Likoma Vendors Request More Dumping Sites to Contain Cholera Outbreak

Malawi-As a cholera outbreak continues to loom across the country, vendors on Likoma island have urged their district council to establish more dumping sites for speedy garbage disposal to help contain the outbreak, writes Oliver Malibisa.

James Simbeye, the Chairperson for Likoma vendors, acknowledged the district council's efforts but expressed concern about inadequate dumping sites being a stumbling block in the fight against cholera.

Simbeye made these remarks on Friday at the launch of the "Clean Campaign for Cleaner Likoma Environment," an initiative to be exercised every second Friday of the month.

He urged the council to allocate more dumping sites for garbage disposal, citing the need for vendors to benefit from their tax through such campaigns.

According to Simbeye, disposable dustbins would be useful in the short term, while waiting for such initiatives, as dug pits may overflow during rains and further fuel the spread of cholera.

In response, the District Commissioner for Likoma, Abubakar Nkhoma, promised to address the sanitation challenges facing the island district and urged people to dispose of litter properly.

Nkhoma emphasized that the council would make every effort to provide tools required for sanitation and ensure that all efforts are made to dispose of garbage.

Ernest Gulu, the district council Chairperson, called on everyone to take full responsibility for ownership in making Likoma clean.

The "Clean Campaign for Cleaner Likoma Environment" was launched with various stakeholders, including FDH Bank, in attendance.