LCC Takes Urgent Action Amidst Cholera Outbreak
In response to a deadly cholera outbreak that has claimed 51 lives and affected 3404 individuals in Zambia since October 2023, the Lusaka City Council (LCC) is taking decisive measures to enhance sanitation and hygiene conditions across the city.
According to Nyambe Bulumba, the LCC’s Assistant Public Relations Manager, the council, through the Department of Public Health, has implemented various measures to address the crisis.
These measures include ensuring proper collection and disposal of garbage, intensifying health education, conducting thorough inspections of premises, and disinfecting public areas.
As part of the initiative, strategic points within the city will be equipped with skip bins to facilitate efficient garbage collection and containment before transportation and final disposal.
Mr. Bulumba announced that at least four trucks have been deployed to collect accumulated garbage in the Central Business District (CBD) and other affected areas. The Zambia National Service (ZNS) will collaborate with the council to dispatch additional trucks to expedite waste collection.
Emphasizing the importance of disinfection, Mr. Bulumba stated that all premises where garbage is collected will undergo disinfection to prevent the spread of cholera and other diseases.
The public is urged to cooperate with sanitation workers and adhere to health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.
To address indiscriminate garbage dumping, the council has intensified legal provisions, with strict measures against those found dumping waste in non-designated areas. Offenders will face arrest and charges due to the severe threat posed to public health and the environment.
In parallel efforts, the Lusaka City Council is reactivating Statutory Instrument No. 12 of 2018 to eliminate street vending in the city, emphasizing that trading on the streets is illegal.
He urged Street vendors to relocate to designated markets where they can conduct their businesses safely and in an organized manner. The council pledges to continue inspections and enforce legal provisions to address street vending.
Mr. Bulumba reiterated the council’s commitment to improving sanitation and hygiene standards in the city, emphasizing the dedication to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of residents.
As the cholera outbreak remains a pressing concern, he said that the Lusaka City Council is working diligently to curb the spread of the disease and create a healthier environment for all.
