By George Mponda

Karonga, June 12, Mana: Chairperson for Karonga Main Market, Godwin Ghambi has applauded the district council for removing heaps of garbage which were accumulating at the market premises.

Speaking in an interview after a monthly clean up exercise on Tuesday, Ghambi said the garbage which was compromising market users’ health had been removed over the weeked by the council authorities.

"We are now breathing fresh air and the presence of flies, dogs and even cattle which used to feed on the refuse has reduced. This is the kind of service delivery on waste management which we as market users who pay revenue expect to be receiving throughout the year," said Ghambi.

He added: "The council should not give us excuses that they lack transporation because they collect money on a daily basis from the market and we expect them to channel these funds towards solving the problem of lack of a refuse collection vehicle."

On his part, District Environmental Officer for Karonga Council Khumbo Mbeye pledged that the council will continue to make sure that the market and all surroundings in the district are clean.

"Market users in the district should keep participating in the clean-up campaign and also enforce the waste management regulations instituted in order to keep our district clean," Mbeye said.

He however lamented problems the council is facing especially in transporting waste to landfills.

"We are using old and borrowed vehicles which breakdown almost every week. However, we are working towards overcoming this challenge. This task cannot be done overnight and we are calling upon well-wishers and other stakeholders to bail us out.

"Keeping the district clean and litter free is our main priority. We apologise to residents and businesses want to assure them that we are doing our best to maintain quality garbage collection services throughout,' he said.