Uncollected waste sparks health fears in Zomba City

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

Growing piles of uncollected garbage in Zomba City have raised serious concerns that traders and residents may be exposed to various diseases, including cholera.

The waste is reportedly found in many parts of the city, particularly in busy trading areas where food is prepared and sold to the public.

We gathered that food vendors and customers alike fear that the unhygienic environment could easily trigger disease outbreaks if urgent action is not taken.

In an interview with one woman who sells fermented sweet beer locallyknownas Thobwa and doughnuts at the Likangala Evacuation Center and she asked to remain anonymous said the situation has persisted for more than three weeks.

She explained that the city council has not collected garbage from the area during that period.

According to the vendor, the waste produces a strong foul smell and attracts flies, creating ideal conditions for the spread of cholera and other illnesses.

She added that both sellers and buyers are at risk, especially those consuming food prepared near the garbage.

Zomba City Council spokesperson Aubrey Moses has acknowledged the problem.

Moses said the failure to collect waste in some areas was caused by transportation challenges and difficulties in identifying all dumping sites within the city.

He assured residents that the situation is now being addressed and that garbage collection has resumed in affected areas.

“Yes, it is true that waste has not been collected in several places, but the problem has now been resolved and removal has already started,” said Moses.

Environmental governance expert Greshan Kamnyamata has urged city authorities to enforce stricter waste management regulations.

Kamnyamata said strong by-laws would discourage people from dumping garbage in undesignated areas and promote cleanliness.

He also emphasized the need for properly designated waste disposal sites across urban areas.

Kamnyamata further called on residents to take responsibility for their surroundings and to care for one another.

Recently, traders at Chinamwali Market also raised similar complaints, warning that the widespread presence of garbage in Zomba City is putting many lives at risk.

Malawi continues to battle cholera outbreaks, often linked to poor sanitation, unsafe food handling, improper waste disposal, and open defecation, with Balaka and Lilongwe districts currently reporting active cases.