The Citizens Environment and Social Concern (CESCo) observes the need to empower and help waste pickers cooperative to have sound partnerships with recycling companies.
The association says this will continuously see to it that the waste pickers have protective gear as they collect recyclable materials at the dump sites.
CESCo Executive Director Conwell Hakapya tells Money FM Business Radio that this is because per capita solid waste generation has been rising rapidly especially in the past 10 years in the country.
“As the UN Sustainable Development Goal SDG number 11, Sustainable cities and communities, calls attention to the safe disposal of solid waste. We would like to urge the Lusaka City Council to come up with sustainable remedies in order to assist waste pickers at the Chunga Dump site,” said Mr. Hakapya.
He is particularly concerned that the rainy season is around the corner hence the need to move quickly in helping these waste pickers.
“During rainy season it makes their already difficult job even dangerous because they are prone to diseases and accidents due to hazardous substances found in the dump site,” he said.