Malawians have been called upon to take more responsibility in managing waste within their communities, as part of a national effort to improve sanitation and prevent disease outbreaks.
Dr. Elizabeth Gomani Chindevu, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, made the call during the launch of the Urban October campaign at Chilimampunga ground in Lilongwe. The campaign encourages individuals to care for their local environments to reduce the spread of diseases.
Dr. Chindevu emphasized the importance of every household designating a specific area for waste disposal, highlighting that proper waste management is crucial to maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
“People should not just dump waste materials anyhow. Instead, they should ensure that there is a designated area at the household or community level for waste management,” she urged.
She also pledged to collaborate with cities, municipalities, and town councils to ensure proper waste management facilities are provided.
Victor Mhango, a representative from Habitat for Humanity, stressed that a key challenge in addressing sanitation issues in Malawi’s cities and towns is the lack of proper drainage systems and waste management infrastructure. He pointed out that diseases like cholera are often the result of poor sanitation practices.
“It is essential to have proper waste disposal systems and drainage to avoid blockages and flooding, which can lead to health hazards,” he stated.
Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City West, George Zulu, expressed his commitment to ensuring that waste is properly collected and disposed of in designated areas. However, he highlighted the issue of insufficient resources and the lack of support from Lilongwe City Council in addressing the waste management challenge.
“Many areas, including markets, lack proper dumping sites, and we need the city’s support to resolve this issue,” he said.
As Malawi observes World Habitat Day on October 8, 2024, and celebrates World Cities Day throughout the month, the call for improved waste management comes as a reminder of the critical need for collective responsibility in creating healthier living environments.
