FORM PARTNERSHIPS WITH PRIVATE FIRMS, COUNCILS URGED

GOVERNMENT has directed councils countrywide to form partnerships with the private sector to improve service delivery.

Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale said the councils would only effectively improve service delivery such as garbage collection if they partners with the private sector in all districts in the country.

The Minister was speaking during the re-launch of the keep Zambia Clean and Green campaign at Chisokone market in Kitwe.

He said councils countrywide must start creating functioning partnerships with private sector and the communities in service delivery.

Mr Mwale said the mission of government was to build a nation where the next generation could enjoy a better life.

He said it was a legal requirement for everybody to maintain

cleanliness and councils must strictly enforce punitive measures on erring individuals and organisations.

Mr Mwale said companies that produce plastic products must take part in the campaign and work with government and the local authorities.

He said the keep Zambia Clean, Green and Healthy campaign was not only for government officials but for all Zambian so that the country could develop into a clean and disease-free environment.

And speaking when he opened the Nakadoli market shelter, the Minister urged marketeers to keep the market clean and avoid outbreak of diseases.

Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang'ombe said the local authority would ensure that there was regular engagement with traders and the community at large in maintaining high levels of hygiene in all private and public places.