Kitwe – The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development has called for urgent and coordinated action to address the worsening waste management situation in Kitwe, citing growing concerns over uncollected waste, illegal dumping, and sanitation challenges in the district.
The Minister made the remarks during his ongoing tour of the Copperbelt Province, where he is inspecting Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects as part of a nationwide monitoring initiative aimed at ensuring effective implementation and service delivery.
“We must act now before the situation gets out of hand,” the Minister said. “What we are witnessing is a ticking time bomb that threatens public health, the environment, and the city’s economic potential.”
He urged Kitwe City Council to scale up its waste management strategies, including embracing public-private partnerships, empowering local waste collectors, and enforcing sanitation laws to restore order and cleanliness.
The Minister further made an open call to the private sector and potential investors to partner with the government on sustainable solutions such as recycling and waste processing.
“We welcome investors who are willing to support recycling and other innovative waste management initiatives. Waste management is not only an environmental necessity, but also a vehicle for job creation and economic growth,” he added.
He also reminded residents that keeping the city clean is a collective responsibility, emphasizing the need for public awareness, civic engagement, and responsible waste disposal practices.
The Ministry has committed to providing policy support, technical expertise, and capacity building to help local authorities strengthen their waste management systems. Plans are in motion to introduce modern, technology-driven approaches and scale up recycling programs, starting with cities like Lusaka.
“Let Kitwe become a model of proactive waste management. We still have time to correct this, but it requires decisive action from all stakeholders,” he said.
