Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri has urged traders and market users in Lilongwe to maintain hygiene standards and report sanitation challenges through proper channels.
Phiri alongside Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi inspected sanitation and hygiene situation at Lilongwe Main Market and Nsungwi Market in Area 25 on Monday following an executive order issued by President Peter Mutharika for public places to maintain good hygiene.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of cleanliness at the two markets, saying traders appear to have taken the presidential directive seriously.
“So far, I am happy. Citizens seem to have taken the Executive order seriously to ensure that markets remain clean and hygienic,” said Phiri.
On her part, Baloyi commended Lilongwe City Council for deploying personnel to monitor sanitation in the markets.
“By doing this, we are helping to prevent diseases that arise from unhygienic conditions, such as cholera,” she said.
Nsungwi Market chairperson Albert Ziwawo appealed to authorities to provide mobile bins to help vendors transport waste, particularly grabage, from collection points to designated disposal sites.
He assured the ministers that market leaders and vendors will continue working together to keep the market clean and prevent disease outbreaks.
The ministers also made a surprise visit to Area 25C Health Centre to inspect waste management practices and service delivery at the facility.
During the visit, Baloyi commended the health centre for maintaining proper waste management, describing the facility as clean and well organised.
She urged health workers to remain vigilant and continue delivering quality care to patients.
The inspections follow an executive order by Mutharika mandating the installation and proper maintenance of waste disposal facilities in all public places.
