By Tata Mbunwe
A massive cleanup campaign swept across Buea, the South West regional capital, Wednesday, August 28, in a bid to restore the city’s hospitality and cleanliness.
Participants, including government officials, traditional leaders, and civil society members, participated in clearing roadside gutters, repairing broken road sections, and removing household waste from popular spots throughout the city.
The campaign, announced by the Senior Divisional Officer for Fako, Engelbert Viang Mekala, was initiated to renew Buea’s beauty, which has been marred by accumulated garbage, roadside grass and filth.
Among the prominent figures leading the charge were Mayor David Mafany Namange and Buea Urban Parliamentarian Malomba Esembe.
Chiefs, NGO leaders and other local authorities were also heavily involved.
Heavy-duty truck drivers played a vital role by donating their trucks to transport the collected waste to designated dump sites.
Wednesday, the day of the cleanup, is traditionally set aside by the Buea Council for citywide cleaning.
However, the designated clean-up day has often been neglected in the past, with businesses closing during the cleanup hours (6 am to 12 pm) and then resuming without addressing the waste in their surroundings.
It is hoped that yesterday’s effort will mark the beginning of a sustained campaign to keep Buea clean, rather than being a one-time event.
