By Brenda Muzeya
A conflict is brewing in Lusaka’s Mtendere B, one of the city’s high-density neighbourhoods east of the capital, as residents protest what they describe as illegal and unaffordable garbage collection fees imposed by the Jojoda Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society.
Residents say the cooperative has increased monthly waste collection charges from K100 to K200, despite the law allowing a maximum of K70 per household. Many argue that even the previous K100 fee was difficult to afford, especially given the poor state of waste management in the area.
Area councillor for Mtendere Ward 34, Boniface Chibeka, confirmed the legal limits and attributed the persistent garbage problem to weak enforcement by both the cooperative and the Lusaka City Council.
“We are aware that the quality of garbage collection in Mtendere B is very poor, and it is because of lack of enforcement from the company and the Public Health Department of Lusaka City Council,” said Chibeka.
The cooperative’s representative, who requested anonymity, dismissed claims of overcharging and said that most residents pay, while some continue to dump waste indiscriminately due to financial constraints.
“We have a price list from Lusaka City Council and the Lusaka Integrated Solid Waste Management Company, but we have not received training on how to charge waste generators,” he said.
Lusaka Integrated Solid Waste Management Company says it is taking the matter seriously and has launched investigations.
“We will get to the bottom of this. Cooperatives are not supposed to overcharge their clients,” she said.
She added that the company is shifting to digital payment systems to enhance transparency and curb abuse.
Meanwhile, during a recent workshop on enforcing the Solid Waste Regulation and Management Act No. 20 of 2018, Lusaka Integrated Solid Waste Management Company announced a collaboration with the Zambia Police Service to strengthen enforcement. The Act empowers police to arrest individuals and entities who dump waste illegally or operate without a waste collection licence.
Permanent Secretary of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Gabriel Pollen, urged the police to ensure full compliance.
“Our expectation from this workshop is clear, we must see a tangible change in civic behaviour,” Dr. Pollen said.
Despite the laws and workshops, garbage continues to pile up in Mtendere B and many other communities across the country. Residents say they feel abandoned by authorities and exploited by service providers who ignore legal limits.
MakanDay reached out to the Lusaka City Council for comment on whether complaints against the cooperative had been received and what action was being taken—but phone calls went unanswered.
As the standoff persists, Mtendere B residents are demanding fair charges, better oversight, and consistent waste management services to restore cleanliness in their community.
Brenda is an intern at MakanDay under the Free Press Initiative’s Journalism Graduate Internship Programme, which aims to promote excellence in journalism.
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