September 5th ,2026-For Mr. Prince Moono and Mr. Jones Kasongo, sustainable waste management is no longer just a concept discussed in training rooms. It is now knowledge they are ready to put into practice in the communities they serve.
The two Mansa Municipal Council officers, Mr. Moono, a Senior Health Inspector, and Mr. Kasongo, an Environmental Planner, have successfully completed specialized training in Sustainable Solid Waste Management conducted by the Zambia Institute of Environmental Management (ZIEM) and held at the Confucius Institute – University of Zambia.
The training exposed the officers to practical approaches to one of the most pressing challenges facing growing communities, how to manage waste safely, sustainably and in a way that can also unlock economic opportunities.
Among the key areas covered were hazardous and healthcare waste management, solid waste economics and financing, circular economy principles, waste law and policy, as well as other emerging issues in sustainable waste management. Their successful completion of the training was capped with the awarding of Certificates in Sustainable Solid Waste Management, a milestone that adds to the technical capacity of the Council as it works to improve waste management services in Mansa.
And the timing could not have been better than this, as Mansa Municipal Council has received Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) approval for the construction of a new dumpsite in Chinkololo Village under Chief Kalasa Lukangaba, with construction works already at an advanced stage. As the new facility takes shape, the knowledge gained by the two officers will be instrumental in ensuring that the facility is managed responsibly and in line with environmental standards, legislation and modern waste management practices.
This is more than just a training certificate, it is about building the human capacity required to support Mansa’s environmental future. It is about moving from simply collecting and disposing of waste to embracing approaches that promote public health, environmental protection, resource recovery, efficiency and the economic potential of waste.
With skilled officers, improved infrastructure and a commitment to innovation, Mansa Municipal Council is taking deliberate steps towards a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Mansa.
Other Local Authorities that participated included; Pemba, Vubwi, Gwembe, Mongu, Chirundu, Mwandi and KapiriMposhi respectively.
