By Daniel Zimba:
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has issued a directive to all councils across the country, mandating the immediate provision and maintenance of waste disposal facilities in public places and ensuring strict enforcement of the presidential order on public hygiene.
Principal Secretary in the ministry, Moses Chimphepo, issued the instructions in a statement on Sunday.
Chimphepo urged all District Commissioners and chief executive officers to begin implementing the order without delay.
“You are further requested to communicate the designation of the responsible officer to this ministry and ensure close monitoring in compliance with the executive order,” the statement reads.
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The ministry has issued the instructions following an executive directive from President Peter Mutharika, who earlier prioritised improving public health and hygiene nationwide.
On March 1, 2026, Mutharika issued Executive Order 2, stating that all public places should provide and maintain waste disposal facilities and that the order should be enforced by law with immediate effect.
According to the order, public spaces such as markets, bus depots, car parks and recreational facilities are specifically targeted.
Schools and workplaces, both public and private, are now required to ensure adequate waste disposal facilities are available on their premises.
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“All public places, including but not limited to markets, bus depots, car parks, recreational facilities and venues for public gatherings, shall provide and maintain waste disposal facilities,” the order reads.
Mutharika also said that the directive was in recognition of and response to the urgent threats posed by waterborne diseases such as cholera, arising from inadequate sanitation and hygiene.
The Public Health Institute of Malawi’s latest report, issued in early March 2026, indicated that cholera cases have continued to rise, with 102 confirmed cases reported by February 23, 2026, including two deaths, since the outbreak was re-declared in December 2025.
The outbreak is considered a continuation of or a new wave following the 2022–2024 epidemics.
Meanwhile, the government has reportedly activated its emergency response, although a funding gap of approximately K5 billion remains to manage the outbreak.
