Why I’m very positive that Simon Mwewa Chitambala will succeed with his “Make Lusaka Clean” campaign.

INSTITUTIONS

By ZPP Newsroom

Source: Zambian Observer

Why I’m very positive that Simon Mwewa Chitambala will succeed with his “Make Lusaka Clean” campaign.
The launch of the "Make Lusaka Clean" campaign spearheaded by prominent civic advocate and media personality Simon Mwewa Chitambala has ignited vibrant discussions across Lusaka. Observers note that unlike previous political or municipal efforts that emerged reactively during disease outbreaks or political seasons, this initiative has been preceded by years of consistent digital and grassroots campaigning. Chitambala, widely known for his online presence and long-standing stance on urban sanitation, has consistently emphasized that changing the capital's landscape requires shifting from passive rhetoric to actionable municipal frameworks. For decades, Lusaka has grappled with mounting waste management hurdles, uncollected garbage in commercial districts, and recurring public health vulnerabilities, notably seasonal cholera outbreaks. Critics of past administrative efforts point to a lack of structural continuity, where clean-up exercises are treated as short-term public relations stunts rather than permanent institutional policies. Proponents of Chitambala's campaign believe that his early and aggressive posture gives him a distinct advantage, as it forces urban sanitation issues to the forefront of public discourse long before formal electoral battles reach their peak. Beyond environmental aesthetics, the campaign touches upon deeper socio-economic grievances within the capital, including market congestion, street vending regulation, and urban planning disarray. Supporters emphasize that a truly clean city must incorporate systemic reforms, such as redesigning market layouts, optimizing waste collection logistics, and enforcing municipal bylaws without fear or favor. These structural bottlenecks have historically frustrated both residents and business owners who struggle to operate in disorganized commercial zones. However, transitioning from social media slogans to sustainable municipal change remains a daunting task. Urban planners and local governance experts