Lusaka City Council cracks down on illegal waste aggregators

The Lusaka City Council (LCC) has issued a stern warning to over 20 illegal solid waste aggregators operating in various parts of the city, including under the popular ZESCO pylons along Ring Road, over the environmental and health risks their activities pose.

The Council cautioned the aggregators against open-air burning of waste, which can cause respiratory illnesses such as tuberculosis (TB) among residents.

LCC Manager for Public Relations, Chola Mwamba, said in a statement issued on Saturday that, with support from the Zambia Police, the Council had also demolished the illegal makeshift structures used by the aggregators.

“Illegal trading and open-air burning of solid waste is a prosecutable offense, infringing on human rights to good quality air,” Mwamba said.

She added that anyone found violating the law would face fines or prosecution, stressing that illegality in solid waste management will not be tolerated.

Mwamba emphasized that stringent measures would be taken against offenders.

“The Local Authority appeals to residents to support the Council in maintaining law and order for the well-being of all residents,” she said.

She further highlighted that the Council’s goal was to protect the environment and public health by ensuring traders operate in designated areas.

“By working together, the Council and residents can maintain a clean and safe city, free from environmental hazards and health risks associated with illegal solid waste management practices,” Mwamba added.

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