Overview: The Lilongwe City Council has shut down Novus Factory in Kanengo with immediate effect following a routine health inspection that exposed filthy conditions and safety failures on August 27, 2026.
The Full Story
Health inspectors descended on the factory, uncovering a catalogue of violations that left officials with no choice but to close the premises on the spot. Among the most alarming discoveries, inspectors found wastewater flowing freely through drains behind the factory, giving off a strong and offensive smell — waste that was confirmed to be coming directly from the plant itself.
The inspection also uncovered serious occupational safety failures, with more than 80 workers found operating without proper Personal Protective Equipment, in clear breach of occupational health and safety requirements designed to protect staff from workplace hazards. Adding to the growing list of concerns, inspectors reported that general hygiene conditions throughout the factory were poor, raising fears the unsanitary environment could contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases, including cholera — a particularly alarming prospect given a facility producing beverages for human consumption.
What This Means
Lilongwe City Council used the closure to issue a firm warning to all business operators across the city, urging strict compliance with public health, food safety, sanitation and occupational health and safety standards — particularly for businesses producing food and beverages. Officials confirmed routine inspections will continue across the city, with enforcement action to follow against any business found falling short of required health and safety standards.
Consumer Takeaway
The facility remains closed until sanitation, hygiene and occupational health and safety concerns have been fully addressed. The Council signalled that the closure may be just the beginning of a wider crackdown on substandard business practices across the capital.
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