31/03/2026
Hichilema orders urgent action on student sanitation in public universities
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has directed the Ministries of Education, Health, Infrastructure, and Water Development and Sanitation, together with the University of Zambia management, to take immediate action to resolve sanitation challenges affecting students and staff in public universities and colleges across the country.
In a statement, President Hichilema assured the public that poor sanitation in higher learning institutions will not be ignored and that the government is committed to swift, tangible interventions.
Earlier today, the Head of State held an emergency meeting with the relevant ministries and UNZA management, reviewing the state of sanitation facilities and assessing urgent solutions to the problem.
According to State House Communication Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, President Hichilema ordered that the Zambia National Service (ZNS) be mobilised to support the ministries in implementing corrective measures without delay.
He further instructed the Ministry of Education and UNZA management to address long-standing issues affecting lecturers and other academic staff.
“The President has reiterated the importance of education as an investment, equaliser and inheritance deserving of every citizen. He stressed that sanitation is not a secondary matter but that it is central to health, well-being, and basic human dignity," Hamasaka stated.
The emergency directive comes amid rising complaints from UNZA students who took it to the streets last night to protest over poor sanitation at the country's highest institution of learning.
March 31, 2026