Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia on Friday led national clean-up day campaign by joining a sweeping exercise at Ngabu main market in Chikwawa District.
Speaking after the clean-up exercise, Mia said President Lazarus Chakwera started the clean-up initiative to ensure that people are preventing cholera and other hygiene related diseases.
She said the campaign will ensure that the country is kept clean and people are able to maintain hygienic standards.
“My participation in this clean-up exercise is also part of sensitisation to communities for them to maintain hygiene standards, and my plea is that every Malawian should take part in this campaign and Tipewe Cholera campaign,” she said.
Mia further reiterated governments commitment to provide potable water and sanitation facilities.
“After finishing water projects in the district, we will start toilet projects to make sure that all public places like markets have good toilets and good water,” she said.
In his remarks, Chikwawa District Commissioner Nardin Kamba commended Mia and all partners who joined the sweeping exercise.
“Since the national clean-up day campaign was launched, Chikwawa District Council has been participating in the exercise every month and we will continue doing that to keep Chikwawa clean and prevent diseases,” he said.
Kamba further commended Mia and all the partners who take part in cleaning the district.
“The support we receive during clean-up day is overwhelming and we do not take it for granted,” he said.
Traditional Authority Ngabu then commended the Minister for her participation, which he described as a trait of a good leader, who puts her words into action.
Ngabu further advised people to continue this clean up initiative in their respective areas.
“This should be our culture in our homes, markets, schools, churches and working places to prevent the spread of diseases like cholera,” he advised.
The clean-up day was patronised by traditional chiefs, Chikwawa District Council, Police, Malawi Red Cross Society, Pastors Fraternal, Ward Councilors, Youths Clubs, Press Cane Company, Illovo Sugar Company, Yoneco, market committees and members of staff from Chikwawa District Council.
The national clean-up campaign was launched by Chakwera in November 2020 to achieve good hygienic practices among Malawians through proper waste management and encouraging citizens to clean their homes and community surroundings every second Friday of a month