Zomba District Council has urged residents to take responsibility for maintaining hygiene and sanitation in their communities.
The call was made Tuesday during the launch of Executive Order Number Two on Hygiene and Sanitation at Songani in the district.
Speaking at the event, Zomba District Commissioner Fredrick Misinjo said community leaders and stakeholders have been directed to dedicate at least one hour every Friday to cleaning markets, schools, hospitals, workplaces, places of worship and other public spaces.
Misinjo added that the council has incorporated the order into its by-laws to ensure compliance.
“I am confident that this initiative will greatly benefit people because we expect all public places to remain clean. Places such as schools, workplaces, markets and hospitals should have handwashing facilities and proper waste disposal points to ensure the initiative is effective,” said Misinjo.
Member of Parliament for Zomba Malosa Constituency, Grace Kwelepeta welcomed the initiative and pledged to work with the corporate sector to provide cleaning tools and equipment.
“I am pleased that the launch of this initiative has taken place in my constituency. As the Member of Parliament for the area, I will ensure that it produces positive results by working together with other local leaders. I will also visit different areas to monitor how sanitation improvement activities are progressing,” said Kwelepeta.
The launch, held under the theme “Hygienic Zomba is Everyone’s Responsibility,” followed a mass cleaning exercise at Songani Market involving public officials and local residents.
