The Lusaka City Council (LCC) has buried 34 unclaimed bodies between January and March 2025, representing a reduction of 49 cases from the 83 unclaimed bodies interred during the same period in 2024.
The Local Authority says this follows the 14-day notice which was issued in the press, announcing its intention to bury the unclaimed bodies, provided that no one claimed for any of the deceased for burial.
“Regrettably, no claims were made during this period, prompting the Council to proceed with the burial of all the 34 unclaimed bodies,” said Council Assistant Public Relations Manager Nyambe Bulumba.
Mr. Bulumba said the burial was undertaken following a formal request from the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), indicating that the bodies had been stored in the hospital mortuary for an extended period, leading to congestion and an unpleasant environment, contrary to the provisions of the Public Health Act, Cap 295 of the Laws of Zambia.
He has encouraged members of the public to actively respond to notices published in the press regarding unclaimed bodies to help decongest the mortuary, prevent mass burials and allow the Council to redirect resources to other areas.
By Margaret Mwanza
