Mzimba council commends youth network for promoting public sanitation

M’mbelwa District Council in Mzimba has commended the youth in the district for their proactive role in promoting sanitation and hygiene, describing their efforts as crucial in creating a cleaner and healthier environment for the community.

Speaking during a clean-up exercise organized by the M’mbelwa Youth Network in collaboration with the District Youth Network, the Office of the District Youth Officer (DYO), and the Environmental Office, District Commissioner Rodgers Newa said the council is impressed with the youth’s commitment to improving hygiene standards in public spaces.

“We are very impressed with the work the youth are doing in the district. As a council, we pledge full support to their activities through the District Youth Office,” said Newa.

He further emphasized the need for other stakeholders to emulate the youth’s initiative, noting that promoting sanitation is vital in preventing diseases that often arise during the rainy season.

Mzimba District Youth Network Chairperson, Emily Nyirenda, told Malawi24 that the initiative focuses on promoting hygiene around markets and other public spaces where many people gather.

 “Our main goal is to ensure that marketplaces and surrounding areas remain clean and healthy for everyone. This not only promotes good hygiene but also helps prevent the spread of waterborne diseases,” said Nyirenda.

Principal Environmental Officer for the Council, James Perani, applauded the collaboration, noting that while his office is mandated to promote environmental conservation, youth-led initiatives such as this one play a complementary role in achieving government objectives.

“These kinds of initiatives go a long way in helping us maintain public cleanliness. Public space sanitation has been a long-standing challenge, and the youth’s involvement brings renewed energy and commitment,” Perani added.

In a show of solidarity, officers from Mzimba Police Station, led by Officer-in-Charge ACP Brighton Mwase, also participated in the clean-up exercise, reinforcing the importance of collective community responsibility in promoting hygiene and environmental conservation.

The activity was conducted at a garbage site located behind Mzimba Main Market, where the youth helped relocate waste to a designated dumping site at Kaulira.