LCC Library, Katondo Street toilets facelift cheer Watts Mwila Elliot

Lusaka City Council (LCC) Director of Public Health Victor Kagoli, Clean Cities Initiative Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Project Lead – Country Coordinator,  Watts Mwila Elliot officiated at a Saturday 21st March, 2026 Handover ceremony for phase one of the rehabilitation of ablution facilities at LCC Library, on Katondo Street, Lusaka financed by Charity Chanda Lumpa Foundation (CCLF).

Giving a brief background, Mr. Mwila restated a desire for citizens and visitors in the Central Business District (CBD) to access, afford and get available sanitation services.
As the Italian Capital City, Rome was not built in a day, Mwila explained that following completion of Phase One Rehabilitation of Public Toilets – Lusaka CBD, Katondo Library Ablution Block, facilities at Findeco House, Lusaka Post Office and Inter-City Bus Station are earmarked in a campaign estimated to cost above K350, 000.

Singling out individual costs, representing the Clean Cities Initiative Zambia, Mwila pegged the phase one cost at above sixty-five kwacha (65, 000).

“The Clean Cities Initiative Zambia is happy to officially hand over the rehabilitated Katondo Library Ablution Facility under Phase One of our sanitation improvement programme in the Lusaka Central Business District. Today is not just about a building, it is about dignity, public health, and the kind of city we all want to live in. Why This Matters? For many years, public sanitation facilities in our cities have faced significant challenges — from neglect to limited maintenance — affecting not only hygiene standards but also the image and attractiveness of our capital city,” noted Mwila as he articulated a Clean Cities Initiative, belief that ‘a clean city’ is not just a beautiful city — it is a healthy, safe, and economically attractive holistic facilities which include sanitation,” explained Mwila.

Mwila noted that the partnership with the Charity Lumpa Foundation, supportive authorization of the Lusaka City Council, is critical to the campaign dubbed: “Love for Clean, Healthy Cities”.

Phase One focused on the rehabilitation of this facility here at Katondo Library, included; repainting and restoration, basic sanitation upgrades, improved hygiene standards and enhancing usability for the public.

“The impact is profound — it restores dignity to citizens, improves public health outcomes, and contributes to a cleaner urban environment. Partnership is Key. This project is a clear demonstration that: ‘When civic organisations, local authorities, and private partners work together — transformation happens”, Mwila said.

Mwila explained that phase two is already underway, with materials procured for the rehabilitation of additional facilities at Findeco House, Post Office and Inter-City Bus Terminals.

“Our view point is to transform Lusaka into a clean, healthy, and smart city that attracts investment, tourism, and pride from its citizens. Or call to action is for the public to take responsibility and protect these facilities,” said Mwila.

Mwila restated optimism and continuing strengthening maintenance systems; the private sector to partner in scaling such initiatives.

“A clean city is everyone’s responsibility. As we hand over this facility today, we are not just handing over a structure — We are handing over a shared responsibility. Let this be the beginning of a new standard for sanitation in Lusaka. Let this be a symbol of what is possible when we work together. And let this inspire us to build cities that are not only functional — but clean, dignified, and world-class.,” Mwila said.