Lusaka | August 4, 2026 – The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and the Lusaka Integrated Solid Waste Management Company (LISWMC) have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance enforcement and prosecution of solid waste management offences in Lusaka.

The MoU was signed this morning at the NPA Conference Room by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri, SC, and the Chief Executive Officer of LISWMC, Mr. Imuwana Mwanamwalye.

The agreement establishes a formal framework for collaboration in the prosecution of offences such as illegal dumping, creation of illegal dumpsites, blocking of drainage systems and non-compliance with solid waste regulations.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Learned DPP said the partnership marks a shift in how the city’s waste challenge is addressed, from a purely municipal issue to a criminal justice issue.

The DPP noted that for years, indiscriminate dumping and vandalism of waste infrastructure have endangered public health and safety, yet such offences have not received consistent prosecutorial attention.
“Where there is an offence, there must be consequences. Where there are no consequences, we breed impunity. And where there is impunity, Lusaka cannot be clean,” the Leatned DPP said.

He explained that under the MoU, qualified officers from LISWMC will be appointed as Public Prosecutors under Section 86 of the Criminal Procedure Code, operating under the authority and control of the DPP in line with Article 180 of the Constitution.

The Director of Public Prosecutions clarified that the NPA is not taking over the mandate of LISWMC, but is providing prosecutorial guidance to ensure enforcement is done lawfully and professionally. He said the NPA will respond to requests for consent to prosecute within 48 hours and will designate focal point persons at district level to support evidence gathering and case preparation.

He further emphasised that strong investigations are key to successful prosecutions and announced joint trainings, workshops and case reviews to equip inspectors, investigators and prosecutors.

The DPP stressed that the goal is deterrence and prevention, not merely punishment.

“The law is a teacher. A single well-investigated, well-prosecuted and well-publicised case does more to change public behaviour than a hundred warnings,” he said.

He added that the recently established Environmental and Wildlife Crime Department within the NPA highlights the Authority’s commitment to environmental justice, noting that poor waste management disproportionately affects the most vulnerable citizens.

In his remarks, Mr. Mwanamwalye said LISWMC continues to grapple with illegal dumping and non-compliance, which cannot be solved by collection efforts alone.

“Addressing these challenges requires more than operational interventions. There is need for a coordinated legal and institutional response that ensures offences are appropriately prosecuted and compliance is strengthened,” he said.

He said the MoU will improve information sharing, coordination and accountability, and sends a strong message that public institutions are united in protecting the environment and public health.

Both institutions stated that the success of the partnership will be measured not by the signing ceremony, but by reduced illegal dumping, increased compliance and a cleaner, healthier Lusaka.