Following an executive order issued by President Peter Mutharika, Minister of Local Government Ben Phiri and Minister of Health Madalitso Baloyi today conducted joint inspections of markets in Lilongwe to assess waste management.
The two ministers toured to check sanitation conditions and how waste is being handled.
Speaking during the visit, Phiri urged market authorities and traders to maintain proper sanitation, hygiene, and waste management.
He said keeping markets clean is important in preventing the spread of diseases.
Baloyi said proper waste management is necessary to protect the health of both vendors and customers who visit markets every day.
She said maintaining hygiene in public places can help reduce health risks.
Nsungwi Market chairperson Albert Zuwawo asked the government to provide equipment that can help improve waste handling at the market.
He said such equipment would help traders manage waste properly and keep the market clean.
The inspection follows the issuance by Mutharika.
The order requires all public places, including markets, bus depots, car parks, and recreational areas, to provide and maintain waste disposal facilities.
It also directs all schools and workplaces, both public and private, to install and maintain waste disposal facilities within and around their premises.
According to the order, the directive takes effect immediately and will be enforced by law as part of efforts to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera.
