By Kelvin Tembo
The Mzuzu City Council (MCC) is developing a waste management strategy aimed at improving how waste is collected, treated, and managed across the city.
The initiative is being implemented with support from WASTE Advisers through the European Union-funded Building Better Project.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting to validate the draft strategy before it is finalized, WASTE Advisers Director of Programs John Chome said the strategy will help the council promote waste reduction, reuse, recycling, recovery, and proper disposal while creating jobs and generating resources from waste.
“The strategy will promote waste reduction, reuse, recycling, recovery, and proper disposal while creating employment opportunities and unlocking the economic value of waste,” said Chome.
He said Mzuzu, like many urban councils, continues to face growing waste generation, inadequate collection services, illegal dumping, and weak enforcement of bylaws, adding that the strategy will provide the policy direction needed to address these challenges.
“Like many urban councils, Mzuzu is grappling with increasing waste generation, poor collection services, illegal dumping, and weak enforcement of bylaws. This strategy provides the policy direction needed to address these challenges,” he said.
Chome added that the initiative aligns with the Malawi 2063 vision, which encourages individuals and businesses to treat waste as a valuable resource rather than garbage.
MCC Director of Health and Social Services Lillian Chirwa said she is optimistic the strategy will address the city’s waste management needs and urged the consultants to incorporate stakeholders’ recommendations into the final document.
“We are optimistic that this strategy will respond to the city’s waste management needs, and we encourage the consultants to incorporate stakeholders’ recommendations into the final document,” said Chirwa.
The strategy is being developed by consultants from CEPA and covers solid waste, electronic waste, hazardous waste, law enforcement, and enhanced private sector participation.
