Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa has issued a strong call for greater civic pride and shared responsibility among residents, warning that poor waste disposal practices are undermining council efforts and contributing to environmental and health concerns.

Nalumisa stressed that keeping communities clean is not solely the responsibility of municipal councils, but a collective duty that must be upheld by all citizens.

“We must all take responsibility,” he said. “From our schools, our business owners, to our communities — everyone must take ownership of waste management.”

The Minister expressed concern that many residents are disregarding rubbish collection schedules set by councils, despite these schedules being clearly published through newspapers and other channels.

In some areas, waste is collected up to three times a day, yet improper disposal continues to be a problem.

“People are disrespecting the collection schedules put out by councils and are coming up with their own ways of disposal,” Nalumisa said. “That is not acceptable.”

He urged residents to place their rubbish bins out only at the designated times and locations, as advised by councils, to allow collection services to operate efficiently.

“I’m pleading with all residents, please help the council by putting your rubbish bins out at the allocated times that have been communicated,” he said.

Nalumisa also criticised the growing trend of residents turning to social media to complain about waste issues, while ignoring their own role in creating the problem.

“When people don’t do the little things, they go straight to social media to complain,” he said. “But some of these same people are contributing to the problem through irresponsible behaviour.”

The Minister emphasised that waste management is a basic civic responsibility and a reflection of national pride.

“It is a responsibility of every citizen of this country to take ownership of these simple but important things,” he said. “Councils cannot do everything on their own.”

The Minister is calling on communities to show respect for public systems and for each other, noting that cleaner towns and cities begin with individual discipline and pride in one’s surroundings.

“Let us all show civic responsibility and pride in our communities,” Nalumisa said. “Looking after our environment is everyone’s duty.”