Lusaka Market Sanitation Challenges

.... A look at the Proposed Solutions and Stakeholder Concerns

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia, - (8-01-2025) - The Zambia National Market Cooperative (ZANAMACA) has proposed practical solutions to address the chronic shortage of sanitation facilities in central business markets, including the provision of 4,000 makeshift toilets.

During a meeting on Monday with marketeers from Lumumba, ChaChaCha, and Freedom Way markets, Frank Mupila Kameya, President of the Zambia National Marketeers Association (ZANAMACA), emphasized the urgent need for improved waste management and security in Lusaka’s central business district (CBD). 

The meeting, convened by Lusaka Province Minister Sheol Mulyata, focused on addressing ongoing sanitation, drainage, and other operational challenges affecting market activities. 

Kameya submitted a comprehensive proposal for improving market sanitation, which included the construction of effective drainage systems, better waste management, and enhanced security measures. 

He stressed that addressing these issues would improve public health and attract more customers, boosting economic activity in the markets. 

Additionally, Kameya recommended introducing innovative technologies for waste management to reduce and compact garbage, aligning with sustainability goals and offering long-term cost savings for local councils while addressing environmental concerns.

Maureen Phiri, a trader at Kulima Tower Market, raised concerns about the severe flooding caused by a lack of functioning drainage systems, especially during the rainy season. 

She called on the Lusaka City Council to construct effective drainage systems to prevent flooding and keep the market accessible during adverse weather conditions. 

Phiri also highlighted the challenges posed by waste management, pointing out that while traders actively manage waste within the market, littering by outsiders worsens the situation. 

She suggested that garbage bins be installed on surrounding streets to encourage proper waste disposal. 

Furthermore, she proposed that traders take responsibility for maintaining their immediate trading areas, with strategically placed bins on islands within the market and surrounding streets.

John Wilima, representing Lumumba Market, addressed the drainage problems caused by buildings obstructing water flow. 

He urged the council to take immediate action to address these drainage issues to prevent further damage to market infrastructure. 

Wilima also expressed concern over inadequate toilet facilities at Lumumba Market, noting that only one toilet is currently functional. 

He questioned why funds collected from traders were not being used to improve these facilities and called for immediate renovations, along with greater transparency in fund allocation.

Patricia Muzyamba, a representative from the town center, raised concerns about the poor condition of passageways in the market, which are often cluttered with garbage. 

She called for increased manpower and the establishment of consistent cleaning schedules to maintain cleanliness and order.

A Representatives from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) voiced concerns about the lack of public toilets at the markets. 

He pointed out that both traders and customers often rely on private facilities that are not always accessible or hygienic.

 He urged the Lusaka City Council to construct public toilets at key market locations and ensure they are regularly maintained to support proper sanitation and waste management across the markets.

The Lusaka City Council Town Clerk,  Leftery Ndaba addressed several operational issues affecting the markets, including the obstruction of garbage collection vehicles by buses in some areas.

He urged bus drivers to ensure that access roads remain clear to allow timely garbage collection. 

He also acknowledged the need for larger garbage bins, as the current bins are inadequate to handle the volume of waste, often leading to overflow and littering.

He not only promised to provide larger bins to better accommodate the waste but also expressed regret over the frequent vandalism of garbage bins and announced plans to introduce more durable, vandal-resistant bins designed with advanced technology to withstand damage.

Minister Sheol Mulyata emphasized the need for continued collaboration between the Lusaka City Council, marketeers, and other stakeholders to address the sanitation and drainage challenges facing Lusaka’s markets.

 She called for accountability and consistent efforts to maintain a clean and functional market environment for all involved.

Frank Mupila Kameya concluded the meeting by reiterating the importance of addressing sanitation, drainage, and waste management issues to improve market operations. 

He emphasized that clearing blocked drainage systems would prevent flooding and reduce waterborne diseases, allowing markets to function more efficiently.

 Kameya also recommended the production of educational posters to inform traders and the public about designated trading areas, which would promote compliance with regulations, reduce congestion, and maintain order. 

He urged local councils and other stakeholders to adopt the proposed recommendations, noting the benefits for traders, customers, and local authorities.

Kameya emphasized that the initiative is a crucial step toward creating safer, cleaner, and more efficient markets in Zambia’s CBD.

The meeting was attended by various stakeholders, including Lusaka City Council officials, the town clerk, the mayor, and other dignitaries. 

Representatives from markets across the CBD were also present, contributing to the ongoing discussion on improving market conditions in Lusaka.