By MUNAMBEZA MUWANEI –
Households across Southern Province have been directed to level over their rubbish pits and to invest in garbage bins as part of the Government’s strategy to manage the environment and avoid contamination of ground water.
Southern Province Minister Edify Hamukale gave the directive during a stakeholders’ meeting in Choma yesterday where he expressed concern at the manner solid and liquid waste was being disposed of in the province.
The directive gives councils across the province until October 15, 2017 to place litter bins in all public places.
Dr Hamukale said both solid and liquid waste posed a health hazard to humans and the environment, hence the need for councils to work innovatively to improve the hygiene and orderliness of their towns.
The minister warned disciplinary action would be taken against the council officials failing to implement the directive.
Many parts of the province suffered severe flooding during the last rainy season, with residential areas in Choma, the region’s capital town, among the worst hit.

HAMUKALE

The minister said the ban on the use of rubbish pits was meant to protect the environment and contamination of ground water.
“Families that won’t have rubbish bins by October 15, 2017 will be fined by their respective councils and must comply with the council fine,” Dr Hamukale said.
“Council police and relevant departments will be required to zone areas and tour all houses every Friday to ensure all families have rubbish bins.”
Dr Hamukale urged mayors and council chairpersons and members of Parliament to embark on sensitisation programmes to sensitise the public on the importance of hygiene and taking a preventative approach.