Kasungu CSOs demand action over road dust crisis

Civil Society Organisations in Kasungu have given the Roads Fund Administration and the Roads Authority seven working days to address concerns over excessive dust caused by ongoing road rehabilitation works in the municipality.

The ultimatum was contained in a petition dated July 22, 2025, signed by Kasungu Civil Society Organisations Network (KUCSNET) chairperson Braxton Mazon Banda and secretary Skinai Mtenje.

The petition urged the two agencies to engage the contractor carrying out the road project and ensure appropriate dust control measures are implemented on diversion routes.

The organisations said excessive dust from heavy traffic on the temporary roads was posing a health risk, disrupting businesses and affecting communities living along the routes.

According to the petition, the dust has increased cases of respiratory-related illnesses, particularly among children, older people, and people with underlying health conditions.

The petition also claimed that poor visibility caused by dust had increased the risk of road traffic accidents, while businesses, especially food vendors, were suffering losses after dust settled on merchandise and commercial premises.

It further alleged that household property had been damaged, environmental conditions had deteriorated, and residents were experiencing discomfort on a daily basis.

The organisations also claimed that diversion routes had blocked access to the hospital and police, affecting the delivery of essential services.

Water bowser on duty

They further alleged that the project had been awarded to a contractor without adequate equipment, contributing to delays in the road works.

While welcoming the government’s efforts to improve road infrastructure, the organisations argued that the project should not compromise public health and safety.

“We acknowledge that infrastructure development is essential for the economic growth of our country. However, such development should not compromise the health, safety, and well-being of the people it is intended to serve,” the petition reads.

The petition called on the contractor to regularly water diversion roads, deploy water bowsers on major diversion routes, install appropriate road signs and speed restrictions, and conduct regular environmental and public health assessments.

The petition also says the contractor should engage community representatives and local authorities within seven working days and comply with environmental and social safeguards in the contract.

The organisations asked the Roads Fund Administration and the Roads Authority to provide a written response outlining measures to reduce the impact of dust pollution on residents and businesses in Kasungu Municipality.

By: Ben Bongololo