Although the recent cleaning campaign in Maseru District was a success, stakeholders have highlighted the need to raise awareness about the importance of a clean environment to encourage greater community participation. This was discussed during the Maseru District Operation Hloekisa Lesotho committee meeting held on Tuesday, where successes and challenges of the last campaign were analyzed, and preparations for the next one began.
Community Engagement Challenges
Speaking at the meeting, Maseru District Environment Officer, Mr. Lets’oara Ramone, addressed one of the main challenges: resistance from some members of the public. He revealed that some residents are reluctant to participate in the cleaning campaigns, reasoning that they already pay for garbage collection services in their communities.
“While garbage collection fees are important, maintaining a clean environment requires active involvement from all citizens,” Mr. Ramone said. He emphasized that a clean environment benefits everyone, contributing to better health, reduced pollution, and improved aesthetics in neighborhoods.
Successes of the Previous Campaign
Despite these challenges, the last campaign achieved notable success. Various communities participated in cleaning public spaces, removing litter, and creating awareness about waste management. These efforts have inspired pride in clean environments and underscored the collective responsibility required to keep communities clean.
The Way Forward
The committee emphasized the importance of creating more awareness about the role individuals play in maintaining cleanliness. Public education campaigns are planned to address misconceptions about cleaning initiatives and to highlight the benefits of active participation.
“We need to show communities that their involvement goes beyond cleaning—it’s about fostering a culture of respect for our environment,” Mr. Ramone explained.
Preparing for the Next Campaign
As part of preparations for the next cleaning drive, the committee is exploring strategies to involve more community members. This includes working with schools, local organizations, and religious groups to spread the message of environmental responsibility.
Additionally, the committee is considering ways to incentivize participation, such as recognizing the cleanest neighborhoods or rewarding active participants.
A Collective Responsibility
The success of future cleaning campaigns will depend on a unified approach. Residents are encouraged to view these campaigns as opportunities to contribute to the well-being of their communities. A clean environment is not just the responsibility of waste management services but a shared duty of all citizens.
Through sustained efforts and increased awareness, Operation Hloekisa Lesotho aims to build a culture where clean, healthy environments are a priority for everyone.
