Zomba Launches Major Cleanliness Drive Under Presidential Order!

Reported by Mustapha Omolabake Omowumi, Managing Editor | Sele Media Malawi.

ZOMBA, MALAWI — The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr Ben Phiri, on Friday joined the Zomba City Council in officially launching a series of activities under Presidential Executive Order No. 2, which mandates enhanced cleanliness, environmental management, and improved urban order across Malawi’s cities and towns.

The initiative, which is part of a broader national urban renewal and sanitation enforcement agenda, seeks to reinforce civic responsibility among residents while strengthening institutional coordination among local authorities in maintaining clean, green, and well-organised urban environments.

The launch event in Zomba brought together government officials, city council workers, community stakeholders, private sector partners, and residents in a coordinated city-wide cleanup exercise that symbolised the beginning of intensified implementation of the Executive Order across urban centres.

Presidential Executive Order No. 2 and Its National Significance

Presidential Executive Order No. 2 is a directive aimed at improving sanitation, environmental hygiene, and urban management systems across Malawi. It places responsibility on local councils to enforce cleanliness standards, regulate waste disposal, and promote structured urban development practices.

According to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the directive is designed to address long-standing challenges affecting many Malawian cities, including inadequate waste management systems, unregulated vending spaces, blocked drainage systems, and limited public compliance with sanitation bylaws.

In line with this directive, the Ministry issued a circular to all local authorities, instructing them to implement practical measures that ensure towns and cities remain clean, orderly, and environmentally sustainable. These measures include routine cleaning exercises, enforcement of sanitation bylaws, community sensitisation, and improved collaboration with private sector stakeholders.

Zomba’s Role in Urban Cleanliness Implementation

Zomba City, one of Malawi’s historically significant urban centres, was selected as part of the early implementation phase of the directive, reflecting its strategic importance in the country’s urban governance framework.

During the launch, Dr Ben Phiri actively participated in a city-wide sweeping exercise alongside council officials, community members, and youth groups. The exercise covered key public areas within the city, reinforcing the message that cleanliness is a shared responsibility between government institutions and citizens.

Following the cleanup activity, the Minister led a civic awareness march to Gymkhana Ground, where various stakeholders showcased services and initiatives aimed at promoting urban hygiene, environmental conservation, and civic responsibility.

The event featured participation from local organisations, sanitation partners, youth groups, and private entities working in waste management and environmental health sectors.

Government’s Position on Urban Order and Public Responsibility

Speaking during the launch activities, Dr Ben Phiri emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring that cities and towns across Malawi reflect standards of cleanliness and order consistent with national development aspirations.

He noted that maintaining clean urban environments is not only a matter of aesthetics but also a critical public health priority, especially in preventing outbreaks of diseases associated with poor sanitation and waste disposal practices.

The Minister further stressed that the success of the Executive Order depends heavily on behavioural change among residents, urging communities to embrace a culture of cleanliness, proper waste disposal, and respect for public infrastructure.

He also highlighted the importance of local councils taking a proactive role in enforcing sanitation regulations while working closely with communities to ensure sustainable compliance.

Strengthening Local Governance and Civic Engagement

The implementation of the Executive Order comes at a time when Malawi continues to strengthen decentralisation and local governance systems. Under the Local Government framework, city and district councils are expected to play a central role in service delivery, including waste management, urban planning, and environmental protection.

Officials from Zomba City Council reiterated their commitment to aligning with the directive, noting that structured cleanup exercises and enforcement mechanisms will be intensified in the coming weeks.

Community leaders present at the event welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that reinforces civic responsibility and encourages active participation in maintaining urban cleanliness.

Youth groups also expressed support, noting that the initiative provides opportunities for engagement in environmental protection and community development activities.

Private Sector and Development Partner Involvement

The Gymkhana Ground showcase session provided a platform for private sector actors and development partners to present their contributions toward urban sanitation and environmental management.

Exhibitors highlighted innovations in waste collection, recycling initiatives, and public health awareness campaigns aimed at improving urban living conditions.

Development partners also reaffirmed their support for government-led sanitation initiatives, particularly those aligned with sustainable development goals related to clean water, sanitation, and sustainable cities.

Broader Implications for Malawi’s Urban Development

Urban cleanliness initiatives such as the one launched in Zomba are increasingly being viewed as integral to Malawi’s broader development agenda. Rapid urbanisation in cities such as Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, and Zomba has placed additional pressure on infrastructure and service delivery systems.

Experts in urban planning and environmental health have consistently noted that effective waste management and enforcement of sanitation regulations are essential for reducing disease risks, improving quality of life, and attracting investment into urban areas.

The Presidential Executive Order is therefore seen as a policy instrument aimed at reinforcing accountability, improving coordination among institutions, and promoting behavioural change at community level.

Enforcement and Sustainability Challenges

Despite widespread support for cleanliness initiatives, implementation challenges remain a concern. These include limited resources at local council level, inconsistent enforcement of bylaws, and public resistance to behavioural change in some urban communities.

Government officials have acknowledged these challenges and indicated that a multi-stakeholder approach will be necessary to ensure long-term sustainability of the initiative.

This includes increased civic education, improved funding mechanisms for local councils, and stronger partnerships with private sector actors involved in waste management and environmental services.

Conclusion

The launch of activities under Presidential Executive Order No. 2 in Zomba marks a significant step in Malawi’s ongoing efforts to improve urban sanitation and governance. With active participation from government, local authorities, community members, and development partners, the initiative reflects a coordinated approach to addressing urban cleanliness challenges.

As implementation continues across other cities and towns, authorities are expected to intensify enforcement, deepen public engagement, and strengthen institutional coordination to ensure that Malawi’s urban centres reflect the vision of clean, orderly, and sustainable cities.

Sources

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Malawi (Official Statement and Circular on Executive Order No. 2)

Zomba City Council Communications Office (Event and Cleanup Exercise Briefing)

Malawi News Agency (MANA)
Government and civic activity reporting