Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri has called for a change in mindset among Malawians on sanitation and hygiene, saying efforts to keep cities clean will fail if citizens do not take responsibility.
Speaking during the launch of Executive Order No. 2 of 2026 on Sanitation and Hygiene in Public Places in Lilongwe on Wednesday, Phiri said cleanliness should not be left to government and city councils alone.
“Sanitation is a shared responsibility. We need a mindset change if we are to make our cities clean and healthy,” said Phiri.
He said poor sanitation has remained a challenge in Lilongwe for years and is affecting the image of the capital city.
“A healthy population remains the backbone of a productive economy. We cannot talk about development when our surroundings are dirty,” he said.
Phiri urged residents to take ownership of sanitation efforts by properly disposing of waste and maintaining cleanliness in public places.
The minister made the remarks during the launch of the sanitation order under the theme, “City Sanitation: The Responsibility of All.”
Lilongwe City Mayor Peter Alex Banda pledged that the council will enforce the order and deal with those violating sanitation regulations.
“We will ensure that the Executive Order is enforced. Those found breaking sanitation and hygiene regulations will face the necessary penalties,” Banda said.
To mark the launch, Lilongwe City Council, the Malawi Police Service, the Malawi Defence Force and other stakeholders carried out clean-up exercises in various public spaces across the city.
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