02/02/2026
TURNING A BLIND EYE ON BEDBUGS AND OTHER PESTS, WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY?
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Although many people aren't talking about them, Bedbugs have found a permanent place in public transport, including guest houses and luxury busses in Zambia.
I recall boarding a popular international luxury bus from Joburg, and discovering bedbugs crawling on me. When I alerted a crew member, they seemed unbothered. Similarly, on a Rosa minibus, I spotted lice on the curtains, and the conductor casually brushed it.
WHAT ARE BEDBUGS AND DO THEY'VE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Bedbugs survive without food for months, feed quickly, and cause itchy bites, allergic reactions, and anxiety. They infest homes, public places, and transport.
Bedbugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on human or animal blood.
They cause intense itchy bites, allergic reactions, insomnia, and psychological distress¹
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?
The solution lies with transport operators, passengers, and government agencies.
We therefore argue Hon. Dr. Sylvia Mumba (Minister of Health), Hon. Desmond Amadi (Minister of Local Government), and Hon. Frank Tayari (Minister of Transport and Logistics) to establish laws requiring regular disinfection and pest control in public transport. Random checks and proof of disinfection could help curb the spread.
Let's work together to eradicate bedbugs from public transport.
Yours
Andrew K. Kabaghe Sr.
Former Regional Coordinator
Sadc Truck Drivers Association of Zambia
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:
Ministry of Health Zambia
of Transport and Logistics-Zambia
of Local Government and Rural Development-Zambia
Ministry of Infrastructure,Housing and Urban Development - Zambia
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services
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¹ About Bed Bugs | Bed Bugs | CDC https://share.google/3Jc7U2dWGeL3czWei
