08/10/2026
Kabwe- 8th October, 2026.
KABWE DISTRICT HOLDS EPIDEMIC PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE AND CONTROL COMMITTEE MEETING
Kabwe District today held a District Epidemic Preparedness, Response and Control Committee meeting at the Kabwe Municipal Council Chamber to review measures aimed at strengthening preparedness and response to cholera and other epidemic-prone diseases.
The meeting was chaired by the Kabwe District Commissioner, Mr. Lennox Shimwambwa, who is also Chairperson of the Committee.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Shimwambwa commended the Kabwe District Health Office and other stakeholders for putting in place early preventive measures to curb cholera and other epidemic-prone diseases.
The District Commissioner noted that Kabwe, as a major transit town, remains vulnerable to the spread of infectious diseases due to the movement of people through the district, making preparedness, prevention and coordinated response critical.
Mr. Shimwambwa further highlighted the importance of infrastructure development in addressing some of the challenges associated with congestion in the town. He noted that the ongoing construction of the Kabwe bypass road, with approximately three kilometres already completed, is expected to contribute to decongesting the Central Business District.
The District Commissioner also spoke on the relocation of street vendors from undesignated trading areas, describing the measure as necessary to restore order and promote safer and more hygienic trading environments.
He noted that Government, through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), has invested in the construction and improvement of modern markets, including the provision of safe water and other sanitation facilities.
Mr. Shimwambwa urged Market Chairpersons to ensure that traders are allowed to conduct their businesses freely and fairly, without being subjected to additional charges outside the officially approved market levies payable to the Local Authority.
He explained that official market levies contribute towards the maintenance of cleanliness, sanitation and order within the markets.
Meanwhile, Kabwe District Health Director, Dr. Evaristo Chanda, thanked all stakeholders for participating in the meeting, describing their involvement as critical to strengthening collective efforts to safeguard the health and wellbeing of residents.
He highlighted that the country was currently responding to the cholera outbreak declared on 30th September 2026 with over 600 cases recorded so far. However, Kabwe had not recorded any cholera case since September 2025.
Dr. Chanda urged all members to continue working in a multi-sectorial manner when dealing with public health threats. He urged members of the public to keep their environment clean, drink clean and treated water (chlorinate or boil), use a toilet when answering the call of nature and wash hands with soap after using a toilet.
He also urged those with symptoms of diarrhea and/or vomiting to promptly visit the nearby health facility so that they are attended to by professional health workers.
The meeting brought together Heads of Government Departments, health personnel, Market Chairpersons and other key stakeholders involved in epidemic preparedness, prevention and response in the district.
Issued by:
Public Relations Unit
Kabwe Municipal Council
