Keeping Malawi’s cities clean starts with ordinary citizens, not just councils and government, Local Government and Rural Development Minister Ben Phiri has said.
Launching Executive Order No. 2 of 2026 on Sanitation and Hygiene in Public Places in Lilongwe on Wednesday, Phiri called for a nationwide change in attitude towards cleanliness, saying sanitation is everyone’s responsibility.
“Sanitation is a shared responsibility. We need a mindset change if we are to make our cities clean and healthy,” he said.
Phiri noted that poor sanitation has remained a persistent challenge in Lilongwe, affecting the image of the capital city and creating unhealthy living conditions.
“A healthy population remains the backbone of a productive economy. We cannot talk about development when our surroundings are dirty,” he added.
The minister urged residents to take ownership of sanitation efforts by disposing of waste properly and maintaining cleanliness in public spaces.
The Executive Order was launched under the theme, “City Sanitation: The Responsibility of All,” bringing together government institutions and stakeholders committed to improving hygiene standards.
Lilongwe City Mayor Peter Alex Banda said the council would strictly enforce the new sanitation order and take action against those who violate the regulations.
“We will ensure that the Executive Order is enforced. Those found breaking sanitation and hygiene regulations will face the necessary penalties,” Banda said.
To mark the launch, Lilongwe City Council, the Malawi Police Service, the Malawi Defence Force and other stakeholders conducted clean-up exercises in different public spaces across the city, signalling a renewed push to restore cleanliness and improve public health.
