Authorities pledge lasting solutions to poor waste management amid growing health and business concerns from vendors.
By Burnett Munthali
Mzuzu City Council has assured vendors trading in the city’s markets that it is taking concrete steps to address poor waste management, which has become a growing concern among traders and residents.
Public Relations Officer for the council, McDonald Gondwe, said in an interview on Tuesday that the city is working tirelessly to minimise the effects of operational challenges that have hindered efficient refuse collection.
Gondwe emphasized that the council is committed to finding lasting solutions to the waste management challenges affecting the city.
He explained that efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of refuse truck breakdowns, which have often disrupted timely waste collection.
His remarks followed concerns raised by several vendors who told the Malawi News Agency (Mana) that delayed waste collection in markets was affecting their businesses and posing health risks to both traders and customers.
One of the vendors, Marco Landa, expressed frustration over the situation, saying that the city council’s negligence in collecting garbage on time was creating a foul smell that was driving customers away.
Landa lamented that their sales had dropped significantly due to the unbearable stench from uncollected refuse in the market area.
In response, Gondwe acknowledged the problem and assured the vendors that the council was taking sustainable steps to improve waste management in Mzuzu.
He revealed that the city’s strategic plan includes the construction of a modern market facility designed to enhance hygiene, improve efficiency, and provide better working conditions for traders.
According to Gondwe, the proposed market will feature a two to three-storey structure built to meet modern standards, marking a major development in the city’s infrastructure.
He said the new market facility would not only improve waste management but also boost the local economy and provide a cleaner, more attractive trading environment for vendors.
As part of its broader modernization efforts, the council has also appealed to market users to actively participate in maintaining cleanliness by properly disposing of waste.
Gondwe urged vendors and residents to adhere to hygiene standards and cooperate with the council to ensure Mzuzu remains a clean and healthy city for all.
The city council’s renewed commitment signals hope for traders who have long struggled with waste-related challenges that threaten both their livelihoods and public health.
