News / Regional
Insiza residents slam RDC over food hygiene by-laws amid infrastructure shortfalls
3 hrs ago |
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FILABUSI - Residents of Insiza have voiced strong opposition to the newly imposed food hygiene by-laws by the Insiza Rural District Council (RDC), arguing that the local authority is enforcing strict regulations without first providing basic public infrastructure.
The by-laws, outlined in Statutory Instrument 133 of 2025, prohibit the preparation, storage, and sale of food in environments deemed unhygienic or structurally unsuitable. Traders are now required to operate from council-approved premises and meet rigorous cleanliness and health standards.
However, residents say the council is failing to meet its own obligations. Sibongile Sibanda, a local resident, criticised the RDC for imposing rules while Filabusi Centre lacks essential services.
"Filabusi urban is growing but has not even a single public toilet. The sewerage system built during the colonial era is now dysfunctional and spills waste into rivers. We are in a serious health time bomb," Sibanda said.
She added that the absence of public toilets forces people to defecate in the open, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks—ironically the very issue the by-laws aim to prevent.
The by-laws require food handlers to maintain strict hygiene, including clean premises, equipment, and clothing, and to obtain medical certification every 12 months. Traders must also register with the council and report any infectious illnesses immediately.
Critics argue that while the regulations are necessary for public health, they are being enforced in a context where the council has failed to provide the infrastructure needed to comply - such as clean water, functioning sanitation, and waste management systems.
As the debate continues, residents are calling for a more balanced approach that prioritizes infrastructure development before enforcement of stringent health regulations.
The by-laws, outlined in Statutory Instrument 133 of 2025, prohibit the preparation, storage, and sale of food in environments deemed unhygienic or structurally unsuitable. Traders are now required to operate from council-approved premises and meet rigorous cleanliness and health standards.
However, residents say the council is failing to meet its own obligations. Sibongile Sibanda, a local resident, criticised the RDC for imposing rules while Filabusi Centre lacks essential services.
"Filabusi urban is growing but has not even a single public toilet. The sewerage system built during the colonial era is now dysfunctional and spills waste into rivers. We are in a serious health time bomb," Sibanda said.
She added that the absence of public toilets forces people to defecate in the open, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks—ironically the very issue the by-laws aim to prevent.
The by-laws require food handlers to maintain strict hygiene, including clean premises, equipment, and clothing, and to obtain medical certification every 12 months. Traders must also register with the council and report any infectious illnesses immediately.
Critics argue that while the regulations are necessary for public health, they are being enforced in a context where the council has failed to provide the infrastructure needed to comply - such as clean water, functioning sanitation, and waste management systems.
As the debate continues, residents are calling for a more balanced approach that prioritizes infrastructure development before enforcement of stringent health regulations.
Source - Byo24News
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