For instance, the Zesco Powerline along Tokyo Way (aka Ring Road) has been transformed into a dump site by individuals, not the government. Enforcement is necessary, but we must acknowledge that we are collectively responsible for the current unsanitary conditions. People often discard trash from their vehicles without considering who will pick it up. This situation requires collective responsibility.
Many are quick to blame the local council, but where is the responsibility of those who dump garbage indiscriminately? Why don't they use designated dumpsites? Should the council constantly explore and discover new dumping sites? While Zambians maintain personal cleanliness, environmental hygiene is often never given a thought.
I’m calling out those who prioritize appearances over responsibility. You know who you are. The well-dressed man and woman driving luxury vehicles, yet thoughtlessly littering our streets with fruit peels, bottles, plastics, and more.
I’m calling hose who boast about their education but refuse to pay for waste collection services. Instead, they recklessly dump trash in drainage ways, undeveloped areas, roads, and anywhere else they please.
And I shouldn’t forget those who mindlessly clog our sewer systems by flushing non-biodegradable items down their sinks and toilets. This group is also quick to complain about blockages but never takes responsibility of its own role in causing them. It's time to own up to our actions and take responsibility for our waste. Let's work together to keep Lusaka clean and beautiful.
We have turned drainages, roads, and other spaces into garbage dumps. Businesses operate without providing toilets and clean water sources. We need to recognize that environmental hygiene is as important – if not more important – as personal hygiene. Did you know that one person generates 16kg of waste per month and for a family 5 members that translates into 80Kg? How of us can account for how their waste is collected and disposed of?
In conclusion, waste management prevents spread of cholera and other diseases. I know that everyone agrees that unless serious attention is given to the matter of environmental hygiene, we risk having another cholera outbreak. But anticipating problems is not enough, it is the proactivity taken to mitigate them that truly matter. The Bible presents a classic example of Noah who didn't just predict the flood but also built an ark to ensure survival for him and his family. Similarly, having knowledge of an impending public health crisis but continuing to disregard waste management is tantamount to dereliction of duty and a betrayal of humanity's trust.
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