Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has warned residents of Mbaawo Zone, Mutundwe in Lubaga Division, against dumping garbage into drainage channels, saying the practice is worsening flooding and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
The warning was issued during the Weyonje community clean-up exercise held in Mbaawo Zone on Saturday.
Speaking to journalists, KCCA Director of Public Health and Environment, Dr Sarah Zalwango, said the authority found many drainage channels blocked with waste, preventing the free flow of stormwater and sewage.
“We are concerned that we have found the drainage channels blocked with waste. I therefore ask residents to stop dumping garbage into these drains,” Dr Zalwango said.
She said KCCA will intensify public sensitisation on proper waste sorting after discovering that many households are not separating their waste before disposal.
According to Dr Zalwango, proper waste sorting is important because recyclable materials can be processed into other useful products instead of ending up in drainage channels.
She warned that residents who continue to ignore waste management guidelines risk enforcement action by KCCA.
Dr Zalwango also urged residents to maintain high standards of sanitation and hygiene in their homes and business premises.
She said businesses operating in unhealthy environments could face closure if they fail to comply with public health regulations.
The director added that KCCA will continue inspecting areas with blocked drainage channels and carry out the necessary works to restore proper water flow. [WATCH VIDEO]
She warned that stagnant water in blocked drains creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes and increases the risk of diseases such as malaria and cholera.
Several landlords welcomed the community clean-up exercise and pledged to work with KCCA to improve sanitation in the area.
Lubaga Town Clerk John Bosco Bashinyora gave residents and businesses operating within drainage reserves a one-week ultimatum to vacate the areas or face enforcement action.
He said many of those living and operating near drainage channels contribute to illegal waste dumping, which affects the drainage system.
Bashinyora explained that the area’s low-lying terrain already makes drainage difficult, and dumping waste only worsens the situation.
He encouraged residents to work with licensed garbage collection companies, including Home Clean and Nagubago Updeal Venture, to ensure proper waste disposal and keep their neighbourhoods clean.
Bashinyora also commended residents of Mbaawo for actively participating in the Weyonje clean-up campaign, saying the exercise will improve public health and the overall environment in the area.
