Chipata council threatens legal action against illegal waste dumping

The Chipata City Council has warned that it will begin taking legal action against individuals and institutions involved in illegal waste disposal, amid growing concerns over the rise of unauthorized dumping sites across the district.

Council Assistant Public Relations Officer, Grace Lungu, said in a statement that indiscriminate waste disposal had become a serious threat to public health, environmental safety and the general cleanliness of the city.

“The actions contravene provisions of the Solid Waste Regulation and Management Act No. 20 of 2018, the Public Health Act Cap 295, and Statutory Instrument No. 12 of 2018,” Lungu said.

She added that environmental guidelines enforced by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) also prohibited such practices, noting that illegal dumping contributed significantly to pollution and environmental degradation.

Lungu reminded residents that digging refuse pits or dumping waste within residential premises was prohibited under Zambian law.

The Chipata City Council has licensed five franchise waste management companies to operate within the district, and all residents and business owners are required to subscribe to one of the approved services.

Council Town Clerk, Dulani Phiri, through the Public Health Department, recently conducted random inspections at several known illegal dumping hotspots, including Old Beit Stadium, Holly Hill and Mpezeni Park (Kaunda Square).

“The general observation is that areas with illegal dumping spots are largely linked to residents who are not subscribed to any waste collection service,” Lungu said.

She warned that residents who fail to subscribe to a licensed waste management provider will face penalties, while those caught dumping waste illegally would be prosecuted.

Lungu urged the public to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in the city.

“Cleanliness is a shared responsibility, and compliance with waste management regulations is not optional but mandatory,” she said.

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