Zambian Special Forces Mark Day With Street Cleaning Exercise in Lusaka

by Saviour Simulindi

Zambia's Special Forces have today marked their Special Forces Day by taking to the streets of Lusaka for a cleaning exercise, in an activity aimed at promoting cleanliness, restoring order and improving the general appearance of public spaces.

The commandos were deployed to the stretch between Kamwala Flyover Bridge and Universal Church, where they participated in cleaning activities as part of their commemorations. The exercise comes at a time when concerns have continued to grow over sanitation, congestion and the increasing occupation of public spaces by street vendors.

The deployment of the Special Forces on the streets also comes against the backdrop of last week's concerns surrounding the need to restore sanity in Lusaka's public spaces. Their presence is expected to reinforce efforts aimed at ensuring that streets, walkways and other public areas remain accessible, clean and orderly.

Beyond the cleaning exercise, the development has drawn attention to the broader question of street vending and the enforcement of regulations governing the use of public spaces. Authorities face the challenge of addressing illegal vending while ensuring that affected traders are treated humanely and provided with clear guidance on designated trading areas.

The commemoration has also highlighted the role of Zambia's security personnel beyond their conventional responsibilities, demonstrating how national service can extend to community activities, environmental cleanliness and public order. However, maintaining a clean and organised city will require sustained efforts from local authorities, security agencies, businesses and members of the public.

As Zambia's Special Forces mark their special day, the message coming from the streets of Lusaka is clear: a clean and orderly city is a shared responsibility. The bigger test, however, will be whether today's exercise translates into lasting improvements in sanitation, discipline and the management of public spaces.