The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has given a seven days ultimatum to the Lusaka City Council (LCC) to remove emanating waste that has been indiscriminately disposed of in Misisi and Garden compound among other areas of the city.

In a statement issued by ZEMA corporate affairs manager Irene Chipili, the agency advised the local authority to restore the named sites to a satisfactory condition.

The local authority has further been ordered to take action that would prevent the continuation of disposal of waste.

“Pursuant to Section 60 of the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency yesterday, 1st August, 2018, issued Site Restoration Orders to Lusaka City Council in respect of: (i) Indiscriminate disposal of waste; and (ii) Management of waste in such a manner that it becomes litter or is likely to become litter at a number of locations in Lusaka District namely; Katima Mulilo Road, Garden Compound, Misisi Compound and the Town Centre. Lusaka City Council has been accordingly ordered to: Remove the waste and restore the sites to a condition satisfactory to ZEMA; and to take action that would prevent the continuation of disposal of waste at the sites stated above,” Chipili stated.

Chipili further reminded all local authorities of their responsibility to ensure sound management of waste in their respective districts.

“The said orders must be fully complied with within a period of 7 days. The indiscriminate disposal of waste is an impediment to efforts aimed at protecting our environment such as the ‘Make Zambia Clean, Green and Healthy’ campaign, which was re-launched in April, 2018, by the President, H.E. Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu. ZEMA takes this opportunity to remind all local authorities of their responsibility to ensure sound management of waste in their respective districts. Business entities and members of the public are also reminded of their duty to manage their waste in an environmentally-sound manner. Collectively, these efforts will contribute to keeping Zambia clean and healthy,” stated Chipili.