JICA commences city clean-up campaign
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with Juba City Council, has commenced a clean-up campaign within the city ahead of the rainy season.
The exercise is being conducted under the Juba City Council’s motto “keep Juba clean, green, and safe.” The project complements other technical assistance provided by JICA to South Sudan since its independence in 2011.
JICA’s waste management project in Juba City this time targets the Mauna residential area of Muniki Block Council, Kosti of Kator Block Council, and Juba Nabari Block Council, deemed to have the most accumulative solid waste, and it will continue all over the city.
Speaking during the launch of the exercise on Saturday, the Mayor of Juba City, Michael Lado Thomas Allah-Jabu, commended the government and the people of Japan for support to the country.
He stated that the cleaning will continue in all areas of Juba.
Allah-Jabu called on all Juba City’s residents to cooperate with JICA and the project team in collecting rubbish to keep the city clean.
“The leadership of the Juba City Council together with all Quarter Councils will ensure that the city is clean and reflects other [cities in other] countries, and we need the cooperation of all the citizens,” Allah-Jabu said while emphasising his motto “together for service delivery and urban development.”
JICA’s Chief Representative, Sagara Fuyuki, expressed his organization’s zeal in cleaning up the South Sudan capital, Juba, to provide a safe and healthy environment for human habitation.
“JICA is pleased to participate in this clean-up campaign project hand in hand with the Juba City Council… “It is very important to cooperate to keep the city clean to ensure a better environment for public health and hygiene,” he said.
JICA has implemented several developmental projects in South Sudan, including a clean and safe water project and the Freedom Bridge, which are expected to be completed this year.
Mr Fuyuki said two major projects included enhancing the equipment of the Juba City Council and building the capacity of the staff to manage solid waste.
Thiik Thiik Mayardit, the deputy mayor for physical infrastructure, said South Sudanese should take the lead in maintaining their hygiene rather than waiting for institutions like JICA to clean the city for them.
“I thank JICA for their continuous support… “I want to urge everyone that cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility, and we should be responsible for the country before we wait for other people to come and help us,” said Thiik.
