Machakos County ups efforts to promote cleanliness in learning institutions

The County Government of Machakos has phased out the use of litter bins in learning institutions, urban local bodies, public spaces, and government offices to promote cleanliness.

County Minister for Lands, Housing, Urban Development and Energy Nathaniel Nganga says the devolved unit has rolled out a new system in which residents retain their solid waste and await collection by the county authorities.

Speaking at Uwezo College in Machakos town during the institution’s environment clean-up day on Friday, 21, Nganga said the new solid waste pick-up and disposal system has been tried and tested in other parts of the world and is already working in Machakos, Mavoko, Kangundo, and Tala municipalities.

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“As county government, we have phased out the traditional method of managing solid waste, which is prone to abuse and misuse. We have a new policy emphasising the need for residents to take responsibility for their waste,” said Nganga.

He said the Directorate of Urban Development has signalled to all landlords, institutions, homeowners, and other stakeholders the shift in solid waste management and called upon residents to support the initiative.

“The county government has enough vehicles and personnel to handle solid waste, which will be picked from premises on scheduled days and times. This new system requires discipline and personal responsibility, and we urge all residents to embrace the new culture,” he said.

The minister said efficiency in solid waste management was critical in attracting and retaining investors, especially in the key urban settlements. “We shall be very strict in environment waste management because we know a clean environment is essential for thriving businesses and other commercial enterprises. It also has a bearing on our individual health and well-being,” he said.

Uwezo College director Felix Kyengo said the clean-up exercise was part of the institution’s corporate social responsibility to improve cleanliness and sensitize residents in the rapidly growing municipality.

“Uwezo College is committed to supporting the county government’s efforts to ensure a clean and neat environment for all. We will continue to partner with all stakeholders to improve our environment’s cleanliness and sensitize the community about the same,” said Kyengo.

By Gastone Valusi