LCC SHUTS DOWN FACTORY WHERE EMPLOYERS SUBJECTED WORKERS TO DEFECATE IN BUCKET

 THE Lusaka City Council (LCC) has with immediate effect suspended operations at Ziyang Manufacturing Company Limited following the discovery of serious public health violations which led employees to start using a bucket to answer the call of nature.

A joint inspection carried out by the Council’s Public Health Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health through Chawama General Hospital, revealed the appalling conditions that the company was condemned to on 94 Chipwenupwenu Road, Makeni.

"Workers were reportedly locked inside the facility from opening to close of business, forcing them to use buckets placed within the factory premises as toilets," LCC's public relations officer Chola Mwamba stated.

Management allegedly defended the practice, claiming it was necessary to prevent time wastage by more than 80 employees and to curb theft of factory products such as duvets, bedsheets, and fleece materials.

The inspection also uncovered a host of other violations which included the discharge of effluent from an improvised room serving as both a bathroom and kitchen, absence of waste bins and lack of personal protective clothing.

There was also poor maintenance of the premises, evidence of open defecation, indiscriminate disposal of waste, and inadequate ventilation throughout the facility.

Meanwhile, the local authority also imposed a suspension on another factory operated by the same company after identifying similar hazards, including open discharge of urine, inadequate ventilation, accumulation of waste, and failure to provide protective clothing for employees.

“The Council is deeply concerned by the conduct of these businesses and sends a stern warning to all traders and business owners that any entity found in violation of public health laws will face the full force of the law," Chola said.

She further explained that the Local Authority remains committed to conducting regular inspections to ensure a clean, safe, and compliant business environment for all.

The suspension was carried out in line with the Public Health Act Cap 295, the Solid Waste Management Act No. 20 of 2018, and other applicable legislation without compromise.

By Dorica Kapwaya

Kalemba October 30, 2025