By CHILA NAMAIKO –

ABOUT 200 business entities in Choma District of Southern Province have so far been recommended for licencing by the local authority.
Choma Municipal Council (CMC) health inspector Terrance Himabala said the local authority would give the licences to business houses meeting stipulated regulations.
Mr Himabala however, warned of punitive action against proprietors of various businesses that were flouting regulations such as acquiring health and trading licences.
“So far 200 premises (business entities) have been recommended for licencing, but we shall not issue health permits to those that don’t meet health standards,” he said.
He was speaking at a District Epidemic Preparedness Committee (DEPC) meeting on Friday, last week, chaired by district administrative officer (DAO) Vincent Sikanyeela.
Mr Himabala said  CMC would embark on a programme to sensitise residents in all townships in the central business district on the dangers of rearing pigs, goats and donkeys in residential areas.
The local authority would also continue engaging residents to uphold hygiene standards to prevent reoccurrence of waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera.
This follows an outbreak of diarrhoea in Choma a few months ago with hardest hit areas being the densely populated Mwapona, Chandamali, Macha Road, and Kabanana townships.
At the same meeting, Mr Sikanyeela called for concerted efforts between Government departments and the local authority to improve the status of Choma.
The DAO urged the civil servants to lead by example in championing the Government’s campaign on ‘Keep Zambia Clean and Healthy’.
Principal environmental health officer Likando Mukelabai attributed the cases of diarrhoea to indiscriminate disposal of waste and poor hygiene standards among residents.