Serenje DC urges workers to embrace a clean environment
ENVIRONMENTBy ZPP Newsroom
Source: Lusaka Times
Serenje District Commissioner Ellen Mibenge has made a passionate appeal to local workers, business owners, and residents to fully commit to the "Keep Serenje Clean, Green and Healthy Campaign." Speaking on the imperative of municipal hygiene, Ms. Mibenge underscored that collective participation in keeping public spaces and business environments spotless is not merely an aesthetic choice, but a fundamental public health necessity for the district. The nationwide initiative, heavily championed by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, seeks to instill durable behavioral and mindset changes regarding solid waste management across Zambia's urban and rural councils. In Serenje, local authorities have continually rallied community stakeholders, including market associations, trading cooperatives, and civil servants, to dedicate time for routine clean-ups before commencing daily commercial activities. Ms. Mibenge noted that sustainable development and economic productivity heavily rely on healthy populations living in clean surroundings. She cautioned that laxity in waste management poses severe environmental and health risks, particularly with changing weather patterns and the constant threat of vector-borne illnesses. By fostering a culture of shared responsibility, the district administration aims to prevent illegal dumping and encourage recycling initiatives championed by local youth and environmental groups. Furthermore, the District Commissioner commended various departments and community members who have consistently adhered to designated cleanup schedules. She urged civic leaders and departmental heads to lead by example, ensuring that institutional surroundings reflect the high standards expected of public service providers. Local civic bodies have been encouraged to step up enforcement of relevant statutory instruments regarding waste disposal while maintaining an open dialogue with the trading community. Ultimately, the local administratio