COUNCIL GETS 2 WASTE TRUCKS

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 14:15:32 +0000

By Mukosela Kasalwe

CARE International Zambia has handed over two 20-tonne solid waste collection trucks to the Lusaka City Council valued at US$106,100 which will improve waste collection in Chaisa and Kanyama Townships, says country director Geraldine Zwack.

Mr Zwack said data showed that the city generated 1,000 tonnes of waste per day for safe disposal.

He expressed hope that the two trucks would substantially increase the waste haulage in Chaisa and Kanyama townships which would in turn contribute to support local government institutions to effectively deliver urban services.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Mr Zwack said the trucks were bought under a four-year (October 2014-September 2018) Peri-Urban Community Driven Models for Equitable Services (COMEQS) solid waste project being implemented in four settlements of Lusaka, namely, Chipata, Ng’ombe, Chaisa and Kanyama.

He said Care International was implementing the project with LCC, Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company and Ward Development Committees in the respective townships.

‘‘LCC data shows that the city generates 1,000 tonnes of waste per day but only 300 tonnes is collected and transported for safe disposal.

‘‘The two trucks will therefore, substantially increase the waste haulage in Kanyama and Chaisa, and generally contribute to supporting local government institutions deliver urban services,’’ Mr Zwack said.

Mr Zwack said in Chipata Township, Solid Waste Enterprises had increased their monthly revenue from K27,000 to an average of K93,000 and increased waste collection from 380 tonnes to 1,653 tonnes monthly.

He said as a result of the services offered under the project, both in Chipata and Ng’ombe, 112,812 people out of 161,982 which represented 69 percent of the population were accessing waste collection services.