Jama launches weekly drives to keep Garissa town clean

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has urged residents of Garissa town and its environs to maintain cleanliness and avoid littering.

He said on Tuesday there is rampant haphazard disposal of waste in the area.

"I want to fire a warning shot to people littering the town. If you are caught throwing litter anywhere instead of the designated places you will be arrested and charged. It is time we all become responsible," the governor said.

Jama was speaking when he launched a weekly town cleaning drive for Garissa Municipality. Clean up will be carried out every Sunday.

He urged members of the public to dispose of waste responsibly.

“I want to appeal to members of the public, schools and institutions of higher learning to volunteer on Sundays for the cleaning exercise to spruce up the image of Garissa town which belongs to all of us. We all want to live in a clean environment,” the governor said.

The town has been grappling with increased solid waste that has ended up being a health hazard to residents.

The most common types of waste include food packaging, bottles, cans, plastic bags, paper and tobacco products which clog drainage systems, causing flooding during the rainy seasons.

The governor was accompanied by deputy speaker and Iftin MCA Musdaf Abdirashid, Garissa Township MCA and minority leader Hussein Mohamed, Galbet MCA Abubakar Mohamed Khalif, Waberi MCA  Abubakar Haji Sugow and Sankuri MCA Abdirahman Bor.

He said his administration is committed to ensuring the image of Garissa town is spruced up.

Jama said waste bins will be placed at various strategic points in the town and everyone is expected to only use them to dispose of garbage.

He warned against disposing of plastic containers in the drainage.

The county has for the last two weeks been engaged in cleaning up storm drainage to prevent perennial destruction to property often caused by flash floods at the Garissa market, commonly known as Suk Mugdi.

MCAs urged residents to voluntarily participate in the town cleaning every Sunday to ensure Garissa town remains attractive and free from pollution.

Edited by A.N