In preparation for Guinea's Independence Week and National Hygiene Day, Minister of Sanitation, Aboubacar Camara, led a cleanup effort in Conakry. On September 26, he personally mobilized his teams to clean several critical areas of the city. The operation began at the Kiridya bridge in the Lambanyi commune, which had been overwhelmed by trash following heavy storms. The minister and his teams cleared the area of waste, improving circulation and living conditions.
Minister Aboubacar Camara emphasized the importance of collective civic engagement, which is part of the government's agenda for national festivities. He stated that the day was dedicated to sanitation across the country and an opportunity to remind the population of the stakes of urban cleanliness. While the government provides means to structure and support small and medium-sized enterprises, and backs municipalities responsible for cleanliness, Camara stressed that collective awareness must also be in place.
The minister praised the massive turnout of citizens who came to help the technical teams. He noted that this engagement aligns with President General Mamadi Doumbouya's vision, who made sanitation a priority in the Simandou 2040 program. Camara also announced new structural measures to sustain these cleanup actions, including identifying and contracting with private operators to help Conakry's population and those in the interior resolve the sanitation issue.
Camara expressed satisfaction with the popular enthusiasm seen across the city, emphasizing the challenge of changing behavior. He stated that while it's not difficult to collect or transform waste, the real challenge is learning not to litter. Once this awareness is ingrained, cities will become truly pleasant places to live. The minister's efforts aim to make a lasting impact on Conakry's cleanliness.
Lambanyi commune's mayor, Baba Alimou Barry, welcomed the support from the Ministry of Sanitation, which accompanies local authorities in maintaining neighborhoods. He praised the minister's daily involvement, pushing municipalities to take full responsibility. Barry reiterated his municipality's commitment to following the government's lead and called for increased material and human support for local authorities.
After the Kiridya bridge, Minister Aboubacar Camara and his teams headed to the Bambéto bridge for a large-scale cleaning and dredging operation. This effort gave the strategic area a cleaner and more welcoming appearance. The minister's initiative aims to engage citizens and local authorities in maintaining Conakry's cleanliness.
The cleanup effort demonstrates a collaborative approach between the government, local authorities, and citizens to address Conakry's sanitation challenges. With continued engagement and support, the city may achieve a more sustainable and healthy environment. The Ministry of Sanitation's actions reflect a broader commitment to improving Guinea's urban spaces.
Key points
- Minister Aboubacar Camara led a city-wide cleanup effort in Conakry to mark Independence Week and National Hygiene Day.
- The initiative aims to engage citizens and local authorities in maintaining the city's cleanliness and address urban sanitation challenges.
- The government plans to contract with private operators to support long-term sanitation efforts in Conakry and other areas.
