‘In-coming mayor should be innovative’

THE incoming Lusaka Mayor should demonstrate the ability to coordinate all councillors and utilise the vision of President Edgar Lungu’s Keep Zambia Clean, Green and Healthy Campaign, says Integrated Community AntiLitter Initiative (ICALI) executive director, Pascal Chikumbi.

Mr. Chikumbi said ICALI expects the would be Mayor to exhibit exemplary qualities and vision to drive Lusaka to be a model of smart cities.

He observed that Lusaka was still battling with the indiscriminate disposal of solid waste, litter and non-compliance by citizens to pay for solid waste.

In a statement issued to the Daily Nation yesterday, Mr Chikumbi said the bloated landfill needs urgent attention or alternative land which would have new sustainable landfill with technology features.

“As an organisation some of the key areas in line with our objectives and advocacy that we are anxiously looking forward to the incoming-mayor are: preserve and improve community environment through public awareness and education on litter and solid waste in both peri-urban areas and the central business of Lusaka,” he said.

Mr. Chikumbi said the next Lusaka mayor to be elected in office on July 26, 2018 should promote clean up initiatives and beatification through councillors and communities.

He said the mayor elect should work with government line ministries on how to improve hygiene and reduce communicable diseases such as cholera where Lusaka continues to record higher cases compared to other cities.