By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, March 22, Mana: Mchinji District Council on Friday conducted a clean-up exercise at Boma New Market as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure public spaces remain clean and safe for business and daily activities.
The initiative was spearheaded by District Commissioner Lucia Chidalengwa, who said maintaining cleanliness in all public spaces is very important if the people are to operate and stay in safe places.
“The main aim of having a clean-up exercise is to make sure that all the places where we do our business or reside are kept clean. Public spaces such as markets must always be maintained in a hygienic state to prevent diseases and promote a safe trading environment,” said Chidalengwa.
The Boma New Market was specifically targeted for the clean-up as it was established to accommodate traders who previously conducted their businesses on the streets.
According to Chidalengwa, the decision to have the market was an effort to prevent accidents and enforce regulations that prohibit roadside vending.
Mchinji District Environmental Health Officer Robson Kayila said cleanliness, especially during the cholera season is paramount and urged market users and the general public to prioritise hygiene to prevent the outbreak of diseases.
“This exercise is crucial, particularly now as we are in the cholera season. Mchinji is yet to record a cholera case, and we must continue observing proper hygiene practices to maintain this status,” said Kayila.
He further called on residents and business owners to embrace the clean-up initiative as a collective responsibility to ensure that public spaces remain conducive for all.
The council has pledged to continue conducting similar exercises while advocating for community participation in sanitation efforts.
Authorities believe that by fostering a culture of cleanliness, Mchinji can significantly reduce health risks and create a more orderly business environment.
In 2020 President Lazarus Chakwera declared that every second Friday of the month should be cleanup day.
