More men died in Lusaka in 2025 – LCC
By a Correspondent
THE Lusaka City Council (LCC) says more men died in Lusaka in 2025 compared to women, with a total of 17,750 deaths recorded between January and December.
LCC public relations manager Chola Mwamba said the council’s department of public health disposed of 7,420 male adults and 1,843 male children who died during the period under review.
Mwamba said in addition, 1,043 male stillbirths were recorded, indicating a higher mortality rate among males in the district in the year ending December, 2025.
“The Lusaka City Council (LCC) recorded a total of 17,717 deaths in the city from January to December 2025. All the bodies were disposed of in accordance with the law, specifically the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019 and the Public Health Act Cap 295. Out of the total deaths recorded, 3,498 bodies were buried in Council-owned cemeteries across Lusaka, while the remaining bodies were disposed of in other cemeteries. The Council emphasizes the importance of obtaining burial permits and using gazetted cemeteries for disposing of bodies, ensuring proper handling and documentation procedures that maintain public health and safety,” she said.
She said in contrast, the council recorded 5,155 female adult deaths, 1,511 female child fatalities, and 778 female stillbirths during the same period.
Mwamba said 3,498 bodies were interred in council-owned cemeteries across Lusaka, while 40 bodies were cremated and the remaining bodies were laid to rest in other authorized cemeteries.
She urged Zambians with land to venture into a business dealing in burial site to address the increased pressure for land in Lusaka.
“The Council urges residents to adhere to these regulations to avoid health risks associated with improper burial practices. In a bid to address the inadequate burial sites in the city, the Local Authority appeals to residents with adequate land to either partner with the Council to run cemeteries or sell the land to the Council. This initiative aims to increase the availability of burial sites in the city and ensure dignified and sanitary burials. By working together with residents and private cemetery operators, the Council can ensure the city’s burial needs are met sustainably,” said Mwamba.
Mwamba says the local authority is appealing to residents with suitable land to partner with the council in establishing and managing cemeteries or offer such land for sale, citing a persistent shortage of burial space in the city.
“The LCC’s efforts to regulate burial practices and address inadequate burial sites are expected to positively impact public health and safety in the city, allowing for dignified burials and reducing pressure on existing cemeteries,” said Mwamba.
