𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗜𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗢 𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝟭𝟬 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗧 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗 𝗪𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗜𝗡 𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗞𝗔 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬

LUSAKA: The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Honourable Gift Sialubalo, MP, has handed over ten tractors with hydraulic tipping trailers to constituencies in the City of Lusaka, marking a milestone aimed at boosting solid waste management under the Cash for Work Programme.
The Minister has, however, called for an end to the culture of indiscriminate waste disposal and implored communities to play their part in safeguarding the environment.
The four wheel drive tractors, managed by the Lusaka Integrated Solid Waste Management Company, will help to improve the hauling of waste generated daily.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Matero Constituency today, Hon. Sialubalo expressed happiness that the tractors will provide essential equipment for the Lusaka City Council to manage waste more effectively across the city, particularly as the equipment will work alongside community members employed through the Cash for Work initiative.
The Minister stressed that utilisation of the tractors will not be limited to Cash for Work activities, but that they will also be deployed to support the collection of waste generated on a daily basis, particularly in peri-urban areas around Lusaka City where service delivery gaps persist.
Hon. Sialubalo stated that this approach reflects Government’s commitment to inclusive development and equitable service provision across all constituencies in Lusaka City, and serves as a practical instrument for delivering development at the local level.
He said it is Government’s expectation that the deployment of the tractors will result in a measurable reduction in delayed solid waste collection across all constituencies in the City of Lusaka.
“Therefore, communities must experience visible improvements in cleanliness, environmental safety, and public health outcomes, consistent with Government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all citizens,” Hon. Sialubalo stated.
The Minister added that the problem of litter calls for proactive measures such as garbage recycling by stakeholders, which should result in a cleaner environment while creating jobs for community members.
He stressed that promoting a culture of cleanliness is anchored in Government’s vision of building a clean, healthy, productive, and resilient Zambia through improved service delivery, economic transformation, and responsible governance.
Speaking at the same occasion, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary (Technical Services), Mr. Nicholas Phiri, stated that in Lusaka, the Cash for Work Programme has been aligned with solid waste management priorities.
The Permanent Secretary said the ten tractors will enhance the efficiency of waste collection activities under the Cash for Work Programme and complement routine waste collection services across the city.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Integrated Solid Waste Management Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Imuwana Mwanamwalye, described the procurement of the ten tractors as a major milestone in improving solid waste management.