The Lusaka City Council (LCC) in partnership with the Lusaka Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church has buried 38 unclaimed bodies at Chingwere Cemetery.
This solemn event underscores the council’s mandate to uphold public health standards as outlined in the Local Government and Public Health Act.
Health and Veterinary Services Committee Chairperson, Councillor Daniel Mwewa led the ceremony, commending the SDA Church for their support.
“We appreciate the Lusaka Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church’s selfless commitment to serving our community as well as the University Teaching Hospital’s mortuary services,” Mwewa said.
Mr. Mwewa, who also serves as Lima Ward 30 Councillor noted that a seven-day public notice preceded the burial, resulting in eight bodies being identified and claimed out of the initial 46, leaving 38 unclaimed.
The councillor also hinted that the Health Services Committee of the LCC will consider increasing next year’s budgetary allocation to conduct timely burials and decongest the UTH mortuary.
He has since urged the public to respond promptly to media notices to ensure loved ones receive dignified burials, thereby preventing mass burials and mortuary congestion.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to upholding public health standards and managing unclaimed bodies with respect.
And the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) management commended the church and council for their gesture, saying it has helped decongest the mortuary.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church Chief Financial Officer, Chile Kabunda stated that the church will continue to collaborate with the Council to ensure dignified burials for unclaimed bodies.
Mr. Kabunda noted that the church’s partnership with the council demonstrates its commitment to putting faith into action.
