Southern Province Minister Edify Hamukale has threatened to dissolve the Choma Municipal Council’s management if the local authority fails to clear a dumpsite in New Kabanana residential area within 30 days.
The dumpsite, called Malabo, is located in the middle of a residential area, about a metre from the nearest houses, and behind the new Government complex.
Dr Hamukale, who visited the dumpsite on Monday, said he would not only dissolve management but also push for the cancellation of the equalisation fund allocation if the local authority does not act within the given time.
Efforts to get council town clerk Timothy Mambalakata proved futile as he was engaged in a meeting.
The minister said the dumpsite must be removed immediately because it is a health hazard not only to the residents in the area but the entire Choma district.
“I am directing Choma Municipal Council to remove this dirt. I am giving them a 30- day ultimatum to work on this dumpsite failure to which I will dismantle the entire management. I don’t care about bureaucracy. Yes, I will dismantle them,” he said.
Dr Hamukale said he will engage Minister of Local Government Vincent Mwale to stop the allocation of the equalisation fund to the council if nothing is done within 30 days.
He said equalisation fund should be given to another department that will act swiftly to clear off places like dumpsites in Choma.
The minister said failure to clear the dumpsite is evidence the local authority has failed to take action.
Dr Hamukale said the council must look for another place that can be used as a dumpsite far from human contact.
He said the current dumpsite poses health risks and outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and dysentery to the people living around it.
The minister said he is working under the instruction of President Edgar Lungu to keep Southern Province clean, green and health through the Keep Zambia Clean Campaign.
Some residents complained that the local authority has allegedly refused to close the dumpsite thereby exposing them to diarrhoeal diseases.
Jessie Chibamba said the dumpsite should be cleared and disinfected because it is a serious health risk to families