The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in partnership with the Lusaka Integrated Waste Management Company has reaffirmed its commitment to improving waste management, with Vice President Mrs. W.K. Mutale Nalumango calling on local investors to seize opportunities in the sector.
During a tour of the Chunga Landfill today, Her Honour the Vice President highlighted the economic potential of waste management, emphasizing its ability to generate power, produce fertilizer, and create employment. She was received by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Garry Nkombo, who reiterated the government’s dedication to structured and sustainable waste disposal systems.
The Vice President noted that the road ahead is clear, urging all stakeholders to take a concerted approach in tackling waste management challenges. She emphasized the importance of creating economic value from waste and facilitating a structured framework to support waste pickers. “We must seize this opportunity to transform waste management into a structured and economically viable industry,” she stated.
She also encouraged Zambians to actively participate in the upcoming bidding process for waste-to-energy projects. “There is immense potential for local investors to venture into projects that convert waste into energy, fertilizer, gas, and other useful products. This is not an opportunity reserved for foreign entities alone—Zambians must take part,” she emphasized.
Hon. Garry Nkombo announced that the bidding process for landfill management will be opened in two weeks to allow both local and international investors to submit proposals. He urged local entrepreneurs to recognize waste management as an economic opportunity that can drive job creation, industrialization, and sustainable development. “This is a call to action for our local business community. The government is creating an enabling environment, and we encourage Zambians to take advantage of it,” he stated.
The Vice President commended the significant progress made at the Chunga Landfill over the past years, contrasting it with the limited development seen since its establishment in 2007. She attributed this progress to the government’s renewed focus on sustainable development and waste management.
“The transformation we see today is a result of strong leadership under the Republican President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema and a clear commitment to environmental sustainability,” she remarked
