Cabinet has approved the publication and introduction of the Solid Waste Regulation and Management Bill that will promote sustainable regulation and management of solid waste. The approval of the bill in line with Government’s desire to address solid waste management challenges the country has been grappling with, especially in towns and cities.

Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya said among the objectives of the Bill is to regulate construction of landfills and other disposal facilities to enhance cleanliness. Ms Siliya said this in a statement yesterday on decisions made by Cabinet at its meeting on Wednesday. Ms Siliya, who is also Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, said the Bill will enable licensing of solid waste service providers, operators and self-service solid waste dealers, and provide for their functions.

“The management of solid waste has over the years been a challenge for towns and cities in the country mainly due to increased population and economic activities, leading to increased waste generation.” Increased generation of waste has posed a burden on the municipal budget due to high costs associated to its management. “Local authorities are often characterised by dysfunctional waste management systems, with much of the waste in the streets, roadside, drainages and open areas remaining uncollected,” Ms Siliya said.

She is, however, optimistic the introduction of a comprehensive legislation on solid waste regulation and management will provide for sustainable regulation and effective management of the waste. “The [piece of] legislation will operationalise solid waste management as a local authority function which will also facilitate close working relations with stakeholders engaged in solid waste collection and disposal,” Ms Siliya said.
She also said the Ministry of Local Government and the Millennium Challenge Account-Zambia has conducted a study on the state