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Writer's pictureMusonda Nsakanya

Lusaka people take green strides forward

Updated: May 28

Lusaka developed as a popular hub for historic regional and international conventions that have improved the lives of African residents in a myriad of ways. Because of this, the city has been dubbed Africa's "City of Peace."


Signage outside Garden City Mall in Lusaka.
Signage outside Garden City Mall in Lusaka. Photo: Musonda Nsakanya


Lusaka is located in Zambia's southern central plateau, which is made up of level grassland that sustains farms and wildlife. Lusaka previously boasted of an excellent climate, with pleasant summers punctuated by refreshing thunderstorms and moderate winters. It experienced a regular "hot season" from October to March, which was followed by the average yearly precipitation prior to climate change.



A dry landscape outside Lusaka with a sunset on the horizon
A dry landscape outside Lusaka Photo: Musonda Nsakany

The effects of climate change have not only changed our daily weather forecast with a causal nexus to environmental degradation, deforestation, and pollution of the air and water.


With several multi-story buildings, high-walled suburbs, and bustling shanty villages, Lusaka has grown into a vast metropolis with original broad boulevards and dwindling untouched "natural" regions vying for our attention. We are still experiencing some turbulence as unplanned growth has resulted in inadequate toxic waste disposal, immature waterborne sanitation systems, poor solid waste management, and few water resources.


A bus being pushed through an intersection in Lusaka, by two men.
A busy intersecton in Lusaka. Photo Credit Diane Vos


There is also a history of severe flooding in Zambia. Due to its high population density, and inadequate drainage infrastructure, Lusaka frequently has sanitary crises, which can cause health outbreaks to spread swiftly. So how do we create a future-ready, greener city?


A flooded city street
A flooded city street

Lusaka’s entire physical shape is being renovated, and a greener urban design will take its place. To combat climate change, our government's management and policy measures need to include eco-friendlier infrastructure. The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment is environmentally concerned and uses green building and water conservation techniques, effective waste management methods, and renewable energy sources to effect restoration of our city.


Mature trees on private property on Great East Rd, facing a new flyover bridge, built to ease traffic congestion.
Mature trees on private property on Great East Rd in Lusaka, facing a new flyover bridge, built to ease traffic congestion. Photo Credit Diane Vos


Furthermore, the City Council’s strategic choices about urban planning and public service delivery, including slum upgrading, do take impoverished urban areas into account by emphasizing community interaction and participation in decision-making.


A great deal of people are eager to contribute to the solution table, such as Chitambala Mwewa, the son of the late Dr. Simon Mwewa, once the Mayor of Lusaka in 1979. He actively campaigns for a cleaner Lusaka and contributes to the maintenance of the area around Simonson Building, the first black owned shopping complex built in Lusaka.



A colourful pot of hibiscus near a paved car park
A colourful pot of hibiscus near a paved car park. Photo: Musonda Nsakanya

With community support and technical expertise will improve the city the City may continue to develop in line with the original vision of being as a Garden City.




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