Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani has emphasized that it is unacceptable for citizens to live in daily coexistence with waste, calling for a tangible transformation in this area. Speaking to representatives of the population in the district of Bencheb, President Ghazouani issued a call to all citizens, elected officials, and civil society actors for a national effort to resolve the waste management issue in Mauritanian cities.
The President noted that the issue of waste management is part of a broader and more critical concern, namely the issue of the environment and climate change. He stated that his administration will consider the cleanliness of cities as one of the key indicators of the performance of local authorities. President Ghazouani also recalled that his government has made environmental protection, sustainable development, and climate action a core part of the country's public policies since 2019.
To support this commitment, President Ghazouani's administration has strengthened the institutional and legal framework, enhanced environmental monitoring, and implemented programs to combat desertification, restore land, and protect natural resources. These efforts have included the production of over 860,000 seedlings and the implementation of projects to support ecosystems and the green economy, providing economic opportunities for thousands of citizens, particularly women and young people.
President Ghazouani also highlighted the special attention given to the Inchiri region, considering its economic, strategic importance, and the environmental challenges it faces. He noted that projects implemented in the region have contributed to improving pastoral conditions, halting land degradation, and promoting the sustainability of natural resources. The President stressed that environmental protection is not a secondary option but a fundamental condition for citizens' health, water and food security, and development and stability.
The President's comments were made during a visit to Bencheb, a city he described as an example that gives hope that solving the problem of cleanliness in Mauritanian cities and giving them a decent urban face is possible, provided that the necessary will, initiative, and civic awareness exist among citizens. He urged all stakeholders to work together to address this critical issue.
President Ghazouani's call for action reflects his administration's commitment to addressing the critical issue of waste management in Mauritania. The President's emphasis on the importance of environmental protection and sustainable development underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the country's environmental challenges. By engaging citizens, elected officials, and civil society actors, the President aims to mobilize a national effort to tackle this pressing issue.
The President's visit to Bencheb and his remarks on the city's cleanliness highlight the need for a collaborative approach to addressing waste management in Mauritanian cities. By working together, stakeholders can help create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for the country's citizens. The President's initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the country's environmental and health conditions.
Key points
- President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani calls for a national effort to address waste management in Mauritanian cities.
