FLOODS that have submerged houses and shops in parts of Lusaka are not a result of road works or lack of drainages, but reckless disposal of garbage that has clogged storm water systems, Government has said.
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary–Technical Services Nicholas Phiri said the flooding experienced in Salama Park and surrounding areas was caused by culverts blocked with solid waste, leading to water backflow into low-lying communities.
Phiri was speaking during a tour of flood-prone areas today, just a day after heavy rains left residents counting losses and business owners scooping water from their shops.
He explained that Lusaka has a storm water master plan and that Government has, over the past three years, invested heavily in drainage infrastructure to address known flood hotspots.
“When the floods happened two days ago, many people thought they were caused by the roads being constructed here. On the contrary, the drainages we are building have actually reduced flooding in some places,” Phiri said.
However, Phiri said the current flooding was triggered when rainwater washed large amounts of rubbish downstream, choking culverts and preventing free flow of water.
“What we are seeing here is debris coming from upper areas like Mukendewe East. Once the culvert is blocked, water has nowhere to go and it floods people’s homes and businesses,” he said.
Phiri warned that Government investments in storm water management would be rendered useless without public cooperation, describing the floods as a result of collective carelessness.
“These floods are an indictment on all of us. Solid waste management is everyone’s responsibility. If one person dumps rubbish in a drainage, the whole community suffers,” he said.
He appealed to residents, community leaders and stakeholders to report illegal dumping, stating that continued flooding could disrupt economic activities and even endanger lives.
Meanwhile, several houses and shops in Salama Park, Chainda Mutendere East, Twin Palm and other surrounding areas were left flooded after the heavy rains.
By George Musonda
CAPTION: Picture for illustration
Kalemba January 6, 2026
