Since its launch in April 2018, the “Know Your Neighbor”- initiative has continued to grow and make a significant impact in Lusaka’s communities. The initiative was established as part of one of ICLD’s previous ITP programme – Inclusive Political Leadership.
We spoke with Patrick Mwamba Salubusa, Councillor of Lusaka City Council’s Kapwepwe Ward, to explore the project’s recent developments and future prospects.
The project initially aimed to address crime and waste management in Lusaka’s informal settlements, particularly focusing on Kapwepwe District 25. Charity Kalombo, a community development worker, highlighted early successes such as increased public engagement and monthly clean-up days, which laid a strong foundation for future growth.
Since its inception, “Know Your Neighbour” has expanded city-wide with endorsement from the Lusaka City Council. Patrick Mwamba Salubusa, influenced by his training through ICLD’s Inclusive Political Leadership programme in Sweden, emphasized a shift towards waste management strategies that prioritize reuse, drawing inspiration from Kenya and Botswana.
A pivotal development has been the formal adoption of “Know Your Neighbour” by the Lusaka City Council in 2018, enabling all councillors to implement the initiative in their wards. This approach focuses on mobilizing communities and fostering collaboration, with an emphasis on utilizing human resources effectively.
“Through initiatives like “Know Your Neighbour”, we’ve witnessed unprecedented community cohesion, fostering pride and ownership among residents,” Patrick emphasized.
Looking forward
The initiative places great emphasis on youth participation and education by integrating lessons on waste reuse into the school curriculum. Collaborations with municipalities, like Malmö in Sweden, have enhanced youth participation through digital toolkits and governance programs, reinforcing transparency in waste management. Read more here
Patrick’s experience from ICLD has played a crucial role in stakeholder integration, which is essential for sustainable civic engagement. Continued support from UNDP has further strengthened communities’ capacity to manage waste effectively.
Looking ahead, “Know Your Neighbour” aims to expand across Lusaka, offering a city-wide approach to crime reduction and waste management. Strong public and political support underlines its potential to drive sustainable community development.
Patrick’s insights highlight the initiative’s sustainability, particularly through the institutionalization of youth participation beyond the initial partnerships. The initiative continues to empower communities, paving the way for a cleaner, safer, and more engaged society.
With support from ICLD’s training and partnerships, the “Know Your Neighbour” initiative has had a significant impact on Lusaka, exemplifying community-driven change. Continued commitment to capacity-building and civic engagement will be crucial for maintaining these positive outcomes, reflecting Patrick Mwamba Salubusa’s sentiment:
“Through initiatives like “Know Your Neighbor”, we’re not just cleaning up our neighborhoods; we’re building stronger communities.”
Lusaka City Council international collaboration has persisted, and today it includes an active partnership with Lidköping Municipality. This underscores the importance of promoting international cooperation to foster mutual development, understanding, and shared achievements.