Chipata City Council (CCC) has expressed serious concern over the increasing number of illegal waste dumping sites across Chipata district.

CCC assistant public relations officer Grace Lungu says the local authority has noted with concern that the indiscriminate dumping of solid waste which has continued to pose a serious threat to public health, environmental safety, and the overall cleanliness of the city.

Ms Lungu has told ZANIS that in an effort to safeguard public health and protecting the environment, the Council will soon begin taking legal action against individuals and institutions found engaging in illegal waste disposal practices.

She said these actions contravene provisions of the Solid Waste Regulation and Management Act No. 20 of 2018, the Public Health Act, Cap 295 of the Laws of Zambia, and Statutory Instrument No. 12 of 2018.

Ms Lungu said environmental protection guidelines enforced by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) prohibit such practices because they contribute to pollution and environmental degradation.

“The Council wishes to remind members of the public that digging refuse pits or dumping waste within residential compounds is not permitted under Zambian law, “she said.

Ms Lungu said the Chipata City Council has licensed five (5) franchise waste management companies to provide solid waste collection services within the district.

“All residents and business owners are strongly advised to subscribe to one of these authorized waste management companies without fail, “she said.