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Clean Limbe River—minister

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri on Wednesday gave Blantyre City Council (BCC) a seven-day ultimatum to clean up wastes dumped in Limbe River.

In an interview after a surprise visit to Limbe and Kachere markets in the city, Phiri said poor waste disposal in the markets is a ticking bomb.

“We have a hygiene challenge to be addressed. The council must identify proper waste dumping sites and I give them seven days to clean up Limbe River.

Phiri (R) tells Ndipo (L) to clean Limbe River

“BCC also has 14 days to come up with plans to address frequent sewer system breakdowns,” he said.

The minister further asked different stakeholders, including vendors, to ensure the city is clean.

On his part, BCC mayor Wild Ndipo promised to obey the ultimatums, saying the council is committed to providing a safe and clean environment to residents.

“We will do the job. The garbage comes from vendors who illegally dump the wastes into the river. We will engage market chairpersons to change traders’ mindset on hygiene practices,” he said.

Limbe Market vendors chairperson Donald Mpaso said the visit was an opportunity to raise their concerns to the council top officials through the minister.

“We will do our part to improve hygiene but the council officials should provide more dust bins and clean the markets regularly,” he said.

Apart from Limbe, other polluted rivers in the city are Mudi, Nasolo, Likhubula, Naperi and South Lunzu.

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