Botswana: The Gaborone City Council has officially launched the City Upkeep exercise under the theme “Zero waste tolerance, Our priority.” The event was hosted on Monday with several members of the city council in attendance.
The initiative was thought of by the City Council with the aim of uphold and improve the City’s standard. The team wants to do this through cleaning and other new developments contributing to the city’s general outlook.
The City council officials noted that waste management is one of the major concerns around the city. The council has accordingly launched the waste management exercise to combat this problem.
Deputy Town Clerk-Operations Mosidi Batsalelwang shared her views on the situation during the launch event. She talked about the potential ways in which they can maintain the hygiene, cleanliness and beauty in Botswana.
She emphasized that public education on waste management should be taken into account while talking about engaging public to keep the city clean. She highlighted that most people seem to lack enough knowledge on how to deal with waste.
She also stated that there are several cases of illegal dumping of waste, littering and people urinating in public spaces in Gaborone City. These instances are serious offences punishable by law.
Batsalelwang urged the public to take responsibility and help in effort to keep the city clean. They can do this by disposing waste at designated areas and participating fully in clean up campaigns.
She also encouraged the people to report those who commit offences related to waste management.
Tshenolo Palai who is an Area Councillor of Mosekangwetsi Ward in G/West expressed his concerns on how the city looks. He claimed that there is so much waste disposed inappropriately around the city noting that some yards in the city do not have dustbins.
Accordingly, the waste materials are being dumped in storm water drainages causing blockages leading to waterlogging.
Palai urged those operating in informal sector to also take part in keeping the city clean. He encouraged the community to come up with strategies on how to re-cycle and re-use waste materials for their own benefit.