Namibia has re-launched its National Clean-up Campaign with activities taking place across the country.
In Windhoek's Goreangab, participants assembled to clean up illegal dumping sites and riverbeds.
The National Youth Service (NYS), the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), the City of Windhoek, senior government officials, and other groups were deployed throughout the settlement.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare joined residents in picking up rubbish during a walk through the settlement.
Dr. Ngurare also visited a resident who has transformed a small space into a garden, growing strawberries, parsley, mint and other vegetables.
"Well done! This is it. Backyard garden, Meme, we salute you. Your name? Petrina Kadhila. Petrina Kadhila. This is proper. This is proper. You see, these things are doable."
Dr. Ngurare on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, as well as the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel, addressed the gathering.
"This year's observance shines a spotlight on the environmental and socio-economic impacts of food waste under the theme "From Clean Plates to Clean Cities. The theme reminds us that cleanliness does not begin and end in our homes. It extends to our streets, neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces, markets, open spaces, river-based dams and cities."
He also added that poor waste management creates room for diseases and pressures municipalities as well as public health systems.
"It also affects our livestock biodiversity, tourism and the overall attractiveness of our towns and cities." stressed Ngurare.
MEFT Minister Daniel stated, "It is a reminder that a cleaner media is shared or is a shared responsibility. Government can provide leadership, and local authority can provide systems and services, but the lasting cleanliness begins with each one of us here today. It begins in our homes, in our streets, in our communities, in our schools, in churches and in all our places of work."
Rent-A-Drum offered to donate large refuse drums to support waste collection, while the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia offered N$1 million towards cleaning efforts in the Samora Machel Constituency.
The campaign coincides with the World Clean-Up Day on the 20th of September, which encourages communities to take collective responsibility for cleaner surroundings.
The programme also featured a performance by a local artist.