The state of our cities tells a clear story about the kind of leadership we have. When streets and markets are filled with garbage, it is not because cleaning is impossible, but because those in charge are failing to act. This reality was clearly exposed in a recent live video by Jomo from Mzuzu.
In the video, the Mzuzu Mayor and the City Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) told Jomo that the garbage at Mzuzu Market had already been cleared. However, later that same day, when they went to the market together, the trash was still there. Nothing had been done.
It took Jomo’s firm instruction for the CEO to ensure that the garbage was removed before anyone went home.
This simple incident exposed a serious problem of dishonesty and a lack of commitment among our city leaders.
How can a City Council CEO lie so easily about such an obvious issue? If leaders cannot be truthful about garbage collection, how can they be trusted with greater responsibilities?
The truth is that many councils are not failing because they lack funds or workers. They are failing because their leaders are not committed to their duties. Councils collect market fees and other revenues every day, yet markets remain dirty and unsafe. This raises serious questions about how the money is being used.
The problem is also political and moral. Some mayors and council officials appear more focused on pleasing business interests or serving personal agendas than on serving ordinary citizens. As a result, traders and residents are forced to work and live in dirty environments that threaten their health and dignity.
The Minister of Local Government must take this matter seriously. Officials who fail to perform their duties or who lie to the public should be held accountable and removed from office. Leadership is not about titles or positions; it is about service, integrity, and accountability.
Jomo’s actions demonstrate that change is possible. When those in authority demand results, work gets done. Clean cities do not require miracles only honest leaders who are willing to act.
In the end, dirty cities are a clear sign of failed leadership. Corruption and negligence in our councils must come to an end.
Malawians deserve clean markets, healthy cities, and leaders who respect the public trust. If this problem is ignored, our cities will continue to deteriorate. Real change must begin now.
