On Saturday, October 31, a large-scale clean-up campaign was initiated in the three Nouakchott regions, under the supervision of the regional governors and with the participation of units from the army, gendarmerie, national guard, and national security, as well as municipal teams, cleaning companies, students, and civil society organizations. This campaign was in response to a call from President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani to launch a "mobilization" for the cleanliness of cities.
In Nouakchott West, the campaign was launched by Governor Hamoud Ould Mahmoud, who gave the starting signal in front of the Medical School in the University District. The area targeted was divided into sectors, each assigned to a team, with trucks and equipment provided for waste collection and transportation. Students and young people from the district, as well as municipal teams, participated in the operation.
In Nouakchott South, Governor Kissey Jellu Abu inspected the campaign, which began in the Cherm Sheikh area and extended to the Riyadh and Port districts, with the participation of the "Arma" cleaning company. Meanwhile, in Nouakchott North, Governor Naji Ould Khatri visited the designated waste disposal sites in the three districts and observed the readiness of the field teams and logistical means.
The campaign aims to promote a sense of shared responsibility for cleanliness, with authorities emphasizing that it is not just the state's responsibility. Governor of Nouakchott West, Hamoud Ould Mahmoud, stated that cleanliness is a "shared responsibility" and encouraged citizens to make it a daily practice. His counterparts in Nouakchott South and North echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of collective action for a cleaner environment.
The clean-up campaign follows a call by President El Ghazouani from the city of Benichab, during his recent visit to the Inchiri region, to intensify efforts for cleanliness and improve the urban appearance of cities. In Nouakchott West, the operation is also part of a charter signed with youth organizations in recent weeks. The initiative also extended to the city of Rosso, where a sensitization meeting was held in preparation for a similar campaign.
Although no official figures have been released, the campaign appears to have generated significant participation from various stakeholders. The authorities have not announced the duration of the campaign or the quantities of waste targeted for collection. The initiative reflects a renewed focus on urban cleanliness and the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve this goal.
The clean-up campaign is a significant step towards addressing urban cleanliness challenges in Mauritania's capital city. With the participation of various stakeholders, including the army, students, and local authorities, the campaign aims to promote a culture of cleanliness and shared responsibility among citizens. The authorities' emphasis on collective action and daily practices underscores the importance of sustained efforts to achieve a cleaner environment.
Key points
- The campaign was launched in response to a call from President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani to promote cleanliness in cities.
- The clean-up campaign involved the participation of units from the army, gendarmerie, national guard, and national security, as well as municipal teams, cleaning companies, students, and civil society organizations.
- The authorities have not announced the duration of the campaign or the quantities of waste targeted for collection.
